SCOTTISH firm KenoteQ has won the 12th edition of the Sacyr Innovation Awards by the Sacyr Foundation. The award-giving ceremony, which took place yesterday evening, was conducted by journalist Ángeles Blanco and counted on the presence of Juan Verde, expert in innovation and sustainable economy.
The Sacyr Foundation has recognized this firm’s solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused by edification projects. Out of the 276 submissions, KenoteQ’s proposal is the one that adjusts best to one of the four challenges issued by Sacyr in the framework of its open innovation program, Sacyr iChallenges.
In addition, the Sacyr Foundation gave a runner-up prize to Israeli firm ITC, for their technology to promote sustainable mobility.
KenoteQ has developed the K-briq, the most sustainable brick product alternative available in the market. Over 90% of the composition of the K-briq is certified recycled construction and demolition waste. Its technical characteristics are comparable with or improve on that of traditional bricks, for their structure, resistance, acoustics, or lifespan. Additionally, it is more heat insulating than traditional bricks.
The production process does not require high-temperature firing, virgin cement, or large volumes of clay, making it a highly attractive alternative. It is a solution that allows to significantly reduce the emissions associated with the production of construction materials at our sites and given its maturity, has a high potential to be implemented in some of our projects that are in the design phase or that are scheduled to start shortly.
KenoteQ’s solution answers to the GHG in construction challenge issued in this edition of Sacyr iChallenges to find new solutions to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the development phase of construction.
KenoteQ’s (United Kingdom), Fortera’s (United States) and EH Group’s (Switzerland) ideas were the finalists that best answered to this challenge.
Manuel Manrique, Chairman of Sacyr, highlighted that “since its creation, the company has dedicated itself to technical innovation for optimal project execution”. “Now, innovation has spread to all members of the organization, and we have surrounded ourselves by external innovation agents”, he explained.
“With innovation we are able to better respond to our clients and their present and future needs; with an ever-increasing focus on sustainability,” Manrique added.
