The Albert Koechlin Foundation (AKS) awarded the Environment Award 2024 to mycosuisse and eoc energy ocean. Each winner received 40,000 Swiss francs. The awards were presented at Le Théâtre in Emmen, Lucerne.

Mycosuisse, based in Emmenbrücke, Lucerne, focuses on applied mycology. It develops products using fungal mycelia. Founder Patrik Mürner is leading a project using fungi to rehabilitate zinc-contaminated soil. Mürner also co-founded mycostrat, specializing in eco-friendly building materials from fungal mycelia. He is developing agricultural processes using mycorrhiza, a community of soil fungi and plant roots, to treat seedlings and trees.

Eoc energy ocean GmbH, based in Lucerne, produces and sells Swiss biochar. This biochar is made from woody biomass from forestry or composting. The energy from this process can be used for heating and electricity. Biochar improves soil quality, reduces methane and nitrogen emissions, binds CO2, and stores water in green spaces. Co-founder Sylvan Oehen values the award’s recognition and trust: “This strengthens our approach to using carbon properly as a key element of life.”

The AKS Environment Award, given since 2005, continues to support innovative environmental efforts in Switzerland.

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