immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: Global

  • Expansion of the recycling of building materials in Europe

    Expansion of the recycling of building materials in Europe

    Zug-based Holcim AG intends to significantly expand its portfolio in the recycling of building materials in Europe. According to a press release, the international building materials company has acquired two demolition companies in England and Germany and is preparing to take over a third in north-west France. These three companies currently recycle 1.3 million tons of construction waste annually.

    The new acquisitions include Thames Materials from West London and A&S Recycling GmbH from Hanover. The company, which operates in north-west France, has not yet been named by Holcim. With Thames Materials, Holcim is now operating in the Greater London area. Holcim had already acquired the logistics company Sivyer Logistics in East London in 2023. A&S Recyling processes demolition materials in northern Germany with three locations in the German state of Lower Saxony. With the takeover of the French company, Holcim is increasing the number of recyclers it manages in the country to 28.

    “The acquisitions of Thames Materials, A&S Recycling GmbH and a recycling company in northwest France will further strengthen our leading position in circular construction and contribute to our NextGen Growth 2030 target of recycling more than 20 million tons of construction demolition materials annually,” Milan Gutovic, CEO of Holcim, is quoted as saying in the press release.

  • Hot concrete from Pompeii

    Hot concrete from Pompeii

    Roman concrete forms the backbone of many structures from port facilities to aqueducts that have withstood wind, weather and earthquakes for over 2000 years. Admir Masic’s research group at MIT has been investigating for years why this building material is so exceptionally durable, based on chemical analyses of ancient mortar. As early as 2023, the team formulated the hypothesis that the Romans did not use lime as a ready slaked paste, but mixed it dry as quicklime together with volcanic ash and only then added water.

    Pompeii as a preserved building site
    The latest investigations are based on a unique site in Pompeii. A construction site “frozen” by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD with half-finished walls, piles of material and tools. In samples from the pre-mixed dry heaps, from walls under construction and from finished components, the researchers found not only the familiar white lime clasts, but also intact fragments of quicklime in the dry mixture. This suggests that the slaking reaction, i.e. the reaction of the burnt lime with water, only took place during the actual mixing and hardening of the concrete and not beforehand, as described in classical accounts.

    Contradiction with Vitruvius and how it is resolved
    In the 1st century BC, Vitruvius described in “De architectura” that lime was first slaked with water and then mixed with aggregates. The hot mixing technique that has now been identified deviates from this in that the lime is combined with volcanic ash as quicklime in the dry phase and the water is only added afterwards. Isotope analyses of the mortars show the characteristic carbonation processes that match this process and differ from mortars with previously slaked lime. Instead of completely “refuting” Vitruvius, experts tend to interpret the findings in such a way that his description does not reflect the entire spectrum of Roman practice. Regional or temporal variations such as hot-mixing appear to have been more widespread than long assumed.

    Self-healing concrete as a model for tomorrow
    The hot-mixing process generates considerable heat when quicklime and water come into contact, trapping reactive lime particles in the concrete structure. If microcracks form later, these particles can dissolve again, react with penetrating water and fill the cracks again. A self-healing mechanism that plausibly explains the longevity of Roman buildings. The new findings are being incorporated into the development of modern, sustainable concrete. The aim is to reduce CO₂-intensive binder content, massively extend the service life of buildings and thus reduce the consumption of resources in the construction industry. All in the spirit of an ancient model that is only now being fully understood chemically.

  • How the old real estate market is slowing down the new China

    How the old real estate market is slowing down the new China

    For years, the real estate sector was China’s most important growth engine. Build, sell, keep building. This was the simple formula that at times accounted for up to a third of economic output. With stricter requirements to limit debt, the leadership put the brakes on this model, triggering a creeping but persistent crisis.

    Evergrande was the visible turning point in 2021. The former industry star missed interest payments, became a global warning figure and suddenly made it clear how vulnerable the growth model was. Since then, developers such as Country Garden and now Vanke, which had long been considered stable, have come under pressure. A signal that the real estate sector has not yet bottomed out.

    Deflation, wealth shock and insecure households
    The real estate crisis is eating deep into the real economy. Residential real estate is the central store of wealth for Chinese households. When prices fall in series, the sense of security erodes. Those who see their own apartment as a retirement provision become reluctant to consume, invest and make major life decisions.

    Domestic consumption is correspondingly weak. Retail trade is growing at a rate well below previous levels and the economy is struggling with persistent deflationary pressure. Falling or stagnating prices may seem attractive in the short term, but they increase the debt burden in real terms and prolong the clean-up process in the real estate and financial system.

    Provinces in the debt shadow
    The situation of local governments is particularly delicate. Provinces and cities have accumulated a gigantic mountain of debt through land sales to developers and off-balance sheet financing companies. Land sales were the most important source of income, but were never enough to sustain the credit-financed construction boom and infrastructure programs. Now that sales are collapsing, the hidden debts are coming to light.

    Many regions are being forced into a silent diet. Investments are being postponed, spending cut, new infrastructure delayed. This has direct consequences for growth, employment and local businesses. The crisis is therefore less a loud crash than a slow pressure that weakens the system for years and restricts the scope for action.

    Old real estate-driven economy meets new tech power
    At the same time, China is presenting itself as a high-tech superpower. Electric car manufacturers, AI companies and internet companies that are reinventing themselves represent the “new China”. Politicians are focusing on a long-term technology strategy with a focus on electromobility, semiconductors, AI, renewable energies and robotics.

    However, this new economy is built on a foundation of the old, real estate-driven economic structure. Without stable domestic demand, reliable credit channels and household confidence, the tech sector will not be able to fully develop its dynamism. The path to success therefore does not lead past an orderly dismantling of the real estate sector, but through it.

    Growth targets as a boomerang
    Beijing is sticking to its ambitious growth targets. The target of “around 5%” is achievable because the state and state-owned companies are taking countermeasures in many areas. For conscious cadres on the ground, the signal remains clear: the numbers have to add up, if necessary with additional projects that have little economic impact.

    The result is new infrastructure and construction projects that support GDP in the short term but do not solve the structural problems. On the contrary, they prolong the debt cycle. This creates a tension between the official growth story and the real need for deleveraging in the real estate and local debt complex.

    What is at stake until 2026
    The coming years will determine whether China manages the transition from a debt-driven, real estate-heavy model to an innovation-based growth path. If a controlled contraction of the real estate sector can be achieved while at the same time strengthening consumption, productivity and future-oriented industries, the country can remain robust despite dents. If this balancing act fails, a scenario of sustained low growth with recurring bouts of deflation and growing mistrust among investors looms.

