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Europe needs a binding 2040 renewables target
30.06.2026 WindEurope called on EU Energy Ministers to commit to a binding renewables target for 2040. Without it, Europe risks stalling the investment momentum that has made renewables its most powerful energy security tool. Targets work. The EU's 2030 renewables target has accelerated wind and solar deployment, shielded Europe from fossil fuel price volatility and unlocked billions in manufacturing investment across the continent. With the Middle East crisis ongoing and energy prices still a political flashpoint, the case for home-grown electricity has never read more

Siemens brings digital intelligence to fire safety
30.06.2026 Siemens unveiled its new Acend Intelligent notification portfolio, transforming traditional fire safety into a digital and connected approach. With the new offering, fire safety notification evolves from a reactive function into a data-driven, operationally integrated system that enhances safety and minimizes operational disruptions. This marks an important technological milestone on the path toward human-centric autonomous buildings. In industry environments where uninterrupted operations are critical, such as healthcare, hospitality, commercial read more

Philips Hue expands portfolio with wired switches and Play lamps
30.06.2026 Signify announced a new range Philips Hue smart lighting innovations, designed to give users more ways to personalize and control lighting throughout their homes. The latest additions include wired switches that bring smart control to traditional lighting fixtures, new Philips Hue Play table and floor lamps for immersive entertainment experiences, and upgraded candle bulbs, featuring enhanced lighting performance and full-spectrum daylight technology. The new Philips Hue Wired On/Off Switch and Wired Dimmer Switch allow users to control compatible read more

Potain tower cranes support major hospital-campus build in Milwaukee
29.06.2026 Froedtert Hospital is undergoing a major campus expansion that includes a new six-story parking garage with four elevators, three stair towers and a skywalk that links to a new expansion of its main hospital building. With limited laydown area inside an active healthcare campus, the project's contractors chose Potain tower cranes to reduce their reliance on ground staging and minimize the site footprint. The overriding goal is to complete construction with zero disruption to hospital operations. Reynolds Rigging & Crane Service understood the importance and read more

Leica Geosystems’ new Leica RTC series
29.06.2026 Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, announced the launch of the all-new Leica RTC series of terrestrial laser scanners: the Leica RTC300, 500, and 700. Built on Leica Geosystems' decades of leadership in terrestrial laser scanning, the new series delivers substantial improvements in scanning speed, accuracy, and range, while introducing real-time workflow connectivity that keeps field and office teams aligned from first scan to final deliverable. The new RTC series combines the speed, capability and versatility of the Leica RTC360 with the robustness and read more

Philips Skylight, designed to bring the feeling of daylight indoors
29.06.2026 Signify announced Philips Skylight, a new ceiling lighting range designed to recreate the feeling of daylight indoors. Inspired by the natural brightness, depth and rhythm of sunlight, Philips Skylight combines advanced LED lighting technologies with intuitive everyday experiences to help people feel more connected to natural light — even while indoors. As people spend an increasing amount of time indoors, access to natural daylight has become more limited. New Signify research found that 58% feel they spend too much time indoors, while read more

How light helps playing fields stay match-ready
31.05.2026 Before kickoff, there is silence throughout the stadium. Floodlights illuminate the pitch, every blade of grass precisely trimmed, dense, and vibrantly green. But soon, the turf will endure hours of intense match play — sprints, tackles, and sudden stops. For groundskeepers preparing pitches for major tournaments such as the upcoming Soccer World Championship, perfect grass is by no means a given. It is rather the result of careful planning, horticultural expertise, and the right lighting technology. But the role of light in plant growth goes far beyond read more

John Deere's New 844 and 904 X-Tier Wheel Loaders
31.05.2026 John Deere is expanding its production-class equipment portfolio with the introduction of 844 and 904 X-Tier Wheel Loaders. Engineered to help high-production customers move more material while burning less fuel, the new X-Tier machines bring together advanced electrified drivetrain technology, intelligent machine controls, and optional operator awareness features to deliver measurable productivity and value. "In high-production, harsh environments, every pass and cycle matters," said Colton Kreber, marketing manager, John Deere. read more

Philips Smart Lighting turns the home into an experience
31.05.2026 Lighting is stepping out of the background and into the spotlight as Philips Smart Lighting expands its Wi-Fi-based smart lighting portfolio. The new products are designed to help people shape spaces that reflect their mood, personality and lifestyle - through lighting that adapts effortlessly to every moment. Building on its existing range of smart bulbs and accessories, Philips Smart Lighting now expands into a broader portfolio designed to support both everyday ambience and immersive entertainment experiences. The expanded range makes it easy to read more


exhibitions and other events

Watertech China 2026 for global water professionals
23.04.2026 As the global water sector moves toward smarter, greener and more efficient development, Watertech China 2026 will return from June 9–11, 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). read more

