# 213. Dehumidifying Walls Help Switzerland Hit Net Zero By 2050

- Show: [The Next Byte Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast)
- Published: 2025-03-04
- Length: 17m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-03-04-213-dehumidifying-walls-help-switzerland-hit-net-zero-by-2050
- Listen: https://the-next-byte-wevolver.simplecast.com/episodes/213-dehumidifying-walls-help-switzerland-hit-net-zero-by-2050-wP7w0Ekx

## Summary

The hosts discuss research from ETH Zurich on dehumidifying walls made from marble waste and geopolymer binders, designed to passively absorb humidity and reduce energy consumption in buildings. They analyze the binder jet 3D printing process used to create the porous macro-structure and critique the scalability of this manufacturing method for large-scale construction. The conversation covers simulation results showing significant comfort improvements, potential carbon payback periods, and the structural challenges of retrofitting such materials into existing European and American building frameworks.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-03-04-213-dehumidifying-walls-help-switzerland-hit-net-zero-by-2050#t=0) Introduction: Passive Dehumidification and Comfort
- [4:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-03-04-213-dehumidifying-walls-help-switzerland-hit-net-zero-by-2050#t=245) Material Science: Marble Waste and Geopolymers
- [6:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-03-04-213-dehumidifying-walls-help-switzerland-hit-net-zero-by-2050#t=403) Manufacturing: Binder Jet 3D Printing Process
- [9:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-03-04-213-dehumidifying-walls-help-switzerland-hit-net-zero-by-2050#t=573) Validation: Simulation Results and Comfort Index
- [12:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-03-04-213-dehumidifying-walls-help-switzerland-hit-net-zero-by-2050#t=755) Critique: Scalability and Structural Viability

## Topics

- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Sustainability & circular products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sustainability-and-circularity)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- ETH Zurich (company)
- marble waste (material)
- geopolymer (material)
- potassium silicate (material)
- binder jet (tool)

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- [A Mission to Decarbonize the Construction Industry with Keegan Kirkpatrick, Founder and CEO of RedWorks](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2024-02-29-a-mission-to-decarbonize-the-construction-industry-with-keegan-kirkpatrick-found) (Hardware to Save a Planet)
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## Citing this page

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