    The real estate crisis is not a marginal issue, but the central test of China’s ability to correct its economic course. The decisive factor will be whether the political leadership and administration find the courage to put short-term growth targets into perspective in favor of a more sustainable, less property-driven model and thus not allow the new China to be crushed by the old.

  • All the world’s buildings in a 3D model

    All the world’s buildings in a 3D model

    The GlobalBuildingAtlas comprises around 2.75 billion digital building models, making it the most comprehensive collection of spatially explicit building data to date. It includes all buildings for which suitable satellite images were available in 2019. The 3D models have a spatial resolution of 3×3 meters and are therefore around 30 times finer than previous global data sets. The atlas was developed by a team led by Prof. Xiaoxiang Zhu, holder of the Chair of Data Science in Earth Observation at TUM, which combines remote sensing, artificial intelligence and data-driven urban research in a global approach

    Detailed 3D models and global coverage
    Of the 2.75 billion entries, standardized LoD1 3D models are available for around 2.68 billion, which depict the basic shape and height of the buildings in simplified geometry. This allows volumes to be calculated, urban structures to be analyzed and settlement patterns to be compared worldwide. Of particular importance is the systematic coverage of previously underrepresented regions such as Africa, South America and rural areas, which are now captured with the same accuracy as dense metropolitan areas

    Tool for planning, climate and risk
    The data makes it possible to examine growth dynamics in fast-growing cities, identify high-density neighborhoods with potentially strained living space and determine infrastructure requirements more precisely. Researchers and administrations can thus develop indicators that show where the expansion of transport, energy and water networks, additional housing or climate adaptation measures are particularly urgent. At the same time, the GlobalBuildingAtlas creates a globally standardized reference system that allows analyses of urbanization, energy consumption and disaster risks on a comparable data basis.

  • Circular building with reeds

    Circular building with reeds

    The residential building by Marina Rosa and Jacobus van Hoorne, designed by Gilbert Berthold, architect and research assistant at BFH, deliberately stands out in a single-family housing estate on Lake Neusiedl. It combines a consistent timber construction with a striking thatched roof and thus relies on local, renewable raw materials with a low ecological footprint. The numerous awards, from the client prize of the Central Association of Austrian Architects to the architecture prize of the province of Burgenland and the newcomer prize “House of the Year”, underline the exemplary character of the project.

    Reeds as a high-performance building material
    Jacobus van Hoorne, originally a particle physicist at CERN, took over his father’s reed cutting and thatching business and developed it into an innovation laboratory. Together with Berthold, he developed a roof structure that met strict fire protection requirements and was officially approved through real fire tests. A milestone for reed in new buildings, even in densely populated areas. The gently curved roof surfaces follow the material logic. Each additional degree of inclination extends the service life of the roof, the construction makes the qualities of the natural material visible and legible.

    Geometry, material and space as a unit
    The floor plan of the house follows an S-shape resulting from the rotation of the central living space. At its heart is a two-storey, light-flooded atrium that opens onto the garden and is closely linked to the outside space via terraces. Compactly organized functional spaces create scope for spacious recreation areas. The interplay between the thatched roof and the natural oak façade connects the building and the landscape. The roof becomes a design-defining element and a contemporary interpretation of traditional craftsmanship.

    Real-life laboratory for bio-based materials
    For Gilbert Berthold, the project marked the start of his self-employment and at the same time a real testing ground for sustainable construction. Today, the house serves as a home, study object and exhibition space all in one. It provides data on energy efficiency, indoor climate and the long-term behavior of bio-based building materials. In the context of the BFH, it fits in with research into plant-based materials such as straw, flax, hemp and mycelium and shows that reeds can be used not only as an insulating material, but also in a leading architectural role.

    Symbol of a regenerative building culture
    The project illustrates how circular building with regional resources can already be implemented today. It shows students and professionals that regenerative architecture is not a vision of the future, but a built reality. With reeds as a strong symbol for a building culture that rethinks nature, technology and society.

  • Expansion of growth markets through regional production

    Expansion of growth markets through regional production

    Sika intends to grow further in the Middle East. With this in mind, the specialty chemicals company for the construction and industrial sectors has acquired the Saudi Arabian company Gulf Seal. It manufactures bitumen waterproofing membranes in the capital Riyadh. According to a press release, this offering optimally complements Sika’s sealing technologies already available in the region.

    According to the Saudi company Gulf Seal, which was founded 20 years ago, it works with the “most modern French technology”, which is sourced from its sister company Axter France. This makes Gulf Seal the only certified manufacturer of waterproof bitumen membranes in the Middle East with European CE certification.

    Sika expects Gulf Seal’s production plant and the established export channels to the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to significantly strengthen its own market position in these growth markets. In Saudi Arabia itself, this acquisition strengthens Sika’s ability to deliver major construction projects related to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the 2034 FIFA World Cup and ongoing urbanization.

    “Gulf Seal’s established market position and local production capabilities, combined with Sika’s broad product range and global expertise, offer exciting opportunities for further growth in the GKR region,” said Christoph Ganz, Sika’s Regional Manager EMEA. “We look forward to welcoming the Gulf Seal team to the Sika family.”

  • Video technology improves occupational safety on construction sites

    Video technology improves occupational safety on construction sites

    Zurich North America and Zurich Resilience Solutions (ZRS), the risk manager of insurer Zurich, will require the use of Arrowsight technology on all Zurich-insured construction completion projects in New York City. Arrowsight, based in Katonah, New York, focuses on video-based behavior modification and coaching analytics to improve jobsite safety and reduce workplace accidents.

    The background to the collaboration announced in a press release is a three-year pilot program in which Arrowsight video analysis and coaching was applied to eight major construction projects and one complex civil engineering project. Compared to twelve construction projects on which the safety technologies were not used, the Arrowsight work resulted in 50 percent fewer workplace accident reports.

    “Increasing worker safety while reducing risk and potential fraud with our cost-effective video equipment is a milestone for the industry. The reduction in the frequency and cost of claims is a direct result of compliance with workplace safety regulations – from 70 percent before the introduction of Arrowsight to 97 to 100 percent after using our technology,” Adam Aronson, founder and CEO of Arrowsight, is quoted in the press release. “We have been working with Zurich and Arrowsight on a major project in New York City since 2024 and are very pleased with how few claims we have had so far,” says Deborah Broom, VP Risk Management at Tutor Perini Corp, a participating construction company.

    Arrowsight will operate throughout the US as the exclusive provider of camera-based construction site technology for Zurich North America. Zurich Resilience Solutions will be the exclusive risk management service provider for Arrowsight.

