Tag Archives: concrete

Finance

Over Fifty Nature Positive Investible Opportunities via World Economic Forum

Leave a comment

New Analysis Identifies 50+ Investible Opportunities Delivering Financial Returns

  • More than 50 investible opportunities, across 13 sectors, that are already generating revenue or cost savings for industry and investors have been identified by new World Economic Forum research.
  • Though more than half of global GDP is highly or moderately dependent on nature, capital continues to flow disproportionately towards nature-negative activities, leading to potential systemic risks and undervalued business opportunities.
  • From precision agriculture and sustainable cement to battery recycling and industrial water management, growing numbers of investment opportunities can both protect nature and deliver returns for investors.
  • Learn more about the report here.

Geneva, Switzerland, March 2026 – More than 50 investible opportunities could turn capital flows into lucrative nature-positive business practices and contribute up to $10.1 trillion in annual business revenues and cost savings by 2030, according to a new World Economic Forum report just launched.

The report, 50 Investible Opportunities for a New Nature Economy, developed in collaboration with Oliver Wyman, also highlights how nature risk and capital flow misalignment represents a growing systemic economic risk and a significant missed commercial opportunity for business.


This comes at a time when global capital flows remain deeply misaligned. According to the United National Environment Programme (UNEP), an estimated $7.3 trillion continues to be invested annually in activities that degrade ecosystems, compared to roughly $220 billion invested in nature-based solutions. The report’s 50 investible opportunities offer revenue-generating and cost-saving approaches to close this gap.

Who Is Falling Behind?


Similar to the Paris Agreement for climate targets, the international community is falling behind on biodiversity targets. Renewed action and novel strategies are needed to meet goals of halting and reversing nature loss by 2030.

“We need to transition towards an economic system that delivers prosperity within planetary boundaries,” said Sebastian Buckup, Managing Director, World Economic Forum. “Industries, including the financial sector, will pursue this not just as an act of corporate social responsibility or impact investing but because it makes good business sense to do so.”

As companies face increasing exposure to water scarcity, soil degradation, pollution and tightening environmental regulation, nature-related risks are no longer abstract sustainability concerns but material financial issues affecting long-term profitability.

Drawing on analysis of approximately 250 business activities, the report identifies 50+ investment-ready opportunities across 13 high-impact sectors to support halting and reversing nature loss by 2030.
From precision agriculture and sustainable concrete to battery recycling and industrial water management, these solutions reduce pressure on land, water and resources while generating revenue growth, cost savings and risk mitigation.

WEF_The_Future_Of_Nature_And_Business_2020Download

Case Study: Sustainable Cement and Concrete Blends


For example, the report looks at sustainable concrete blends as an investible opportunity. These blends reduce reliance on newly quarried raw materials by substituting a portion with recycled industrial byproducts or recovered construction materials. They provide similar structural performance to traditional concrete while helping companies meet regulatory standards and growing market demand for low-impact building solutions.

These blends also have an array of nature benefits, including reducing new quarrying, lowering pollution and reducing the energy intensity needed for new concrete.

While these products are commercially viable today and can often be integrated into existing production facilities with moderate capital investment, many sustainable blends retail at a higher price than conventional concrete, as the latter benefits from established logistics, economies of scale and similar factors that lower costs. As economies of scale are built and business models are derisked, sustainable concrete offers an opportunity for investors to put capital towards a business-ready, nature-positive solution that can generate returns.

“At its core, this is a capital allocation challenge,” said Derek Baraldi, Head of Sustainable Finance, World Economic Forum. “Financial institutions and businesses that integrate nature into strategy today are not just managing risk but positioning themselves for competitive advantage.”

The Role of Capital and Financial Institutions

Financial institutions can help scale these solutions by providing the capital companies need to invest in new production processes and facilities. They can also reduce risk through tools such as sustainability-linked loans, guarantees or blended financing, helping innovative materials reach the market faster.

To support financial institutions looking to invest in nature-positive solutions, the report outlines five priority actions for financial institutions to mobilize capital into nature-positive opportunities. By strengthening internal “nature fluency”, innovating financial products, building coalitions, improving data use and leveraging nature transition conversations to surface investible opportunities, financiers can build a robust pipeline of nature-positive opportunities to deliver both mainstream and sustainable finance.



Business depends on reliable water supplies, fertile soils, biomass and ecosystem services such as pollination and flood protection. Industry successes are already delivering value while supporting nature-positive goals, such as industrial water management to tackle water shortages and precision agriculture techniques that save farmers input costs while reducing fertilizer run-off into waterways. Realigning capital flows with nature-positive investments that protect biodiversity and offer financial returns is essential to safeguarding the natural systems which underpin the global economy.

More about Nature-Positive Transitions


The World Economic Forum’s Nature-Positive Transitions report series explores transformative pathways to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030. Focusing on critical sectors, the series highlights the dual impacts and dependencies of these industries on nature, alongside the priority actions businesses can take to avoid and reduce negative impacts, mitigate nature-related risks, build resilience and unlock opportunities across value chains. Nine sectors have been involved: technology, automotive, cement and concrete, chemicals, household and personal care products, mining and metals, ports and offshore wind.

