At Sika, we believe the future of construction lies in solutions that not only reduce environmental impact but actively regenerate the planet. That’s why we are proud to contribute to the "Think Earth" Regenerative Construction – Innosuisse Flagship Project—a groundbreaking initiative that brings together science, industry and society to rethink how we build.
From Sustainable to Regenerative: Sika and ETH Zurich Accelerate Innovation in Construction
As global environmental challenges intensify, the construction industry is being called upon to deliver solutions that go beyond reducing impact—they must actively restore the natural environment. Sika is proud to contribute to the Think Earth Regenerative Construction – an Innosuisse Flagship Project, a pioneering initiative that unites leading research partners, industry innovators and public institutions in redefining how buildings are designed, constructed and reused.
At the heart of the project lies the combination of two highly sustainable materials—timber and earth—and the development of hybrid elements that harness the advantages of both. With our deep expertise in materials science, adhesives, and construction performance, Sika supports advancements that make these solutions durable, scalable and fit for a vast array of applications.
The collaboration with industry partners, ETH Zurich, Empa (the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology) also champions a fully circular approach. By improving processes for recycling, repurposing and reusing building materials, the industry can drastically reduce waste and lower its overall environmental footprint. This regenerative mindset aligns strongly with Sika’s commitment to driving innovation that delivers tangible environmental value across the entire construction lifecycle.
The project marks an important milestone: a collective effort to push boundaries, test bold ideas and accelerate the transition to climate-neutral construction. Together, we are turning sustainability concepts into practical, high-performance solutions that can be implemented at scale.
Benefits at a Glance
Environment
- Reduced carbon footprint through low‑impact, renewable building materials
- Regeneration of natural ecosystems, not just protection
- Circular resource use that drastically cuts waste and emissions
Construction Industry
- Scalable hybrid systems that combine tradition with advanced material science
- Increased material efficiency and longer building lifecycles
- Research-based innovations ready for real-world implementation
People
- Healthier, climate-resilient buildings and communities
- A clear pathway to truly climate-neutral construction
- A new construction paradigm that supports a thriving, livable planet