  • Satellites create new transparency

    Satellites create new transparency

    The CO2M satellite mission represents a turning point in the detection of greenhouse gases. The originally planned two satellites were extended by a third satellite following Empa simulations. This shortens the global measurement period from five to around 3.5 days. Instead of narrow measurement strips, the instruments will in future provide comprehensive maps with a resolution of two kilometers. This will make emissions from individual countries, cities and industrial sources visible. The mission is anchored in the EU’s Copernicus Earth observation program and is being developed by ESA and later operated by EUMETSAT.

    Nitrogen dioxide data reveals inaccuracies
    At the same time, the CORSO project is creating a global data set of large emitters such as power plants, cement works and steel factories. Comparisons of databases with TROPOMI satellite measurements show significant deviations. Plants that do not even exist, missing entries and incorrect assumptions about fuels. In the case of dual-fuel power plants in particular, it was shown that in many places gas is primarily used instead of oil, which results in lower nitrogen oxide levels. These findings form the basis for mapping CO2 with comparable precision in the future.

    Perspective on global climate progress
    The new measuring instruments expand the possibility of monitoring man-made emissions precisely and continuously. Air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides can already be reliably quantified today. With the CO2M satellites, this capability will be transferred to greenhouse gases. This creates a data-based view from space that shows in detail whether international climate targets are actually being achieved.

  • Engineering highlight and architectural vision in Barcelona

    Engineering highlight and architectural vision in Barcelona

    The central Christ Tower, part of an ensemble of 18 towers, marks the latest step in a construction process that began in 1882 and has now reached a new dimension. The tower will reach its final height of 172.5 meters by mid-2026, just in time for the 100th anniversary of Antoni Gaudí’s death. The spire, made of steel, glass and ceramic elements, was prefabricated in segments from Bavaria and installed using special cranes. The choice of materials and production process follow strict requirements for wind stability, UV resistance and temperature resistance.

    Building in generations
    The construction process of the Sagrada Família can be read as a mirror of technological evolution. From the handcrafted 19th century to the reconstruction phase after the Civil War to the CAD-supported planning and digital production of the present day. The temple is both a monument and a research laboratory. Since the 1980s, parametric models, 3D simulations and robot-assisted stone processing have revolutionized its construction. Final completion is scheduled for 2033, subject to construction logistical challenges.

    Structural design without buttresses
    Gaudí’s structural concept deliberately dispenses with classic Gothic buttresses. Inclined load-bearing columns, whose lines follow the force curves of natural structures, as well as hyperbolic and parabolic geometries efficiently direct loads into the ground. This is complemented by real-time monitoring of the structure, analysis of natural frequencies and adaptive construction processes. The church demonstrates how biomimicry, engineering mathematics and sensor-based monitoring can keep a project of the century stable.

    Financing without public funds
    The Sagrada Família is still financed by donations and entrance fees. This principle gives the project autonomy, but has historically led to delays and social debate. Critical voices still accompany the construction to this day. Nevertheless, the basilica is considered a global symbol of visionary construction beyond conventional time and financing models.

  • Stronger than steel, lighter than wood

    Stronger than steel, lighter than wood

    The idea is based on a targeted modification of the microstructure of wood. The natural main components remain the starting point. Cellulose, which provides tensile strength as a fibrous support structure, and lignin, which holds the fibers together as a natural adhesive. During the manufacturing process, some of the lignin is chemically removed, allowing the cellulose to be pressed tightly together. The result is an extremely compact, fiber-oriented material with a high density and comparatively low weight.

    Tests show that Superwood is around twelve times stronger than untreated wood and can even achieve a higher tensile strength than steel in certain combinations. At the same time, the material remains biodegradable and is based on a renewable raw material. A rare balancing act between performance and sustainability.

    Applications in the construction industry
    Superwood could become a game changer for the construction sector. Its combination of lightness, load-bearing capacity and environmentally friendly origin makes it interesting for load-bearing structures, façade systems or modular lightweight construction elements. The material can be processed like wood, but is more resistant to moisture and deformation.

    Inventwood is working with construction and architecture partners on pilot projects, for example for prefabricated wall systems or hybrid wood-concrete constructions. Researchers also see great potential in the infrastructure sector, for example for bridges, roofs or transportable buildings.

    On the road to industrial use
    The path from laboratory to mass production was a long one. The subsequent spin-off Inventwood turned it into a marketable product. The decisive factor was the scalability of the process, which can now be applied to large wooden elements.

    The company sees Superwood as a sustainable alternative to emission-intensive materials such as steel, aluminum or concrete. Production requires less energy and the bound CO₂ remains stored in the material. Superwood could therefore contribute to the decarbonization of the construction industry.

    Wood as a high-tech material
    The industrialization of Superwood closes the circle between traditional building materials and modern material science. Ordinary wood becomes a high-performance material that redefines itself in terms of stability and sustainability.

    If the material becomes available on a larger scale, it could fundamentally change international timber construction – from urban high-rise buildings to modular infrastructures. The future of construction, it seems, will remain made of wood – only smarter.

  • Five mobility trends are driving the real estate industry

    Five mobility trends are driving the real estate industry

    Parking was a marginal topic for a long time. Today, it is seen as the key to optimizing the value of properties. This is because outdoor spaces, once pure infrastructure, are becoming strategic earnings factors thanks to digital technology. “Parking space is no longer a necessary evil, but an integral part of the value chain,” says Jakob Bodenmüller, CEO of Wemolo. His company operates over 3,500 locations across Europe with 2.5 million parking transactions every day and sees an industry that is reinventing itself.

    1.Free-flow technology, the farewell to the barrier
    Cameras instead of barriers with license plate recognition enable parking management without physical barriers, ticket loss or maintenance costs. User vehicles are digitally identified and authorized users park automatically. This reduces operating costs by up to 60 percent while improving the customer experience.

    Mixed-use districts benefit in particular. Retailers, service providers and residents can manage spaces as required, for example on a time-limited or quota-based basis. Third-party parkers are automatically recognized and sanctioned. According to Wemolo, their share drops by up to 85 percent within the first few months.

    2.Shared parking – new sources of revenue through cooperation
    What is a supermarket during the day can become a residential area at night. Shared parking uses free time slots in private spaces and opens them up to third parties in a controlled manner. Supermarkets, office buildings or retail parks can generate additional revenue of up to 80 euros per parking space per month without any structural investment.

    The model is a liberating blow for cities. Around a third of inner-city traffic is caused by the search for a parking space. If private parking space can be managed digitally, traffic volumes can be reduced and space efficiency increased. “We orchestrate instead of opening up and control always remains with the operator,” emphasizes Dominic Winkler

    3.E-mobility as a business model
    Charging points are not only a regulatory obligation, but also a revenue driver. Those who charge stay longer, a measurable advantage for retailers. Studies show that every additional minute of charging extends the length of stay and increases sales by over one percent.