Fensterbau Frontale & Holz-handwerk give the industry a strong voice
29.03.2026 The FENSTERBAU FRONTALE and HOLZ-HANDWERK 2026 trade fair duo came to a successful close after four days. From 24 to 27 March 2026, Nuremberg once again became the heart of the international window, door, façade and woodworking trade with around 75, 000 visitors from 117 countries and 1, 022 exhibitors from 47 countries. The next event is already scheduled for 28 to 31 March 2028. The new FENSTERBAU FRONTALE Stage focused on energy-efficient refurbishment, mass production, climate adaptation, the circular economy and digital planning processes. The FENSTERBAU FRONTALE Forum also offered a dedicated, in-depth platform for specialist knowledge and practical insights. read more

David Chipperfield Architects to design Nobel Centre in Sweden
31.01.2026 The Nobel Foundation presents the first design of the Nobel Center project – a public building for science, literature and peace. The building is designed by David Chipperfield Architects. read more

Fensterbau Frontale 2026 brings the industry together
20.01.2026 From 24 to 27 March 2026, Fensterbau Frontale will open its doors in Nuremberg at 10 a.m. as usual, together with Holz-Handwerk, and will once again be the international industry meeting place for windows, doors and façades. The response has been positive: with an area similar to that of 2024, it once again secures a strong basis for successful encounters. The overview of exhibitors and products is constantly updated on the website. The focus is on topics such as energy-efficient renovation, serial and modular construction, recycling and circular economy, safety and climate-proof construction methods. In this way, the event responds to the central challenges facing the construction and architecture industry. read more


industry news

Obayashi makes Multiplex a subsidiary
26.06.2026 Japan’s Obayashi Group, one of the country’s five largest construction companies, has announced it will acquire 100% of the shares of UK-headquartered contractor Multiplex, a company operating construction businesses in Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada, from previous owner Brookfield, an investment firm. read more

Europe’s construction growth in 2026 is lower than previously forecast
26.06.2026 The outlook for the European construction sector remains cautiously positive, but growth is forecast to be slower than previously expected. Since the Euroconstruct, Europe's leading construction market forecasting network, forecast in November 2025, the operating environment for construction has changed in many ways. read more

Hochtief consortium to build Prague Metro Line D
14.04.2026 Hochtief and its consortium partners have secured the contract for the next construction phase of Prague's new Metro Line D. Delivered for the Prague Public Transport Company, the contract, has a total value of EUR 1.23 billion, and will generate revenue for Hochtief of EUR 428 million. read more

Otis to support China’s urban renewal
07.04.2026 Farmington-based elevator and escalator maker Otis Worldwide and the China Development Research Foundation (CDRF), a leading think tank and philanthropic organization, are collaborating to educate and develop the next generation of elevator service professionals in China. The partnership will integrate the decade-long Otis Technical Academy initiative into CDRF's For the Future vocational education program to support the development and pipeline expansion of skilled elevator technicians across China. Beginning in 2026, the program will launch in South China, with plans to expand to other areas in the country and is expected to benefit more than 800 students annually. read more

Vinci acquires nine highway concessions in India
07.04.2026 Vinci Highways, a subsidiary of Vinci Concessions, has signed an agreement with Macquarie Asia Infrastructure Fund 2, which is managed by Macquarie Asset Management, to acquire the Safeway Concessions portfolio, comprising nine toll highway concessions in the States of Andhra Pradesh, in south-east India, and Gujarat, in the west of the country. read more

SOM reveals 272m-tall tower in Kazakhstan
27.03.2026 The Alatau Iconic Complex and Gateway District is designed to support long-term growth and opportunity in the Almaty region. Located along the Almaty-Qonaev highway, a key section of the Western Europe-Western China transport corridor, Alatau is planned to span 88,000 hectares across four districts. At the centre of this vision, SOM’s Iconic Complex forms a 276,800-square-meter vertical district defined by a pair of gateway towers. Inspired by the surrounding Trans-Ili Alatau—a 350-kilometre range of valleys, glaciers, and stratified terrain—the design translates these local natural formations into architecture, creating a unique identity rooted in the Kazakh landscape. read more

Skanska invests in residential project in Prague, Czech Republic
09.03.2026 Skanska invests CZK 917M, about SEK 400M, in the final phase of the residential project Albatros Kbely in Prague, Czech Republic. This phase will feature 178 low-energy apartments, completing a fully-fledged urban district with extensive public spaces and civic amenities right in the neighborhood. Comprising approximately 688 housing units in total, the project is delivered in five phases, of which the final phase consists of 178 apartments. The dominant feature of the project will be an abundance of green parks and numerous civic amenities located directly within the new neighborhood. read more

BAM reports full year 2025 financial results
25.02.2026 Royal BAM Group nv, construction and property development company listed on Euronext Amsterdam with over 150 years of experience in delivering sustainable buildings, homes and infrastructure for public and private sector clients. The company operates in its home markets the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Ireland and also has activities in Belgium. With approximately 13,500 employees, BAM realised a revenue of €7 billion in 2025. read more

Japan's government approved two-storey 3D-printed concrete house
17.02.2026 First two-floor, 3D-printed reinforced concrete house has been completed in Miyagi Prefecture. Concrete printing startup Kizuki made it with builder Onocom using a custom Cobod 3D-printer, enabling printing from half a metre below ground to a height of 7m. They used 39 cu m of material to get a total printed area of 50-sq-m. The ground floor measures 31 sq m, the upper floor 19 sq m. read more


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