The Innovation of the Year—Materials category celebrates significant breakthroughs in material technology that drive sustainable practices, improve performance, and enhance affordability.
It highlights innovations that transform waste or traditional materials into environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and durable alternatives. These advancements have a notable impact on industries such as construction and design by reducing reliance on non-renewable resources and promoting greener practices.
One example is rice husks, coconut shells, and sugarcane bagasse used for construction by Willow Technologies, founded in 2015 in Ghana, which transforms agricultural by-products into building materials.
Willow Technologies repurposes materials like rice husks, coconut shells, and sugarcane bagasse, turning what was once waste into sustainable construction materials. For instance, sugarcane bagasse is utilized to create water-resistant and insulating roofing tiles, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional materials. Similarly, coconut shells are repurposed into eco-friendly panels that replace wood-based products, reducing deforestation and providing durable, renewable options for construction projects.
This approach reflects the core principles of the Innovation of the Year – Materials category by addressing environmental challenges through creative solutions and contributing to sustainable development in Ghana’s construction sector.
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 are 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