    By linking e-mobility and smart parking, charging infrastructure can be dynamically controlled, priced or offered as a premium service. Integration into the parking management system significantly reduces costs and at the same time boosts the ESG performance of a property.

    4.Parking Intelligence uses data as a management tool
    Parking data becomes corporate intelligence. Automatically recorded key figures provide information on occupancy, dwell time, customer frequency and seasonal patterns. Facility and asset managers can use this information to adapt rental models, optimize personnel planning or develop targeted marketing strategies.

    For the first time, Parking Intelligence creates a data-based foundation for location decisions. This turns parking space into a mirror of actual asset performance, making it measurable, comparable and controllable.

    5.AI space monitoring, from parking space to portfolio sensor
    The next stage of digitalization lies above the asphalt. 360-degree cameras and AI analytics monitor outdoor areas in real time, detect garbage, vandalism or snow and automatically report service tickets to facility managers.

    This drastically reduces monitoring costs, maintenance contracts are evaluated objectively and standards can be managed centrally. This is a particular advantage for portfolios with hundreds of locations. The first operators are already testing how monitoring data can also be used to optimize locations.

    Parking space as a new asset
    The future of the real estate industry no longer lies just in buildings, but in front of them. Expo Real 2025 showed that thinking digitally about parking space changes the business model of a property.

    “The challenge is not to be aware of trends, but to implement them,” says Bodenmüller. Parking management is becoming the interface between mobility, ESG and value creation. A dynamic market in which standing still is finally a thing of the past.

  • Windows as power stations

    Windows as power stations

    One solution relies on special films that direct visible light specifically to the edge of the glass pane. There, PV strips, often made of high-performance material such as GaAs, absorb the light and convert it into electricity. Solar cells are only needed at the edge, which saves material and resources. The view is retained and the window remains transparent.

    Using cholesteric liquid crystals, a research team at Nanjing University has developed a prototype that achieves an optical efficiency of over 18% and delivers stable values under real conditions. For a typical window with a height of two meters, there is a strong concentration of light at the edge zone. The coating can be produced industrially and is suitable for large façades.

    Transparent tandem cells
    The EU project CitySolar presents another innovation. Two combined PV layers (halide perovskite at the top, organic at the bottom) extract energy from different light spectra while allowing visible light to pass through. This means that the room brightness and view remain unchanged, the window “looks like a window” but produces electricity.

    With an efficiency of 12.3% and 30% transparency, a new record has been set for transparent PV modules. The structure is suitable for office and residential buildings as well as high-rise buildings with large glass fronts.

    Future and potential
    Researchers and industry partners are working on even higher efficiencies and better production methods. Challenges exist in balancing transparency and efficiency and in integrating them into existing construction processes. However, projects such as those from ZEISS or the international CitySolar consortium clearly show how great the market potential is.

    Transparent solar cells and intelligent glass surfaces are paving the way for buildings that partially cover their own electricity requirements. Windows as power plants are within reach and will play a decisive role in shaping the energy transition in urban areas.

  • Fraunhofer ISE Testlab sets standard for inverters

    Fraunhofer ISE Testlab sets standard for inverters

    With the increasing expansion of renewable energies, the rotating masses of conventional power plants, which previously ensured a stable voltage and frequency, are no longer present in the grid. Grid-forming inverters must take over this task and reliably stabilize the grid even in critical situations such as frequency changes or short circuits. Until now, however, there has been a lack of a uniform definition and standardized verification procedures for these systems.

    GFM Benchmark test procedure
    In the GFM Benchmark project, Fraunhofer ISE invited leading manufacturers to test their devices in the laboratory. Seven companies provided inverters with different outputs and development statuses. The test procedure was developed together with German transmission grid operators and simulates various grid situations. In addition to normal operation, it also includes extreme situations such as phase jumps and short circuits in the grid.

    While many devices react similarly under clearly defined requirements, there are still clear differences under more complex conditions. The ISE team was therefore able to provide manufacturers with valuable tips for optimization and highlighted the need for further development.

    Paving the way for standardization and market integration
    The project results have been directly incorporated into European standardization work and the VDE FNN note “Grid-forming properties”. For the first time, the new test guideline provides a recognized framework for the practical testing and certification of grid-forming systems. This is particularly relevant as a new market for instantaneous reserve will be launched in Germany from 2026, in which battery storage systems with suitable certification, for example, will receive additional revenue opportunities.

    Market maturity, best practice and industry dialog
    The market analysis and test data provide a solid basis for decision-making for manufacturers, grid operators, investors and standards bodies. The certification measurements that are now possible will accelerate the market entry of new, stabilizing inverters. In addition, Fraunhofer ISE supports the transfer of European requirements into national regulations and supports the industry with best practice guidelines.

    Fraunhofer ISE has set a milestone with the test procedure for grid-forming inverters. This will not only make the energy transition in Europe safer, but also measurably faster.

  • New silicon acids could destroy “eternal chemicals”

    New silicon acids could destroy “eternal chemicals”

    Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, PFAS for short, are considered “eternal chemicals” as they do not degrade in the environment. Their highly stable carbon-fluorine bond resists light, water and microorganisms. This is precisely where the newly developed super Lewis acids come in. They exhibit extreme “electron greed” and directly attack the resistant structures of PFAS.

    Complex production with a big impact
    For a long time, these compounds were only considered a theoretical concept. Only innovative methods such as protolysis made it possible to produce them synthetically. Proven processes from carbon chemistry were transferred to silicon. The experiments were highly sensitive. They had to be carried out in an inert gas atmosphere, as even the slightest traces of oxygen or water would prevent the reactions.

    Quantum mechanics provides the key
    For the first time, the strength of these molecules was fully predicted using quantum mechanics. These calculations not only confirmed the extreme reactivity, but also enabled a precise understanding of the mechanisms. Spectroscopic methods such as NMR validated the predictions. The combination of theory and experiment is therefore a milestone in catalysis research.

    Catalysts for environmental protection
    The new super Lewis acids behave like catalysts. They change during the reaction, but regenerate again and are not permanently consumed. This means that the smallest quantities are sufficient to render highly toxic PFAS compounds harmless… A decisive advantage over previous approaches.

    With silicon-based super Lewis acids, a realistic solution to the global PFAS problem is within reach for the first time. They could become a key instrument for recycling, green chemistry and the protection of the environment and health.

  • Nuclear waste as a resource for the energy transition

    Nuclear waste as a resource for the energy transition

    Nuclear power polarizes! While some countries are phasing it out, elsewhere it remains a central pillar of the energy supply. However, they all have one problem in common – radioactive waste. Thousands of tons of highly radioactive materials are already stored around the world and their safe storage costs billions. Now, however, an idea is coming to the fore that could turn this waste into a valuable raw material.

