Alpine development by the University of Liechtenstein

Since 1 July 2012, the Chair for Sustainable Spatial Development , held by Professor Peter Droege, has been involved in the “Alpstore” research project. Together, project partners from the seven Alpine countries are developing master plans for the implementation of various storage technologies in the Alpine region.

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Innovation for sustainable change
For Peter Droege, founder and Chair of the LISDAR, the concept – which has continued to develop since 2008 – has proven its worth. It has now become more colourful, more international and larger than ever: 60 speakers from around the world spoke about the world of finance and foundations, buildings and regional development, as well as business models and information systems. more...

Investing in energy efficiency
Energy efficiency pays off for owners of buildings and facilities, and can be financed in line with market conditions by fund investors, says Patrick Fankhauser, co-founder and fund manager of the SUSI Energy Efficiency Fund. more...

We are facing a double challenge
Ecoproductive regions in the Alps are well known for being important for agriculture, biodiversity and raw materials such as wood, but they also play a crucial role in carbon sequestration. Urban development and climate change are now wreaking havoc on these regions, causing them to become carbon emitters instead of carbon absorbers, explains Carmen de Jong, Professor of Geography at the University of Savoy, France. more...

Energy efficiency should fund a low carbon economy
For Horace Herring, energy efficiency is a very convenient policy, but it has been completely ineffective in reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Drawing on the economic principle known as the ‘rebound effect’, the British academic believes that the monetary savings that arise from energy efficiency should be diverted into low carbon sources of energy, and not into increased consumption. more...

We hope to reach even further
Ingela Lindh believes that Stockholm’s eco-district Hammarby Sjöstad has been a success, even if some of its sustainability targets were not met. The Swedish architect says that it is not helpful to compare what was done before with what is possible to do today because our expectations will always fall short. We should take what was learned and aspire to accomplish even more next time. more...

Highlights Day 3: Sustainability is driving innovation
Sustainability is no longer an additional aspect of doing business. It has become the core of doing business. As participants at LISDAR’s third day pointed out, businesses have to rethink their business model as well as their organisation – and they need information systems suitable for their needs. more...

Highlights Day 2: Cities are becoming green powerhouses
Sustainable buildings are a technical standard today. Now the time has come to focus on sustainable cities as a whole. This includes the production of energy as well as the management of all resources and the use of urban space for agriculture. To make sustainable cities possible, it requires public as well as private investment. more...

Highlights Day 1: Seizing opportunities in the sustainable economy
“Time plays a crucial role when it comes to sustainable development, not just because it’s about doing the right thing, but rather because it’s about doing it now”, said Klaus Tschütscher, Prime Minister of Liechtenstein, in his opening remarks. Highlights from Day 1 of the Liechtenstein Congress on Sustainable Development and Responsible Investing. more...

We are in the hands of innovators

Lord Giddens called climate change “the biggest risk for civilisation”, when he addressed the Liechtenstein Congress on Sustainable Development and Responsible Investment. The British sociologist sees the UN system as the best structure to take on this challenge. The upcoming summit in Rio has to be more consequential than its predecessor 20 years ago.

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No innovation without information technology
Many business processes these days are controlled by information technology. Before a company even purchases an IT solution, it should be aware of how it can create more value, says Information Systems specialist Jan vom Brocke. Information technology is a tool for innovation. more...

We live in a new industrial revolution

Europe risks being sidelined by emerging countries when it comes to the connected economy, says Dennis Pamlin, one of the main experts in Green Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Western economies tend to see problems ahead, rather than chances. Emerging countries may take the lead in monetising the opportunities that come with networks.

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Power plant instead of squanderer
Zero-energy buildings or even plus-energy buildings are today technically no longer a problem. Now comes the next level: the city as a power plant. In an interview with Steffen Klatt architect and city planner Steffen Lehmann illustrates why this requires the equal participation of policy makers, energy suppliers, universities and citizens.
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Liechtenstein promotes international sustainability initiatives

Sustainability in all its forms is at the centre of the International Liechtenstein Congress for Sustainable Development and Responsible Investing: In their speeches and discussions, international experts from the areas of finance, real estate, construction, design, business  and IT be focusing on new research insights from 2 to 4 May 2012.

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The energy revolution becomes the business model
LISDAR is bringing together investors, architects, project developers and IT specialists in Liechtenstein for the third time. In an interview with Steffen Klatt the chairman of the congress, Peter Droege, points out how sustainability becomes a business model. more...

New approaches for a sustainable future
The third international LISDAR Liechtenstein Congress centres on the topic of sustainability. Experts from the areas of finance, real estate, construction, design and IT will be focusing on research findings and practical solutions regarding sustainable development and responsible investing. The congress will be held at the University of Liechtenstein from 2 to 4 May. more...

We can adapt quickly
Membership in the European Economic Area (EEA) grants Liechtenstein investments funds direct entry into the EU Single Market. Liechtenstein began its tax compliance strategy before Switzerland. In an interview with Steffen Klatt the President of the Bankers Association, Adolf Real, explains why this reorientation has been painful but necessary. more...