The construction sector is undergoing a profound transformation. This change is driven by the climate emergency and the urgent need to reduce CO₂ emissions. Today, buildings are responsible for an estimated 40% of global carbon emissions.
In response, new approaches to sustainable construction are emerging. One of them is OPENLY, an innovative bionic building system designed for both new developments and refurbishment projects.
Moreover, OPENLY promotes the use of low-carbon construction materials that also act as carbon sinks. As a result, buildings can become long-term carbon reservoirs rather than sources of emissions. Unlike conventional systems, OPENLY is an open construction system rather than a predefined building typology.
Furthermore, OPENLY aims to share and expand its building system to maximise its positive environmental impact. To achieve this, the initiative offers knowledge and practical experience through Openly.lab.
Openly.lab organises one-day intensive training courses for building owners and construction professionals. These sessions help clients commission projects using the right materials. At the same time, they support architects in selecting low-carbon building materials and designing for circularity and long-term performance.
In addition, OPENLY hosts regular open days to showcase the project. Visitors can explore Openly Valley Widnau and experience first-hand how a different, more sustainable way of building is already becoming a reality.
HONEXT as part of Openly Valley Widnau first apartment building in Europe to be built completely CO2 neutral.
Openly Valley Widnau is a pilot building located in Switzerland. It is also the largest hemp building in Europe.
The project was created to demonstrate that climate-efficient construction is achievable. Moreover, by capturing carbon, buildings can even become CO₂ neutral. As part of this pioneering initiative, HONEXT® was selected for the interior wall cladding, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable built environment.
Furthermore, HONEXT® panels are manufactured entirely from recovered waste fibres. As a result, they are circular by design and carbon negative. This makes them a truly sustainable solution for architects and designers looking to reduce the environmental impact of buildings.
Certifications such as Cradle to Cradle Certified® or C2C Certified Material Health Certificate™ GOLD LEVEL endorse our carbon negative products.
As a society, we must change the way we build and transform our environment.
We need to switch to local, fossil-free and preferably cement-free building materials that can be reused for to achive CO2 neutral building.
We are at a key moment of development change towards a circular model and we must join in and accelerate the process if we want to reverse the negative effects of climate change on our planet.