    Tritium is the key to nuclear fusion
    Nuclear fusion is seen as the beacon of hope for the future of energy. In contrast to nuclear fission, it does not rely on decay, but on the fusion of atomic nuclei. Similar to the sun. Using deuterium and tritium as fuel, huge amounts of energy can be generated with virtually no climate-damaging emissions and significantly less waste. While deuterium is readily available, tritium remains extremely scarce. Only around 25 kilograms currently exist worldwide, too little for widespread use in energy production.

    Nuclear waste as a source for the fuel of the future
    This is where Terence Tarnowsky’s research at Los Alamos National Laboratory comes in. Radioactive waste from existing nuclear power plants could be used to produce relevant quantities of tritium. This would address two challenges at the same time. The safe and expensive storage of nuclear waste and the availability of the missing fuel for future fusion power plants. The market price for tritium is currently around 15 million dollars per pound, a clear indication of its scarcity and value.

    Opportunities for the energy transition
    The vision is clear. If waste becomes a fuel of the future, the cards in global energy policy could be reshuffled. Fusion power plants fueled by tritium from recycled nuclear waste could provide enormous amounts of energy in a climate-neutral and safe way. This would be a milestone for the energy transition, which could secure the growing demand for electricity from electromobility, the heating transition and digitalization in the long term.

    Research at the turning point
    The path to large-scale use is still open. Technical, economic and security policy issues need to be clarified. However, the direction shows how science and technology can transform seemingly contaminated sites into opportunities for the future. Nuclear waste, of all things, a symbol of unresolved energy problems, could thus become a mainstay of the energy transition.

  • Microfactories with AI are changing housing construction

    Microfactories with AI are changing housing construction

    The recent wildfires in Southern California have devastated thousands of hectares of land and destroyed over 16,000 buildings. This is exactly where Cosmic’s microfactory in Pacific Palisades comes in. It produces modular wall panels with millimeter precision, which are delivered and assembled directly to the construction site. This reduces the construction time by up to 70 percent. By 2027, 100 new houses are to be built that are fireproof, energy-efficient and self-sufficient in terms of water supply.

    Technology as a driver of construction
    The core of the solution is the combination of ABB’s IRB 6710 industrial robot, the RobotStudio® digital twin software and Cosmic’s AI-supported Building Information Model (BIM). This allows construction processes to be fully digitally simulated, optimized and monitored in real time. Computer vision systems continuously analyze production, detect errors and ensure consistent quality. By integrating robotics, automation and AI, the entire process, from approvals to production and assembly, is bundled into one end-to-end platform.

    Sustainability and cost reduction
    The benefits are not just speed and precision. Houses from the microfactory are fireproof, equipped with solar panels and battery storage and are self-sufficient in water thanks to recycling systems. The price is between 550 and 700 dollars per square meter, well below the usual costs in Los Angeles of 800 to 1,000 dollars. At the same time, material waste is decreasing while construction quality is increasing. For many homeowners who struggle with underinsurance and high reconstruction costs after disasters, this means real relief.

    Growth potential in the construction industry
    Experts predict that the global market for construction robots will grow by 20 percent annually until 2030. The cooperation between ABB and Cosmic demonstrates how this dynamic can be implemented in an automated, local, sustainable and cost-efficient manner. This not only opens up a new path for disaster relief, but also a model for future residential construction worldwide.

  • Europe’s largest construction project takes shape

    Europe’s largest construction project takes shape

    The ambitious Ellinikon project is being built on the disused Hellinikon airport site south of Athens. Here, Greece is building a new city from the ground up that will serve as a model for sustainable and digitally networked urban development. In just a few years, this area is set to become a living space for over 10,000 people, a place of work for up to 80,000 employees and a destination for millions of tourists. The aim is to create a city that meets the ecological, technological and social requirements of the 21st century.

    From ghost airport to beacon of hope
    The site of the former Hellenikon International Airport, once the gateway to the world, was unused and dilapidated for decades. The debt crisis got the project moving. in 2014, Lamda Development was awarded the contract to lease and develop the site for 915 million euros over 99 years. The planning was in the hands of renowned architectural firms, including Foster Partners from London. The excavators have been rolling since 2020 and everything should be ready by 2036.

    A city of short distances
    Ellinikon is designed as a so-called “15-minute city”. Everything you need to live – school, doctor’s surgery, grocery store, sports field or café – should be within 15 minutes on foot or by bike. The planners want to significantly reduce motorized private transport. Local public transport, micromobility with e-scooters, bike sharing and a modern network of footpaths and cycle paths will replace the traditional car.

    Europe’s largest coastal park
    In the middle of the new urban area, a park is being created that will set new standards. 2.6 million square meters of green space, more than London’s Hyde Park. Ellinikon Park offers space for walks, sport, cultural events and nature observation. Around 80 % of the water used comes from natural sources already present on the site.

    Reusing instead of wasting
    Before the high-rise buildings could rise into the sky, the first step was to dig deep. More than 300 reinforced concrete pillars with a depth of up to 55 meters support the foundations of the new Riviera Tower landmark. The concrete from the former runways will be recycled on site and reused for roads and slope stabilization. A central goal of the project is net-zero emissions. Buildings are certified according to the LEED standard.

    The tallest residential building in Greece
    207 meters high, 53 floors, 169 apartments, the Riviera Tower will be the tallest building in the country. In addition to the Riviera Tower, another high-rise is being built, the Vouliagmenis Mixed Use Tower with a height of 150 meters. It offers office space, a hotel for business travelers and direct access to two subway stations.

    Smart City Ellinikon
    Ellinikon sees itself as a smart city. Data, sensors, networking and digital services play a central role. Intelligent street lighting, sensors for air quality and noise, apps for navigation, booking and payment as well as 5G and fiber optic networks for high connectivity are just a few examples. Intelligent power grids, energy-efficient architecture and microclimate analyses are intended to optimize energy consumption.

    Social commitment and tourism
    Ellinikon should not only be chic, but also social. The first completed building, a center for people with disabilities, was handed over in 2023. Further public facilities are being planned, such as kindergartens, schools, a clinic, cultural centers and sports facilities. Two large shopping centers, the Vouliagmenis Mall and the Riviera Galleria, are expected to attract an international audience. Even more spectacular, however, is the casino complex, which is being realized together with Hard Rock International.

    Economic boost for Greece
    The project is expected to contribute 2.4% to Greece’s gross domestic product in the long term. 70,000 to 80,000 direct and indirect new jobs are planned and tourism is expected to grow by over one million additional guests per year. The expected tax revenue amounts to 14 billion euros over the duration of the project.

