Transformative materials in the construction industry
Faced with rising CO2 emissions in the building sector, the Swiss Climate Foundation and its partners are focusing on innovative solutions to reduce emissions. From self-cleaning metamaterials to cement-free concrete, the foundation supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the development of sustainable construction technologies.
As one of the main sources of CO2 emissions in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, the construction sector is under increasing pressure to introduce sustainable practices. Mikaël Genty, advisor to the Swiss Climate Foundation, stresses the need for new technologies to achieve the climate objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement. One promising development is the Terrabloc company, which converts excavated material into environmentally-friendly building materials such as bricks and partitions. This initiative helps to reduce construction waste and transform it into valuable building materials.
Improving efficiency through modern insulation technologies
Another key element for a sustainable construction sector is efficient insulation. FenX, a start-up spin-off from ETH Zurich, has developed a technology that transforms industrial waste into a sustainable and recyclable insulating foam. This innovation not only improves the energy efficiency of buildings, but also promotes the circular economy in the construction industry.
A revolution in the concrete industry
ETH spin-off Oxara is presenting a forward-looking alternative to concrete that does not require cement with a high CO² content. This innovative concrete is made from excavated materials and could fundamentally change the concrete industry. Meanwhile, Bern-based SME neustark is working on a process that uses concrete as a CO2 reservoir by fixing carbon dioxide in the form of limestone in recycled concrete. This technology not only addresses the problem of CO2 emissions, but also contributes to the development of negative-emission technologies, which are playing an increasingly important role in the Confederation’s climate policy.
By supporting these innovative projects and technologies, the Swiss Climate Foundation aims to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable construction sector and thus make a key contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Ongoing research and development in these areas promises not only to reduce pollution, but also to improve quality of life through more sustainable living and working environments.