Construction

14Trees 3D printing technology has been building affordable and low-carbon housing and schools in Africa. (Image source: BII)

Innovative startups 14Trees and Paebbl are set to receive investment from Holcim and Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund

14Trees, which was established as a joint venture between Holcim and BII to accelerate the provision of sustainable construction solutions in Africa, will receive funding by Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund as well as a follow-on investment by Holcim. With the company carving a name for itself by pioneering the delivery of the first 3D-printed house in Africa, the world’s first 3D-printed schools, and one of the largest 3D-printed neighbourhoods across the globe, the injection of capital will be used to accelerate its construction of large-scale buildings, including low-carbon data centres.

“We are excited to count Amazon and Holcim as investors in 14 Trees, to take our successful 3D-printed technology from homes and schools to data centers, to deliver low-carbon and high-performance buildings,” remarked Francois Perrot, managing director, 14Trees.

Carbon dioxide concrete storage

Paebbl converts CO2 into a future-proof industrial raw material that turns the built environment into a permanent carbon store. The investment into the company, meanwhile, is part of a broader investment round to scale its advanced mineralisation technology which is designed to permanently store CO2 in concrete as a carbon sink.

Marta Sjögren, co-founder and co-CEO, Paebbl, surmised, “We are thrilled to welcome first movers in their respective fields, Amazon and Holcim, as first commercial partners to bring our vision to market. This funding round enables us to take even bolder steps in our mission to make the built environment a cornerstone of the decarbonised economy.”

Nollaig Forrest, chief sustainability officer, Holcim, added, “By investing with Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund into 14Trees and Paebbl, we can scale up these pioneering technologies to push the boundaries of sustainable building, from 3D printing to making concrete a carbon sink.”

The new Volvo L110H and L120H wheel loaders are designed to improve output. (Image source: Volvo CE)

Replacing the F- and Gz-series, the new generation L110H and L120H wheel loaders from Volvo Construction Equipment offer higher performance, lower costs, and a better operator experience

1: Up to 28% greater fuel efficiency

Featuring a new Volvo engine and electronic platform, an improved transmission with OptiShift technology, and optional automatic engine shutdown, the L110H and L120H reduce fuel consumption and component wear, helping customers to maximise their resources.

2: Up to 12% productivity boost

With a higher 5-6 t lifting capacity and optimised hydraulics, the new Volvo L110H and L120H wheel loaders are designed to improve output. The enhanced torque and high breakout force allow users to handle more material faster, cutting down cycle times and boosting overall productivity.

3: Up to 6% higher tipping loads

The L110H and L120H have increased tipping loads by up to 6%, perfect for heavier-duty tasks such as tipping into taller trucks. With an improved rimpull control system, customers will also enjoy smoother loading and better hill climbing performance.

4: Enhanced operator experience

The upgraded cabs on the L110H and L120H are not just ergonomic, they are smarter too. The standard electric servo controls offer greater customisation, and options like Comfort Drive Control make truck loading smoother. Plus, the Volvo Co-Pilot Load Assist Operator Coaching function helps operators reach peak performance with real-time feedback and guidance, improving operational efficiency. Other options include a Collision Mitigation System and new LED lighting packages.

5: Simplified maintenance and extended service life

Spend less time on upkeep and more time working. The new L110H and L120H offer grouped service points, an easy-to-access engine hood, and a hydraulic tilting cab for quick component access. In addition, with features like the Tire Pressure Monitoring System new lockout-tagout (LOTO) system, battery and fuel system protection, and extended service intervals, Volvo has designed these models for convenience and long-term reliability.

Visit the Volvo CE Africa website to learn more about the new L110H and L120H wheel loaders or contact your local Volvo dealer.

This article is authored by Volvo CE.

ECOWAS handed over the project to SCEGC, the contractor, and super-visiting consultant, AIM Consult. (Image source: ECOWAS)

Construction of a bridge over the Cavally River has officially commenced following the handover of the site by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to the contractor, SCEGC, and super-visiting consultant, AIM Consult

Considered a vital piece of infrastructure, the bridge will help to connect Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia and supports ECOWAS’s Vision 2050 goals of enhancing regional trade, transport connectivity and economic cooperation across West Africa.

“The 288-meter Bridge over the Cavally River is more than just an infrastructure project – it is a gateway to economic transformation for Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, and the entire West African region,” remarked the Ag. director of transport for the ECOWAS Commission, Chris Appiah, on behalf of the president, Alieu Touray Omar. “This bridge which addresses a major missing link on the Dakar-Abidjan corridor is expected to improve trade, reduce transportation costs, and create jobs, directly contributing to regional integration and economic growth.”

Designed as a two-lane, reinforced concrete cable-stay bridge, the structure will be built to withstand the environmental challenges the area poses. Physical work for the delivery of the project is expected to take 24 months, and plans for a temporary construction camp and material logistics through the Port of San Pedro were also discussed. At the ceremony, ECOWAS also highlighted the project’s additional social initiatives, including the development of markets, sanitation facilities, and employment opportunities for local communities.

Superintendent of Maryland County, Liberia, Henry Cole, Jr., stated, “This bridge represents more than a physical connection; it symbolises economic growth and collaboration for Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire. Our communities have long awaited improved infrastructure, and this project will open new economic frontiers for both nations.”