    What happens next
    The first major construction phase should be completed by 2026/2027. Central infrastructure facilities such as transport routes, the first residential buildings, green spaces and educational facilities should then be in place. Full completion will follow by 2036. Ellinikon will not only be a new district of Athens, but a showcase for what urban development can look like in the future.

  • Light controls electricity in metals

    Light controls electricity in metals

    A team of researchers at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities has achieved a significant breakthrough. They have developed a method that uses light to influence the flow of electricity in extremely thin metal layers at room temperature. This new approach could help to make optical sensors and quantum information devices significantly more efficient in the future. The scientists’ interim results were recently published in the renowned journal “Science Advances”.

    The study is based on ultra-thin layers of ruthenium dioxide (RuO2), which were applied to titanium dioxide (TiO2). Depending on the direction, these layers not only react differently to light, but also to the flow of electricity. The structure of these layers makes it possible to specifically control the dynamics of the electrons and thus regulate energy flows.

    New paths through targeted use of light
    A key finding of the researchers is that the reactions of the material to light can be precisely influenced by targeted changes in the atomic structure. This controlled effect occurs at normal temperatures and opens up exciting prospects for future applications. “This is the first time anyone has demonstrated tunable, directed ultrafast carrier relaxation in a metal at room temperature,” confirms Seunggyo Jeong, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at the University of Minnesota.

    Such findings challenge many ideas about the behavior of metals of recent years and prove that the targeted control of electricity through controlled light pulses is possible. This opens up completely new approaches to dealing with energy and information processing in the smallest of spaces.

    Controlling electricity in detail
    The previous consensus in physics considered metals to be unsuitable for such precise control mechanisms because they have too complex electronic properties. However, the current research team discovered that precisely this complexity, known as band interleaving, can be actively used to steer the ultra-fast response of metals in different directions. This means that the material’s ability to control electricity can be adapted depending on the situation.

    New applications in computer technology, data storage, sensor technology and communication could benefit massively from this. The efficiency and speed of components in particular could be significantly improved through the targeted control of electricity. Tony Low, co-author and Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Minnesota, emphasizes that the results provide deep insights into how subtle structural distortions can change the electronic structure of metals. This could be crucial for future ultrafast and polarization-sensitive optoelectronic technologies.

  • New growth momentum through strategic partnership

    New growth momentum through strategic partnership

    With the strategic participation of an entrepreneurial investor, the company is setting the course for the next stage of growth. The new partnership combines capital strength with technological and operational expertise. The aim is to consolidate the company’s market presence in its home market and expand internationally, particularly in the key areas of digitalisation, sustainability and artificial intelligence.

    Future-oriented strategy with a clear focus
    The new growth strategy focuses on three structural drivers: the digital transformation of the property sector, the industry’s growing role in climate protection and the increasing demand for sustainable, connected living spaces. At the same time, the proven corporate DNA remains intact, with the operational team and all partners staying on board and continuing to run the business.

    Technological scaling and international expansion
    Internationalisation will begin with the existing presence in Germany and will be expanded through targeted acquisitions. At the same time, the digital service portfolio will be expanded through the development of proprietary products, the automation of customer processes with “Agentic AI” and the strengthening of the team. The strategic partnership creates the necessary room for manoeuvre in terms of technology, personnel and geography.

    New opportunities for the German site
    There are also new opportunities for the team in Germany. As an agile location within the Group, it benefits from the stability of the company and the opportunities offered by a strategic growth partner. The combination of a proven structure and fresh dynamism should pave the way for successful expansion in a rapidly changing market environment.

  • The builder’s lien – an (almost) uncontrollable risk

    The builder’s lien – an (almost) uncontrollable risk

    Requirements for registration
    Any contractor who has supplied work and materials or labour alone on a property can register a builder’s lien directly on the property (see Art. 837 ZGB). This provides the contractors, who are usually only paid afterwards, with a means of security. A contractual relationship between the contractor and the landowner is not necessary. Nevertheless, the claim for registration of a lien is always directed against the landowner. The right of registration cannot be contractually waived in advance.

    In principle, works that are directly connected with the building and cause a physical change to it are entitled to a lien. However, the legislator and case law have extended the authorised work to include demolition work, scaffolding, securing excavations and the like. Suppliers of building materials without installation services, on the other hand, are not protected unless they are materials specially manufactured for the work (otherwise unusable). Furthermore, the lien must be entered in the land register within four months of completion of the work (“last hammer blow”).

    The procedure
    The procedure consists of several stages. Firstly, the court at the location of the building plot decides on the provisional entry in summary proceedings. The requirements for provisional registration are very low; the contractor only has to show that he has carried out or will carry out work on this property that is subject to a lien and that the registration deadline has been met. The definitive claim must then be enforced in ordinary proceedings within a period set by the court so that the lien is definitively recognised. Otherwise the entry will be cancelled. In this case, the registering entrepreneur must fulfil significantly higher standards of proof.

    Options for action for the landowner
    A registered builder’s lien is a serious risk for the landowner. In the worst case – if the builder’s lien is permanently registered – the property may be forced to be realised. However, even provisional registration often leads to difficulties in the sale of residential units or plots of land because the banks are unwilling to provide a financing guarantee. There are various options available to counter this risk: Firstly, the owner can settle the claim asserted, which can lead to unjustified double payments in the case of subcontractor relationships. Secondly, there is the option of redeeming the lien, both in definitive and provisional proceedings, by providing sufficient security – for example in the form of an irrevocable bank guarantee or by depositing a sum of money. If the landowner is not in a direct contractual relationship with the contractor, it is advisable to involve the actual debtor (e.g. seller, technical contractor, general contractor, etc.) in the proceedings by means of a so-called third-party notice.

    Conclusion
    The building contractor’s lien is an effective means of security in favour of the service providers involved in the construction. For the affected property owners, it is advisable to seek legal advice at an early stage, consistently observe deadlines and quickly take suitable measures to protect their interests.

  • BRUGG Pipes opens production in the USA

    BRUGG Pipes opens production in the USA

    BRUGG Pipes is about to deliver the first pipe rings for its CALPEX PUR-KING flexible pipe system, announced the Kleindöttingen-based company, which is part of BRUGG Group AG in Brugg, in a press release. The pipe rings were manufactured in the new production hall of BRUGG Pipes and Rovanco Piping Systems in Joliet in the US state of Illinois. In April last year, BRUGG Pipes and Rovanco agreed to set up a joint venture in Joliet to start production in the USA.

    The partner companies have invested around 20 million dollars in the new plant. Under the management of Pirim Dahinden from Switzerland, between 3,000 and 5,000 feet of the CALPEX PUR-KING pipe system will be produced there each year. BRUGG Pipes specialises in the production of pipe systems for liquids, gases and heat.