The World Economic Forum provides a global, impartial, not-for-profit platform and insights to support meaningful connections between political, business, academic, civil society and other leaders. (www.weforum.org).

For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.

Vintage

Historic Mid Century Modern Case Study House #16

Leave a comment
case study house announcement mid century modern historic homesDownload
Los Angeles’s Case Study House #16
Vintage mid-century modern homes are as popular today as they were when built in the 1950s and ’60s. Arts & Architecture magazine’s post-war Case Study Houses, for example, rarely come up for sale, and when they do, are usually snapped up by aficionados almost as quickly as the listing goes into print. Case Study House #16 is now for sale and priced at $5.4 million usd/ $7.4 million cad.

When World War II ended and the American troops were returning home, it was the start of the baby boom and a monumental housing shortage. Well-known architects in the country were asked to design simple, affordable homes that could be built en masse.


The magazine Arts & Architecture put out a challenge to architects that included Richard Neutra, Raphael Soriano, Craig Ellwood and Ray Eames. The Case Study Houses were numbered 1 through 28, and two apartments were included. They were built from 1945 sporadically through 1966. Thirteen were never built, and from the ones that were, at least three were later demolished. A couple of them have been renovated rather than restored, and the rest are lived in and cared for today.

NUMBER 16

Number 16 was the first of three Case Study Houses designed by Craig Ellwood. Completed in 1953 in Bel Air, the house was innovative in its use of exposed steel-structural framing and floor-to-ceiling glass walls to optimize the views and open to the grounds, making it feel twice the size.

Ellwood was actually an engineer rather than an architect, and placed a lot of emphasis on the stability of the structure using steel, glass, and concrete built on a slab. The 1,664-square-foot home with two bedrooms and two baths is just as contemporary today as when it was built. The living room has a dramatic stone fireplace set into the glass wall that extends beyond it into a terraced area. Set into mature landscaping, the house appears to rest on a cushion of greenery.

Study 16 MCM House vintage magazine article arts and architectureDownload

The historic Case Study House #16 is for sale in Bel Air, Los Angeles, California. Priced at $5.4 million usd/ $7.4 million cad, the listing agent is Veronika Sznajder with Crosby Doe Associates. For the Silo, Bob Walsh/ toptenrealestatedeals.com

Sci-Tech

Here Is How Concrete Contractors Adapt To Canada Winter

Leave a comment

Concrete workers are unsung heroes. Their work doesn’t end, even when winter hits and the temperature drops.

Unlike people who work in the warmth of an indoor space, they may not have the luxury of avoiding the harsh weather. 

Without the right precautions, they may suffer from problems such as hypothermia, frostbite, or trench foot. The wet weather can also increase their risk of injury. If the weather is extremely harsh, then work can be called off for safety reasons. 

However, workers who are trained and experienced to work in cities that experience colder climates usually adapt well. For example, if you need someone to help you with concrete cutting in Calgary – then you can easily find a reputable and professional locally owned and operated company that’s been serving clients in cold climates for decades. 

Here are a few ways concrete contractors adapt to the winter: 

#1 They Pay Attention to the Weather Forecast

When working outside, contractors pay attention to the weather forecast. They identify potential weather-related issues so that they can prepare in advance. They also try to use daylight to their advantage and have artificial light to help if necessary. 

#2 They Protect Their Body

When working in the cold, concrete contractors usually wear multiple layers. Some also wear insulated clothes, which shield the skin from moisture, and thermal undergarments. The outer layers are waterproof and quickly removable. On their heads, they may wear a wool liner under their hard hat. 

In the winter, contractors may take more short breaks to warm up their bodies or their clothes. They may also try to get the most work done during the warmest part of the day. The buddy system also comes in handy during the winter, where partners can look out for each other. 

#3 They Protect Their Hands

Gloves are especially important in the winter. Many contractors prefer leather gloves because they’re more resistant than cotton gloves, which can get damp. When the temperature drops to less than 20 C, they may switch to mittens. However, mittens aren’t always practical for work. 

#4 They Protect Their Feet

Waterproof boots are a must in the winter. Contractors may treat their leather boots to waterproof them further and wear insulated socks. They may also wear multiple layers of socks, with the outer sock being the largest size. Some carry extra socks in case they need to work outdoors for longer periods. 

#5 They Protect Their Equipment 

After donning the proper equipment, concrete contractors also take precautions with their equipment. They avoid using cold tools because this can lead to problems. Instead, the tools are warmed up before they can contact concrete.  

Tools with metal handlebars are treated with extra caution. Metal handles are covered with an insulating material to protect workers. Usually, contractors only use equipment that’s designed to be handled with gloves or mittens. Contractors may also use powerful tools that are integrated with dust collection to avoid cutting wet. 

These are a few ways concrete contractors adapt to the winter when doing outdoor work. With the right precautions and appreciation from their clients, they get the job done correctly and safely.