The Innovation of the Year – Materia highlights groundbreaking advancements in material technology that foster sustainability, enhance performance, and increase affordability, particularly in industries such as construction. It celebrates innovations that repurpose waste or traditional materials into eco-friendly and durable alternatives, addressing environmental and resource challenges while promoting greener practices.
One example is Willow Technologies, founded in 2015 in Ghana, which repurposes agricultural by-products like rice husks, coconut shells, and sugarcane bagasse. These materials, once considered waste, are now turned into valuable construction materials. For instance, sugarcane bagasse is transformed into water-resistant roofing tiles with excellent insulation properties, offering a green alternative for homes and businesses. Coconut shells are repurposed into eco-friendly panels that serve as substitutes for traditional plywood, helping to reduce deforestation while maintaining strength and durability.
Another example is the development of Pozzolana Cement by the Building and Road Research Institute (BRRI). This eco-friendly cement is produced from local materials such as clay and palm kernel shells, reducing reliance on traditional Portland cement and lowering the carbon footprint. Pozzolana cement is both cost-effective and sustainable, making it an ideal choice for construction projects, especially in rural areas of Ghana.
Finally, companies like Nelplast are innovating by turning plastic waste into durable pavement blocks. By recycling plastic waste into building materials, Nelplast addresses the pressing issue of plastic pollution while providing affordable and long-lasting solutions for infrastructure development. This innovation promotes sustainability and offers a practical approach to reducing environmental waste.
These examples demonstrate how the nnovation of the Year – Materialscategory celebrates forward-thinking solutions that address global challenges by transforming waste into valuable and sustainable building materials.
GAPOA 2024 publication for African Property Magazine compiled by Joycelyn Marigold & GAPOA Team . You can send us your views on this article by email: re@ghanapropertyawards.com