    “With the new production facility in the USA, we are increasing planning security for our customers, reducing delivery times and transport costs and are also not affected by potential US tariffs,” said Martin Rigaud, CEO of BRUGG Pipes, in the press release. “This gives us a decisive competitive advantage in the current market situation.” According to BRUGG Pipes, around 80 per cent of the raw materials processed in the new plant come from the USA.

  • International expansion with a focus on emerging markets

    International expansion with a focus on emerging markets

    As part of its local-for-local strategy, Sika is expanding its presence in China, Brazil and Morocco. In China, the globally active speciality chemicals company for construction and industry has expanded its existing site in the Suzhou metropolitan region, Sika announced in a press release. The site produces polyurethane bonding and sealing solutions for the automotive, construction and industrial sectors.

    In Brazil, Sika has expanded its site near Belo Horizonte. In this strategically important industrial region of the country, Sika manufactures admixtures for ready-mix concrete, cement and mining. The company has built a new plant for mortar and admixtures near Agadir. From here, Sika intends to supply the south of Morocco and neighbouring markets.

    “These site investments reflect our customers’ trust in us and our long-term commitment to our markets,” said Sika CEO Thomas Hasler in the press release. “By expanding our local production capacities, we are not only improving flexibility, but also creating a resilient, sustainable foundation for our continued growth alongside our long-standing customers and partners.” Sika expects the construction industry in the three countries to grow by more than 4 per cent annually until 2028.

  • Switzerland is the most competitive country in the world in 2025

    Switzerland is the most competitive country in the world in 2025

    Switzerland is once again at the top of the most competitive countries in the world. For the first time in years, it is back in first place in the renowned IMD World Competitiveness Ranking. In the previous year, it was still in second place, but has now overtaken Singapore and confirmed its position as an international benchmark for economic performance under complex framework conditions.

    According to the report, the main reasons for this success are the high efficiency of state institutions, first-class infrastructure and social stability. In both categories, government efficiency and infrastructure, Switzerland once again secured the top spot. These qualities are becoming increasingly important as the global economy is confronted with disruptive changes, trade reorganisation and geopolitical shifts.

    Challenges despite top ranking
    Despite the excellent overall ranking, the report also reveals weaknesses. Economic performance falls to 13th place and corporate efficiency to 6th place, signalling that global competition is also leaving its mark on Switzerland. The reasons: rising cost pressure, regulatory complexity and increasingly difficult market access abroad.

    Against the backdrop of protectionist tendencies in particular, it is clear that Switzerland must diversify its trade relations in a targeted manner. Securing access to international markets and avoiding one-sided dependencies are becoming a greater focus of location policy.

    Strategy for sustainable competitiveness
    The authors of the ranking emphasise that efficiency, agility and future orientation are central pillars of long-term competitiveness. Switzerland scores highly here thanks to its reliable legal system, solid public finances, stable educational institutions and strong innovation ecosystems.

    However, it also faces major challenges. Reforming the pension system, ensuring the sustainability of public finances and promoting sustainable innovation will determine the future viability of the location. The report calls for structural strength not to be taken for granted, but to be further developed through forward-looking policies and targeted investments.

    International perspective
    Switzerland is followed by Singapore in second place, which is particularly impressive in terms of government efficiency, but loses ground in the area of corporate efficiency. Hong Kong moves up two places and is now in third place, a sign of the successful repositioning of the Special Administrative Region.

    Germany’s rise to 19th place after several difficult years is also noteworthy. Canada climbed eight places and shows that targeted reforms can have an impact. These international shifts illustrate the dynamics of global location competition.

    Switzerland remains a leader, but not immobile
    The World Competitiveness Ranking 2025 emphasises that Switzerland is a global pioneer in terms of location quality, but it must not rest on its laurels. Political foresight, strategic openness and investment in forward-looking structures are now required. The coming years will show whether Switzerland can not only maintain its leading position, but also expand it further in a volatile environment.

  • Shanghai relocates Shikumen complex with robots

    Shanghai relocates Shikumen complex with robots

    With this project, the city of Shanghai is demonstrating its ability to combine heritage conservation and urban development. The Huayanli complex, built between 1920 and 1930, is part of the Zhangyuan district, which looks back on over 140 years of history. With a total area of 4,030 square meters and three brick and timber buildings, it is not only architecturally significant, but also an important testimony to urban identity.

    The temporary relocation is necessary in order to construct a three-storey underground facility of over 53,000 square meters. This will create cultural and commercial spaces, more than 100 parking spaces and connections to three subway lines. An ambitious project in a densely built-up historical environment.

    Robot-assisted precision work in the historic core
    Given the narrow alleyways and limited space, the construction team relied on a combination of advanced technologies and customized robotics. A total of 432 self-propelled robots move the ensemble at a speed of around 10 meters per day. A logistical masterpiece that enables minimal disruption with maximum precision.

    In addition, miniaturized robots were used for foundation work, which move through narrow doors and corridors thanks to remote control. Supported by BIM and point cloud scans, precise 3D models of the existing building were created to identify potential collisions and structural challenges at an early stage.

    Smart earthmoving and minimally invasive interventions
    Another technical innovation is the specially developed earthmoving robots with foldable gripper arms. These can move in spaces less than 1.2 meters wide and use deep learning algorithms to distinguish between clay and obstacles. As a result, the construction project is progressing with high efficiency and minimal risk to the historic building, despite the cramped conditions.

    Zhang Yi, General Manager of the Shanghai Construction No 2 subsidiary responsible for urban renewal, explains the approach: “We designed several curved transportation routes for the excavated earth and implemented a conveyor belt system like in a factory. This allows us to reduce disruption and achieve high working speeds at the same time.”

    Linking old and new
    The project is more than just a technical masterpiece. It exemplifies an urban vision that sees historical heritage not as an obstacle, but as a resource. Once the work is complete, the Huayanli complex will return to its original location. However, above a modern infrastructure that connects it to the surrounding high-rise buildings, shopping centers and residential districts. The integration of above-ground conservation measures with modern underground facilities offers a model for the sustainable revitalization of historic districts in growing metropolises. For Shanghai and for international urban planners and engineers, this project is a milestone. It shows how cultural identity and urban modernization can be combined to form a harmonious whole.

  • Acquisition in North America strengthens portfolio for precast concrete parts

    Acquisition in North America strengthens portfolio for precast concrete parts

    Holcim has acquired the Canadian Langley Concrete Group Inc. Jaime Hill, Head of the North America region at Holcim, described this strategic step in a company statement as “a natural extension of our growth strategy”. This combines the technical expertise of the Langley Concrete Group in precast concrete parts with Holcim’s own activities. The enlarged portfolio also increases Holcim’s reach.

