A milestone in the history of building materials…
...which currently still requires courage and a sense of responsibility. Sustainability for future generations, a lighthouse project, persuasive efforts, and the necessary departure from the comfort zone on the path to net-zero: Christoph Duijts, CEO of KIBAG Holding AG, and Philipp Peter, responsible for the sustainability brand KIBECO, share their exciting interim report on the highs and lows after the first months of the joint MANAL project. KIBAG's role: the production of alternative concrete with reused materials.
You just have to do it
The best news first: Circularity or reuse is no longer a challenge in Switzerland, says Duijts, CEO of KIBAG. "You just have to do it." The circularity rate in the Swiss construction industry is around 85%, and even higher at KIBAG. Circularity has long been established in Switzerland.
In the minds of many builders, recycled materials are still considered inferior
Marketing is still needed, and the upcoming regulatory changes will help, as recycled materials — which have all the properties needed for long-term construction — are still unpopular among builders and architects. The prejudice that these materials are not as valuable as primary products persists. However, with the new regulations, concrete will be evaluated based on its properties and performance, rather than on the specific components it contains. These changes give the industry enormous opportunities to further optimise and reduce the CO2 footprint per cubic meter of concrete in the future. The first step, however, is openness and the willingness to stand behind these products with passion.
To ensure sustainability for future generations, short-term costs are necessary
Sustainability is a powerful motivation for companies to continue making money in the future. For Duijts, it is the only way to remain in the market long-term. It is clear that sustainability also incurs short-term costs: time and money. Duijts is convinced that the return on investment will come later. Sustainability has been part of KIBAG's DNA for generations as a family-run company. It is important to act correctly today so that in 30 or 50 years, the trust of the public, suppliers, customers, and all stakeholders will still be intact. This is the only way a company can continue to operate successfully in the future.
“At the moment, it still takes courage and responsibility.”
Proud to be part of the MANAL lighthouse project for sustainability
KIBAG is proud to be an industrial partner of Oxara. The lighthouse project fits perfectly into their strategy, as both companies share a similar vision of sustainability and quality. The joint goal is to bring a sustainable, recycled product to market that meets high-quality standards. This goal was pursued with ambition and hard work until a big milestone was reached: the construction of the MANAL Pavilion, using decarbonised concrete together with other alternative building materials for the first time.
Concrete has been continuously developed over centuries – Cement-free concrete is not yet standardised
When considering how long it took to develop conventional concrete and how many times the standards were adjusted before it could be used in its current form, it becomes clear that the maturation of alternative concrete requires patience. The knowledge accumulated over the last centuries aids in achieving the desired results.
KIBAG faces challenges as Oxara’s building materials manufacturer
Alternative concrete—such as Oulesse®—is not yet certified or standardised. This is essential for its future large-scale use.
The requirements for building materials. Concrete is used for its strength and quick drying time and has been continuously developed for these purposes. Early and high strength is crucial to avoid altering the construction process. Time is money in the construction industry as well.
Concrete is often used even when it is not needed
The potential for alternative concrete like Oulesse® in Switzerland is huge when you consider how much concrete is used annually in all buildings. Particularly in residential construction, concrete is often used without its full properties, such as maximum strength, being needed. This presents a great opportunity to use Oxara products as a replacement.
This Oxara material was produced by KIBAG
KIBAG produced the CO2-reduced concretes for the MANAL Pavilion using Oxara’s binders and admixtures, Oxacrete Oulesse® and Oxacrete® Nossim. Oulesse® concrete was used for the foundation, load-bearing walls, pillars, and the terrazzo floor. Oxacrete® Nossim was applied in non-load-bearing walls.
The development of cement-reduced concrete requires time, patience, and stepping out of the comfort zone
You cannot expect innovation to be fully developed overnight. Product development is always an emotional rollercoaster. One must step out of their comfort zone and prove in the market that the product works. This is not for everyone, but the reward is the success that follows. It is motivating to see that many different interest groups work together to develop a product and ultimately celebrate success together.
Projects like MANAL allow the building material industry to show that it has understood
Duijts is personally enthusiastic about such sustainable projects. The building and construction material industry can show that it has recognised and understood the signs of the time. It is gratifying for him to see how motivated and joyful the project team members are. Much is gained for the future when such enthusiasm can be sparked in the area of sustainability, which has long been in the shadows. The learning process has already begun.
10% cement savings possible nationwide – Reduction of 200,000 tons of CO2 per year
KIBAG estimates that it is possible to replace 10% of the cement used in Switzerland with Oxacrete Oulesse®, which would save 200,000 tons of CO2, or 0.5% of Switzerland's total CO2 emissions. To put it in perspective: this is the amount of CO2 that 18 million trees absorb in a year. Duijts emphasises how proud we can be of this achievement. This could truly lead to an improvement in the goal of "Net-Zero 2050."
Currently, it is still the innovative builders and architects who have the courage to try. Alternative building materials like cement-free concrete are not yet standardised, so it takes courage and a sense of responsibility to use them in construction. In the medium to long term, and after standardisation, the potential will multiply.
Proof of Concept – there is more to come
This is the first industrial application of the cement-free Oulesse® concrete and thus a real proof of concept that it works. MANAL has proven it – the walls and pillars stand firm. KIBAG is convinced: this project is not only a milestone for Oxara but for the entire history of building materials, a sign that more is possible. And it should be, as the success has already spread and generated some inquiries about the recycled, CO2-reduced building material. A relatively small niche project can achieve great things.
