Sika Invests in ETH Zurich 'Living Lab' to Shape Sustainable Construction

Event summary

  • Sika AG is providing funding for ETH Zurich’s ‘Living Lab HIL’ project, supporting phases spanning 2026-2028.
  • The Living Lab HIL aims to test sustainable construction approaches, with a focus on CO2 reduction, digitalization, and circular economy, until 2035.
  • The project will initially focus on refurbishment and expansion of ETH’s Architecture and Civil Engineering departments, serving as a case study.
  • Patricia Heidtman, Sika’s Chief Innovation and Sustainability Officer, is leading the company’s involvement.
  • The ETH Foundation is also providing multiyear funding and facilitating ongoing dialogue between Sika and ETH project teams.

The big picture

Sika’s investment in Living Lab HIL signals a strategic commitment to sustainable construction, a sector facing increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact. The partnership with ETH Zurich allows Sika to directly influence the development of next-generation building materials and processes, potentially creating a competitive advantage in a CHF 11.2 billion market. This move also underscores the growing importance of collaborative research and development in the construction industry, as companies seek to meet increasingly stringent sustainability targets.

What we're watching

Technology Adoption
The success of Living Lab HIL hinges on the practical application of new technologies; widespread adoption within the construction industry will depend on demonstrable cost savings and performance improvements over traditional methods.
Regulatory Impact
Government mandates and building codes increasingly favor sustainable construction practices; Sika’s alignment with ETH Zurich’s research could position it favorably as these regulations tighten.
Competitive Response
Other building materials companies will likely observe Living Lab HIL’s progress; the pace at which competitors emulate or counter Sika’s approach will influence the long-term impact on market share.

Related topics

Construction Circular Economy