Real estate is one of the worst carbon criminals, and concrete makes up the majority. The concrete manufacturing process emits more than 2 billion tons of carbon dioxide annually. That is why the competition continues to come up with alternatives to concrete under construction.
Based in Canada, Nexii has created a new wall system that the company claims to be not only climate safe, but also climate resistant. In just three years, it has grown to reach a $ 2 billion valuation and is expanding rapidly in the United States.
Nexii uses a unique material called Nexiite on the outside and uses a steel core to manufacture the panels. They are very strong, but do not contain concrete.
Walls are manufactured in factories and shipped to construction sites in a process that emits very little greenhouse gases, reducing labor, materials and waste. Construction waste accounts for about 40% of the amount that enters the landfill.
The walls are also recyclable.
“But the first thing you do is reassemble. You move the building and reuse it instead of recycling it. We already have some buildings that could do that. “CEO Stephen Sidwell said.
Nexiite is also resistant to the types of natural disasters that are likely to become more common as the atmosphere warms due to greenhouse gas emissions. Tests have shown that the panel is resistant to both fire and water, Sidwell said. It also insulates and saves energy costs and emissions associated with energy use.
The Nexiite walls already support several Starbucks, Popeyes, Marriott and other commercial buildings and can be used in residential areas.
“I can honestly say that the demand for this product is really insatiable,” says Sidwell. “Unfortunately, we can’t supply 99% of the leads we receive at this point, which is a big problem. We’re trying to expand as quickly as possible across North America.”
Serial entrepreneur Sidwell was the first investor in the company, but now has supporters such as Honeywell, Train, Lotus Capital and BD Capital. The company has raised $ 180 million so far.
Nexii has just opened a new factory in western Pennsylvania and is building another factory outside of Pittsburgh using its own materials. The Pittsburgh factory is affiliated with actor Michael Keaton, a self-proclaimed environmentalist.
“I’ve always been interested in design and construction, but only recently have I learned of the breakthrough impact of the construction industry on improving the environment by adopting innovative low-carbon technologies. “Keton said in the release.