The way we live today in the Global North is built on the construction of high-quality housing and infrastructure. Unfortunately, the way it was done led to resource scarcity and significant carbon emissions. As the emerging economies strive for a better life for present and future generations, it is vital to rethink construction and limit future emissions. This requires a paradigm and technology shift in the construction sector. As native Togolese growing up in a clay house, award winning Dr. Gnanli Landrou challenges the status quo in construction with his ETH spin-off Oxara. With the goal in mind to enable sustainable construction and affordable housing to help Africa and the rest of the world, Oxara is developing a cement-free concrete made from waste excavation material and construction demolition waste.

Stories make us human. Stories shape our life. For good and for bad. Stories are always life stories. Those of ideas, diversity, experience, wisdom or passion. And that of things coming to life – or not, depending on the story being told. Storytelling therefore is key when it comes to sustainability and the built environment, which is crafted to cater to human needs and interaction. And storytelling is also one of the four key areas of the TPF. Marc Engelhardt, journalist and book author will share some background about his work at Correctiv and the project with TPF.