Technology and Innovation Weekly Digest

Welcome to the Technology and Innovational digest where we explore the latest innovations driving sustainability and efficiency across the industry. This week, we will look at developments within construction real-estate and renewable energy that aim to revolutionise our approach to sustainability and efficiency.

Carbon-Free Asphalt Plant Uses Wood Dust in Germany

A carbon-free asphalt mixing plant has started production in Aichach, the first of its kind in Germany. Previously, the plant used around 600,00 litres of heating fuel annually, however they have now adopted wood dust as an energy source which will reduce CO2 emissions. The plant, which was created by an Altomünster-based road construction company in partnership with Benninghoven, uses wood dust as fuel for the modified EVO JET multi-fuel burner, which reduces expenses by about 20%. Despite regulatory delays and the need to meet strict air quality standards, the plant now operates with emissions 50% below the required levels.

For more information click here

IBM and JLL Launch Global ESG Reporting Solution for Commercial Properties

IBM and JLL have announced a global sustainability solution utilising IBM's Envizi ESG Suite and JLL’s sustainability services. This collaboration aims to address data management and ESG reporting challenges in the CRE sector. With the growing demand for low-carbon office spaces, this solution will help organisations capture and manage data across real estate portfolios to aid decision making and public reporting. The initial roll out will offer thousands of JLL client sites to adopt the IBM Envizi software. The partnership seeks to enhance decarbonisation strategies and improve sustainability performance.

For more information click here

Adaptive Raises $19 Million to Enhance AI-Powered Financial Platform for Construction

To expand its AI-powered finance platform for the construction sector, Adaptive has obtained $19 million in Series A funding. The platform was introduced in February 2023 and currently serves more than 280 businesses and oversees $1.4 billion in project activity. With the funding, Adaptive plans to reach more construction companies across the US and expand its product into an integrated financial ecosystem, connecting stakeholders together. By automating back-office procedures and providing tools for budgeting, cash flow analytics, and electronic payments, the platform resolves payment delays and cash flow problems.  

For more information click here

Lhoopa Secures $80M to Tackle Affordable Housing in Southeast Asia

Lhoopa, a proptech company focused on affordable housing, has raised $80 million in a funding round, marking one of the largest raises in Southeast Asia in 2024. The funding includes $20 million in equity from investors like the World Bank's IFC and Wavemaker Partners, and $60 million in debt from institutions such as the Asian Development Bank and the US International Development Finance Corporation. Founded in 2018, Lhoopa, a company founded in 2018, uses technology to build inexpensive homes in the Philippines, with plans to expand across Southeast Asia. The funding will enable Lhoopa to scale its operations, invest in data and technology, and launch green housing options, aiming to deliver over 15,000 affordable homes in the next three years.

For more information click here

Naked Energy Secures £17M to Expand Solar Heat and Power Solutions

Naked Energy has raised £17 million in a Series B fundraising round to expedite its global expansion and solar technology adoption. Partnering with E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions and receiving additional investment from Barclays, Naked Energy plans to accelerate international distribution. Naked Energy's Virtu solar collectors have a high energy density and can reduce CO2 emissions by up to four times in comparison to traditional solar panels.

For more information click here