
Investments in the circular economy and decarbonisation strengthen CO2 strategy
Holcim's CO2 capture and storage project at its French site in Martres-Tolosane has been selected for a grant from the EU Innovation Fund. With this seventh major project subsidised by the EU, the building materials manufacturer wants to drive forward the Green

Construction of the world’s largest building
The Mukaab, a monumental building 400 metres high and wide, is being built in Riyadh and is planned to be the largest building in the world. The project is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 to prepare Saudi Arabia for the post-oil era. However, the history of other mega

New ultra-thin film for interference-free 5G and 6G
A research team from the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) has developed an ultra-thin film that absorbs 99% of electromagnetic waves. This technology could significantly improve the efficiency and reliability of modern communication and radar systems and ensure interference-free

Revolutionary building monitoring
A new metamaterial with exceptional sensitivity to tensile and compressive forces could significantly improve the monitoring and stability of structures. Researchers at KIT have developed a technology that enables precise measurements and thus raises structural safety to a new

The future of wireless communication
A centuries-old Japanese technique could revolutionise wireless communication. The combination of Kirigami and MXene nanomaterials enables the development of flexible, reconfigurable antennas - a major step for the future of telecommunications and numerous innovative

Strengthening presence in the construction industry through acquisition in Slovenia
The SFS Group has acquired EPRO D.O.O. in Slovenia. The distribution partner in the construction industry specialises in components for flat roofs, lightweight construction and facades. The acquisition is intended to strengthen the Group's presence for fastening technology in the


India’s top trade fair for environmental technologies
IFAT India is the leading exhibition in India specialising in water and wastewater management, waste management and recycling. It takes place annually in Mumbai and is part of the IFAT Worldwide Cluster, which is based on the renowned "IFAT" trade fair for environmental technologies in Munich.


Erster echter Null-Emissions-Ersatz für Portlandzement
Das US-Startup Sublime Systems hat einen CO2-neutralen Zement entwickelt, der von den Techniken der Römer inspiriert ist und Elektrochemie statt Hochtemperaturverfahren nutzt. Diese Innovation könnte die Zementherstellung nachhaltig verändern und erheblich zur Reduzierung von

Planned skyscraper to be 190 metres high
In Milwaukee, USA, a timber skyscraper with a height of 190 metres and 55 storeys is to be built. The project is considered a milestone for sustainable architecture and shows that wood can also play a key role as a building material in high-rise construction. With an investment volume of 700



Expansion of the range of services through strategic acquisition
Pforzheim-based ease GmbH has acquired the Munich-based subsidiary of Helvengo AG. The acquisition of the Zurich-based insurance company's German business is intended to complement ease's range of services. The two companies have already worked together in the

Expansion in the Caribbean market through the acquisition of a construction chemicals manufacturer
Sika has acquired the construction chemicals manufacturer Vinaldom in the Dominican Republic. This acquisition strengthens Sika's position in the fast-growing market and opens up new cross-selling opportunities through expanded production capacity and a wider product

No complex thinking skills with ChatGPT & Co.
A new study led by TU Darmstadt shows the limits of AI models such as ChatGPT. Contrary to previous assumptions, these systems do not develop independent or complex thinking skills, but only follow simple instructions. The results shed new light on the actual capabilities and risks of artificial

Largest 3D-printed housing estate being built in Texas
The largest 3D-printed housing estate in the world is currently being built in Georgetown, Texas. With 100 houses, this innovative project is setting new standards in the construction industry. The use of state-of-the-art 3D printing technology not only promises efficiency and resilience, but also

A cost-effective alternative to conventional power plants
The latest study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE shows that photovoltaic systems with battery storage now produce electricity more cheaply than conventional coal and gas-fired power plants. The cost forecasts for renewable energies up to 2045 are also very promising.

First station of India’s first urban cable car completed
Bartholet has completed work on the first station of an urban cable car in Varanasis. Once completed, India's first urban cable car will transport up to 3000 people per hour. For this purpose, 150 gondolas will be used over a total length of 3660

KOF Economic Barometer falls in July
The KOF Economic Barometer is approaching its medium-term average value in July and shows a decline of 1.7 points to 101.0 points. This indicates that economic development in Switzerland remains moderate. The decline particularly affects foreign and consumer demand as well as the hospitality,

Bosch strengthens Home Comfort through mega-acquisition
Bosch has reached a significant milestone in the company's history by fully acquiring the residential and small commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning business of Johnson Controls and the Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning joint venture. This acquisition will almost double

Aerogel Architecture Award 2024 honors innovative projects
On July 12, 2024, the winners of the fourth "Aerogel Architecture Award" were announced on the Empa campus. Six projects in the categories "Realized Solutions" and "Student Projects" showcased impressive applications of aerogel materials in construction and convinced the jury with their efficiency