    The acquisition reportedly includes two state-of-the-art production facilities in the province of British Columbia, located in the cities of Chilliwack and Duncan. From there, the region will be supplied with dry and wet mix concrete products for above and below ground infrastructure applications, including manholes, pipes, boxes and other components for municipal, commercial and industrial applications.

    Langley Concrete President Mark Omelaniec says he is proud of what his family has built over 75 years. The family is “confident that Holcim is the right partner to take it forward as the growth opportunities in British Columbia continue. This transition offers long-term opportunities for our team and our customers.”

  • Expansion of the S-Bahn infrastructure in Frankfurt

    Expansion of the S-Bahn infrastructure in Frankfurt

    DB InfraGO AG has commissioned Implenia to build the inner-city section of the Nordmain suburban railway in Frankfurt. Specifically, the construction and real estate company from Opfikon is to realise the underground section of the S-Bahn from Konstablerwache via the new S-Bahn station Frankfurt (Main) Ost (tief) to Fechenheim for the Deutsche Bahn subsidiary. The contract is worth over 200 million euros, Implenia announced in a press release.

    The contract includes the starting excavation pit Trog and the excavation pit for the underground S-Bahn station Frankfurt (Main) Ost (tief), a series of ancillary excavation pits and engineering structures, as well as two tunnel tubes approximately 1.2 kilometres long. They will be constructed by mechanised tunnelling. Implenia will also carry out extensive dewatering measures and provide a range of specialised civil engineering services. Work is scheduled to start at the beginning of 2026 and be completed by 2031.

    “The further expansion of a functioning transport infrastructure is central to the sustainable development of our cities,” said Erwin Scherer, Head Division Civil Engineering at Implenia, in the press release. “I am delighted that Implenia, with its many years of experience and extensive expertise, is able to contribute to improving public transport in the densely populated Rhine-Main region.”

  • IPO launched for North American business

    IPO launched for North American business

    Holcim’s new North American company Amrize is to be traded on the stock exchange for the first time on 23 June. This has now been announced by the Zug-based building materials group. The necessary authorisations have now been granted.

    Holcim announced at the Investor Day in March 2025 that the business in the north of the American continent was to be spun off. The background to this is the US government’s investment programmes worth billions over the next eight to ten years, the potential of which Holcim intends to fully exploit through its Chicago-based subsidiary.

    Shareholders will receive one Amrize share for each Holcim share held. The spin-off will be tax-neutral in Switzerland and tax-free in the USA. The Amrize shares will start trading on the same date on both the New York Stock Exchange and in Zurich. There they will be included in the Swiss Market Index (SMI) and the Swiss Leader Index (SLI).

    The company has reportedly secured debt financing of USD 3.4 billion in the form of bonds, a USD 2 billion credit facility and a USD 2 billion commercial paper programme. In addition, Amrize has a bridge loan of 1.7 billion dollars.

    With over 1,000 locations and 19,000 employees, Amrize will become the largest provider of construction solutions focussing exclusively on the North American market. According to Holcim’s NextGen Growth 2030 strategy, Amrize will realise a number of smaller acquisitions from an estimated total capital allocation capacity of CHF 18 to 22 billion by 2030. Excess capital will be used for large strategic acquisitions and share buybacks. The operational headquarters will be in Chicago, while the company’s registered office will remain in Zug.

  • Netherlands tests recycling train for sustainable road construction

    Netherlands tests recycling train for sustainable road construction

    Crushed stone, sand, gravel and petroleum-based bitumen in asphalt roads are the same materials that make up new roads. The only difference is that the asphalt has already been heated and laid.

    For this reason, Dutch officials from the Rijkswaterstaat infrastructure agency in Utrecht, part of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, have invested in the Asphalt Recycling Train (ART or Asphalt Recycling Train). This is a vehicle-like machine that reuses old roads on site instead of tearing them up and disposing of them and then using new materials and thus emitting more carbon. This allows new asphalt to be laid in the same place.

    “With the ART, we can renew roads in a far more sustainable way,” Fredy Sierra-Fernandez, who is developing the ART at the ministry, is quoted as saying in a press release. “At the moment, we are testing a single machine to see how it performs in practice.”

    ART loosens the worn surface layer of roads, heats the old asphalt, picks up the melted material, stirs and mixes it and then applies the renewed asphalt back onto the road. The machine also compacts the road to create a smooth surface.

    Fernandez is now investigating how the roads behave after this process. Since June and from October last year, a provincial road in Gelderland in the east of the Netherlands and a section of the A2 highway have been monitored after the ART was used there.

    The road in Gelderland is in good condition. The section of the A2 highway is somewhat more worn, but still adequate. “We will continue until we are 100 percent satisfied,” says Fernandez. Tests in other regions are planned for April and May 2025.

    The Dutch government hopes to have three or four ARTs in operation across the country by 2030 to create a circular economy for asphalt.

    The ART was awarded the InfraTech Innovatieprijs 2025.

  • New plant strengthens construction chemicals production in Central Asia

    New plant strengthens construction chemicals production in Central Asia

    Sika AG is continuing its growth course in Kazakhstan with the commissioning of a new production site. The plant is located in the city of Ust-Kamenogorsk in the east of the country and combines production lines for mortar and concrete additives and a laboratory.

    According to a press release, it is the fourth plant for Sika specialty chemical products for construction and industry. There is a high level of construction activity in the region. The mining industry in particular is experiencing strong growth. Local companies in the chemical, energy and automotive sectors are also expanding. As a result, the demand for residential buildings is increasing.

    The construction chemicals company has announced that it will also be involved in major projects. Kazakhstan is one of the most resource-rich countries in the world. Forecasts predict annual growth of 4.2 percent for the construction industry in Kazakhstan until 2028. The drivers are investments in energy projects, water reservoirs, transport infrastructure and industrial parks. According to estimates, the volume of construction projects across the country amounts to 160 billion Swiss francs.

  • New factory opens in Ecuador

    New factory opens in Ecuador

    Sika AG is expanding its presence in Ecuador. In addition to its existing site in the economic area of Guayaquil, the globally active speciality chemicals company for construction and industry opened a second factory for mortar in Quito on 3 April, Sika announced in a press release. With the new site in the Ecuadorian capital, the company aims to optimise its nationwide supply chain through shorter transport routes and lower CO2 emissions.

    Sika also hopes to benefit from the growing construction activity in Ecuador. “Our new plant in Quito comes at a crucial time as construction activity in Ecuador is recovering strongly,” said Mike Champion, Regional Manager Americas at Sika, in the press release. “Sika is well positioned to supply the growing markets in the north and south of the country with high-quality, innovative solutions to meet the increasing demand.” According to the press release, Sika has already established a leading position in Ecuador in the distribution of tile adhesives and mortars.