14Trees sustainable building in Malawi
This project uses a brand new technology that has potential to transform construction in Malawi, Africa, and beyond.
Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world, with over 50% of the population below the poverty line (earning less than US$2 per day) and one-third of its GDP funded by NGOs.
Traditional clay bricks are fired for 24 hours, using vast quantities of firewood, and are commonly used by the Malawian population for construction. Replacing them with locally manufactured stabilised soil bricks such as DURABRIC – that do not require firing at all – significantly cuts CO2 emissions, and saves 14 trees every time a house is built in Malawi.
The innovative DURABRIC can be made on any construction site using just earth, sand, cement and water. And by providing on-site training, the project helps ensure local manufacturers and builders adopt and use the new technology.
In addition to cutting carbon emissions, this Gold Standard project is creating manufacturing jobs and upskilling builders. In turn, this improves the quality and standard of house building – making homes safer for families.
Supporting this project, by purchasing the emissions reductions, will make sense for any organisation who would like to align with sustainable construction and is looking to support job creation in one of the poorest countries in the world. It will also appeal to those looking to support a transformative project that has real potential to catalyse change not only in Malawi, but across much of sub-Saharan Africa.
- First carbon project in Africa to use stabilised soil bricks
- Saves 14 trees for every home built
- Safe, sustainable homes, schools and hospitals in Malawi
Delivering towards the Global Goals
Decent work and economic growth
Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Climate action
Life on land
What the carbon finance delivers
The funding of this education programme, employment of staff in the DURABRIC facilities, and cost reduction to bridge the gap with the traditional burnt bricks would not have been possible without carbon finance.
The carbon revenues in turn ensure longevity of the programme and aim to expand DURABRIC’s reach as the project continues, which then further reduces greenhouse gas emissions and the associated deforestation, making construction in Malawi more sustainable.
