TCC-CIMET Researcher Collaborates with ETH Zurich on Sustainable Construction

This October, Michael Commeh from the TCC International Centre for Innovation, Manufacturing, Technology Transfer, and Entrepreneurship (TCC-CIMET), KNUST visited ETH Zurich – Chair of Sustainable Construction in Switzerland, thanks to the ETH for Development (ETH4D) Visiting Scientist Grant. The exchange supported his ongoing collaboration with Mareike Thiedeitz at ETH Zurich and advanced research on sustainable, climate-resilient building materials.

Over the course of the month, Michael and the ETH Zurich team explored methods to construct buildings that are climate-resilient, resource-efficient, and affordable. Drawing on his extensive expertise in small-scale pyrolysis systems, waste valorization, and renewable energy, Michael investigated how biochar from various biogenic waste sources in Ghana can be applied in construction materials—ranging from cement and concrete to stabilized laterite and clay blocks.

The collaboration opens exciting avenues for practical sustainable construction initiatives, including the early-stage planning of a school in Mole National Park, which will leverage locally available resources and biochar-based material solutions.

Reflecting on the exchange, TCC-CIMET expressed gratitude to ETH for development for enabling the research collaboration and celebrated Michael’s contribution to advancing climate action and sustainable development in Ghana and beyond.

“This partnership has been incredibly inspiring, demonstrating the potential for waste valorization and biochar application to transform sustainable construction practices both in Ghana and internationally,” said the TCC-CIMET team.

The Centre looks forward to continuing this collaboration, developing practical solutions that integrate innovation, renewable energy, and sustainable construction practices for communities in Ghana and around the world