Nenad Lj. Stamenkovic, TM Roofing Manager at Sika Serbia – We combine economic success with ecological and social responsibility

eKapija: What are the basic principles you adhere to?

– Sustainable solutions and more value

Sika solutions include a wide range of sustainable and cost-efficient building systems that meet specific requirements in line with specific standards.

They provide superior durability and additional benefits in the use phase .

Project-specific green building program packages such as LEED, BREEAM, etc.

Less impact

Sika solutions have a lower energy footprint than most other solutions analyzed (energy and resource efficiency solutions).

eKapija: How can Sika solutions contribute to sustainable construction?

– Proven long-lasting high performance systems can make a major contribution to sustainable construction. Raw materials, production, application, the use phase and maintenance have significant influence on the overall sustainability performance.

Sika`s activities are divide into several production or business areas and for each we can mention the environmental impacts we are focused on:

TM Concrete

Sika develops a complete range of admixtures and additives for use in concrete, cement, and mortar production. These products enhance specific properties of fresh or hardened concrete, such as workability, watertightness, durability, load-bearing capacity, and early and final strength. The demand for admixtures and additives is rising as engineers require better performance from concrete and mortar, especially in urban areas and for infrastructure. The global demand is rising because Sika additives reduce the need for basic materials such as aggregates and cement.

The basic requirement in the TM Flooring segment, in addition to high quality and durability, is the lower content of volatile organic compounds or Low VOC. This refers to the production of synthetic polyurethane and epoxy flooring systems with expanding application in commercial, food, industrial and public facilities.

As the manager of the TM Roofing sector today I will focus on roofing systems. Sika provides a full range of flat roofing systems, incorporating both flexible sheet and liquid-applied membranes. Sika is recognized as a top tier brand in roofing markets with the longest history for single-ply membranes. In 2022, Sika celebrated 60 years of roofing excellence with Sika Sarnafil® roofing systems.

I can confidently say that Sika roofing solutions are of outstanding quality – they are reliable, sustainable, and proven long-lasting. The demand in this segment is driven by the need for eco-friendly, energy-saving solutions such as green roof systems, cool roofs, and solar roofs, which help reduce CO2 emissions.

Liquid-applied polyurethane and polyurea membranes provide low noise emissions, no dusting, vibrations and require no flame for installation. For both markets, Sika’s innovative roofing systems provide everything that’s needed, including vapor control layers, adhesives, thermal insulation, fixation, roof drainages, and accessories. The company has developed an efficient system for leak monitoring and detection.

The global energy crisis with the production and supply of electricity increased the demand for the installation of solar power systems on flat roofs of industrial facilities.

A solar roof or rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system is a setup where electricity-generating solar panels are mounted on the roof, utilizing the prime exposure of the rooftop to sunlight and creating one of the most environmentally friendly roofs possible.

In this segment, Sika provides technical support for performing analyses and solar feasibility studies as well as every possible solution for fixing PV panels, glass manufacturing, protection for non-slip flooring, etc.

eKapija: What innovations can we expect from Sika?

Following current trends and latest technologies, our company has a wealth of innovations in all areas of production. Today I will single out the following:

3-D Printing

Automated technologies such as 3-D printing, extrusion, use of artificial intelligence and virtual reality will change the building industry – 3-D printing is especially considered to drive the paradigm shift into the concrete industrialization.

A the moment, Sika has several dozen finished products from concrete and recycled, “environmentally friendly” materials made by the latest generation 3-D robotic printers, including rainwater outlets for flat roofs.

Another innovation comes from Sika Sarnafil ,the world leader in manufacturing waterproof PVC membranes. I`m proud to inform you that Sika Sarnafil celebrated its 60th anniversary last year and on that occasion we publicly presented our most modern product called Sarnafil AT.

This product is defined by chemical stability, resistance to UV exposure and mechanical influences based on FPO technologies and high elasticity that comes from combinations with EPDM raw materials. I must emphasize that this is the only synthetic roofing material that has a test certificate for LEED Platinum standard and Cradle to Cradle EPD certification. We are planning to launch the product in the domestic market later in the year.

Sustainability is a part of our strategic framework and company culture and that`s why we combine economic success with the environmental and social responsibility. We are very proud to be in included into the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. Our qualifications inspires us to stay the course, to facilitate innovations and expand promising initiatives for decarbonization and healthier environment.