The evolution of the construction and industrial solutions sector has witnessed a remarkable shift from traditional materials and techniques to modern innovation and sustainable development. In the 20th century, the rapid pace of global urbanisation drove demand for efficient construction materials and systems. From basic waterproofing materials to structural reinforcement solutions, technologies continuously advanced to address the growing scale and complexity of construction projects. As sustainability became a global priority in the 21st century, the construction industry embraced green building practices and low-carbon technologies.
Amid this transformation, Sika has emerged as a driving force for industry change, leveraging its technical expertise and innovative spirit. As a global leader in construction and industrial solutions, Sika provides not only upgraded alternatives to traditional materials but also guides the sector towards more efficient and environmentally friendly building methods through its specialised knowledge and diverse product portfolio.
Currently, Patricia Heidtman, Sika’s Chief Sustainability Officer, is dedicated to advancing the company’s “More Value – Less Impact” strategy. She leads the development of forward-thinking technologies, such as specialised cement and concrete admixtures. “These innovations not only help clients reduce carbon emissions but also meet increasingly stringent environmental regulations. We optimise supply chain management to ensure that materials used during construction achieve a balance between sustainability and quality,” she emphasises.
As a beacon of sustainable solutions within the industry, Sika focuses on extending the lifespan of buildings and promoting modular construction to achieve more efficient, low-carbon practices. Patricia Heidtman’s sustainability vision serves as a guiding principle for the company’s future: “Every sustainability challenge is an opportunity for growth. Sika’s goal is to become the sustainability benchmark of the industry, building a greener, better future for the world.”
Collaborating with Academia and Clients to Build the Future of Green Construction Materials
“Our ‘More Value – Less Impact’ strategy has enabled us to achieve significant progress in sustainability,” Heidtman explained. At the heart of this strategy lies a focus on improving resource efficiency while reducing environmental impact. “We have invested in production facilities to ensure maximum solution benefits are delivered with minimal energy and resource consumption, sharing these best practices across our global operations.”
Heidtman highlighted that these efforts are not only a reflection of corporate responsibility but have also yielded remarkable results. “Through global initiatives, we have reduced our carbon footprint by 2 kilograms of CO₂ equivalent per tonne of sales.”
In addition, under Heidtman’s leadership, Sika’s specialised cement and concrete admixtures have been steered towards greater sustainability:
“These products enable customers to adapt materials to the characteristics of the new LC3 cement, reducing environmental impact while maintaining durability and curing performance. We have collaborated with research institutions to develop new material solutions that are environmentally friendly and meet rapidly evolving regulatory requirements.”
Modular Construction: Achieving Green Efficiency
“In the context of increasing demand for green building materials, the reliability of the supply chain directly impacts a company’s reputation. Finding the right suppliers is critical for the success of sustainable contractors,” says Heidtman, explaining how to build an efficient supply chain. “Suppliers must understand the importance of sustainability and provide materials that meet environmental standards.” Companies need to conduct thorough due diligence, from evaluating suppliers’ operational history to their commitment to sustainability, to lay a strong foundation for their future.
“For us, extending building lifespans is more important than reducing volume or enhancing recyclability,” says Heidtman. Sika’s solutions focus on ensuring construction projects can withstand external challenges. She emphasises that lightweight design helps clients produce products with smaller environmental footprints while increasing durability. “This approach not only protects the environment but also saves clients significant resources.”
“In modular construction, Sika’s experienced team helps clients quickly understand and adapt to market needs, thereby reducing costs,” Heidtman adds. She firmly believes employees are the cornerstone of corporate success. “Only well-trained employees can drive sustainable growth,” she states. Sika continuously invests in employee development to ensure they are equipped to meet new sustainability challenges. “We provide opportunities for continuous development, motivating them to create innovative products that benefit the company and allow them to achieve personal value in their careers.”
Transparent and Accountable Practices: Building the Gold Standard in Sustainable Construction
“Understanding one’s own needs is the first step in selecting the right supplier,” Heidtman noted, emphasising the importance of suppliers meeting environmental standards. “When evaluating suppliers, we consider a range of factors, including the environmental impact of their materials, cost, quality, delivery timelines, and sustainability.” To ensure that building materials do not harm the planet, Sika has developed a rigorous assessment process that not only requires suppliers to deliver consistent, long-term services but also ensures that materials adhere to environmental standards throughout their lifecycle.
“Some materials offered by suppliers are neither environmentally friendly nor supportive of a sustainable future. Such materials fail to meet the requirements of sustainable contractors. Therefore, Sika collaborates only with suppliers who balance quality and sustainability, ensuring the success of our solutions,” Heidtman explained. He further stressed that selecting the right suppliers is fundamental to corporate sustainability. “Craftsmen and suppliers alike are critical links in our supply chain. Regardless of the company’s size, choosing the right craftsmen and service providers is essential to our operations.” For every project, Sika verifies craftsmen’s licenses, insurance, and legal compliance to ensure they can deliver solutions aligned with sustainability goals.
“Comprehensive written proposals should include construction details, completion dates, and the potential impact of additional work,” Heidtman highlighted. Transparency and clear division of responsibilities in the procurement process are equally vital. To this end, Sika closely monitors construction processes in real time, ensuring that both techniques and materials meet high efficiency and environmental standards. “These measures help us minimise the environmental impact of construction projects and lay the foundation for sustainable progress in construction practices,” he concluded.
From Commitment to Action: Laying the Foundations for a Sustainable Future
According to market data, the global green building materials market is projected to surpass a value of $377 billion by next year. Heidtman stated that this figure reflects the high demand for sustainable materials while presenting Sika with unprecedented growth opportunities. “This is both a challenge and a tremendous opportunity for us. We will intensify our adoption of innovative technologies and solutions to ensure we remain at the forefront of the industry.” By continually advancing its technological and material innovations, Sika aims to further expand its influence in the market.
“My mission is to turn challenges into tangible results, making every challenge an important opportunity. Sika’s mission is to transform these opportunities into innovations that benefit both the industry and society,” Heidtman explained. With growing innovation in eco-friendly materials within the construction industry, Sika’s green building materials and technologies support customers in achieving green transformation, thereby strengthening its market leadership.
As such, Sika will continue to drive the development and application of green building materials while dedicating itself to transforming the construction industry’s operations through innovative solutions. These efforts aim to lay the foundation for the future of the construction sector, not only redefining industry norms but also making the world a better place:
“This is not merely about fulfilling our environmental commitments but about initiating the creation of a sustainable world for the next generation. Through these efforts, we hope to inspire more businesses to join the path of sustainable development and collectively propel the global construction industry towards a green revolution.”
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