Geneva’s Jet d’Eau has been fitted with a new nozzle which should improve energy consumption.
At the moment, the water jet costs CHF 700,000 a year to run.
The new nozzle, which has been designed by the Geneva based Hepia Institute, won’t change the appearance of the jet but cuts the flow rate from 500 litres a second to 280.
It’s the first time since 1951 there’s been a significant change to Geneva’s landmark.
If the test proves successful, it’ll be made permanent after the summer.
Emergency heatwave plans active
Geneva and Vaud are activating their heatwave plans from today as temperatures could climb to 37 over the next couple of days.
Parliament backs VAT hike for pension payments
The lower house of parliament, the National Council, has rejected the mixed-financing plan and voted only to raise VAT to fund the 13th old-age pension.
Parliament rejects trade agreement
In a surprise reversal, the parliament has rejected a major free trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc of South American nations.
Sperm donation laws hit setback
A proposal to make it easier for same-sex couples and other intended parents to adopt children born through sperm donation has hit a setback in Parliament.
AI hits travel agent
The online travel agent Lastminute.com is cutting a quarter of its workforce — around 400 jobs — by the end of 2026 to restructure around artificial intelligence.
Migros upsets locals with wrong number
Migros has sparked an outcry after using the French number form "soixante-dix" instead of the local "septante" in a recent YouTube advert.
