Cementing a Better Way to Build

The construction industry is at a turning point. Global demands for infrastructure and housing are rising, but so are concerns about environmental impact, efficiency, and timelines. Buildings today account for 34% of global energy demand and contribute 37% of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions[1], making sustainability more critical than ever. Frequent repairs and reconstruction due to predictable disasters only drive-up costs and environmental impact. With severe weather events on the rise[2], construction must evolve to use materials that can withstand fire, water, wind, and extreme temperatures[3].

Cement has long been the most resilient building material, forming the backbone of our cities, bridges, and homes. But there’s a problem: it’s also one of the most carbon-intensive industries, responsible for 8% of global CO2 emissions[4]. The traditional process of manufacturing Portland cement releases massive amounts of carbon dioxide, and while it creates strong structures, it’s pushing the planet toward climate extremes.

The future of construction materials is evolving, and this is where cement technology truly shines. Just like a recipe, the final outcome is determined by the quality of the ingredients. The best buildings are built with the best materials. Enter magnesium oxide (MgO) cement—the superior ingredient. It offers all the resilience of traditional cement but with significant environmental advantages, providing a more sustainable solution without sacrificing performance. Not only does MgO cement reduce carbon emissions by up to half when made from carbon-free sources, but it also offers superior durability, fire resistance, and moisture protection.

Magnesium-based cements aren’t a novel idea—they’ve been around for centuries, featuring in monumental structures like the Great Wall of China, Roman aqueducts, and the Brooklyn Bridge. However, their full potential has yet to be realized on a global scale, especially in the North American market.

At ZS2 Technologies , we’ve taken this material and pushed it further by innovating both the production and applications of MgO cement to action industry solutions with climate technology. Historically, construction has been a trade-centric industry, but our approach is rooted in material science, led by a team of Ph.D. chemists. This has allowed us to develop advanced precast products and building materials that reduce carbon footprints, enhance resilience, and remain cost-competitive.

ZS2 was founded on the premise that chemistry and sustainability-driven innovation can close the gap in the construction industry. Our flagship product, TechBoard?, replaces traditional sheathing materials like plywood and OSB with a fire-, mold-, and water-resistant solution that also boosts structural strength. Building on the success of TechBoard?, we've expanded our product line to address the evolving challenges of modern construction.

Through our TechPanel? and TechClad systems, we offer both structural and non-structural prefabricated assemblies. TechPanel? integrates structure, insulation, and sheathing into a single system, while TechClad provides a non-structural insulated cladding solution. This panelized construction approach eliminates the need for multiple layers, delivering consistent thermal performance, reducing air leakage, and minimizing thermal bridging—all key to improving energy efficiency and durability.

Utilizing MgO cement technology, we ensure every component of the building envelope—whether for residential, commercial, or industrial projects—is designed for longevity and sustainability. This approach accelerates construction timelines, simplifies on-site work, and results in more resilient structures that meet today's performance demands while anticipating tomorrow's environmental needs.

Together, these products represent a new era in MgO building materials, with wide-ranging applications across various sectors. Our integrated systems streamline construction processes, enhance durability, and promote sustainability, pushing the boundaries of what MgO cement technology can achieve. By resisting fire, mold, and water while increasing structural capacity, these materials are both climate resilient and high-performance. This creates true sustainable construction—designing projects built to last.

We need construction solutions that are both climate-resilient for the present and environmentally responsible for the future. MgO cement offers the ultimate recipe for high-performance building materials.

[1] UNEP. (2024). Global status report for buildings and construction. UN Environment Programme.

[2] IEA. (2023). Breakthrough agenda report 2023. International Energy Agency.

[3] Deloitte. (2024). 2024 engineering and construction industry outlook.

[4] IEA. (2023). Breakthrough agenda report 2023. International Energy Agency.

?