Guided by our value of Excellence, we are committed to achieving the highest standards in every aspect of our work.
Across Zambia, we design and build facilities that are tailored to local needs and built to endure. Sustainability is at the heart of our approach, ensuring the infrastructure we create continues to support communities for generations to come.
Bioclimatic design
Following the principles of bioclimatic design can greatly improve the performance of a building in sub-Saharan Africa. This is all about using natural sources – sun, air, wind, vegetation, water, soil etc – for heating, cooling and lighting buildings.
We incorporate many principles of bioclimatic design into our projects. This includes:
- Aligning the long axis of the building east-west
- Creating shade by incorporating a 900-mm roof overhang, which is much larger than normal
- Constructing thick walls from earth-based materials, which has a high thermal mass
- Preserving existing trees on the site and planting new trees for shade; increased ventilation provided in the gable walls.
Materials
We prioritise locally available materials wherever possible, reducing transport costs, lowering environmental impact and supporting local economies. We also aim to minimise the use of high-energy materials such as cement and steel.
One of our preferred building materials is Stabilised Soil Bricks (SSBs), which are made on site from local earth mixed with a small amount of cement or lime. Community members play a vital role in helping to produce the bricks, which are cured naturally in the sun rather than fired, helping to reduce deforestation.
We have also explored rammed earth construction at Shipungu and Katuba Schools. While this method creates attractive, low-cost buildings, it does require high levels of ongoing maintenance.
Sanitation
We build latrines at all of our school projects to improve the health, dignity and wellbeing of pupils. Safe, accessible sanitation facilities help prevent the spread of illnesses. They are especially important for girls, helping them to manage their periods and stay in school as they get older.
In many rural schools we construct Ventilated Improved Pit latrines. These have a more substantial superstructure and have ventilation pipes at the back. Improved air circulation helps to both reduce smells and prevent the spread of diseases caused by flies, mosquitoes and other insects which are attracted to the pits. The latrines can be emptied and reused.
Water
Access to clean, safe water is essential for creating a healthy environment where children can learn and thrive. That's why we incorporate access to water into many of our school construction projects.
In many of the communities where we work, there is no dependable source of surface water, so we often drill boreholes to access groundwater. Depending on local needs and conditions, we may also provide water tanks, pumps or taps. These facilities are managed and maintained by the school, helping to ensure that communities can benefit from safe, reliable water for years to come.
Innovation: Clean and green
As well as using established methods, we are keen to explore new and innovative ideas and solutions. Like re-using plastic drinks bottles to build a retaining wall at our Centre for Excellence, as well as to provide lighting in one of the toilet blocks.
Solar lighting has great potential, helping to transform how community buildings are used. Where possible, we install solar lighting as part of our projects, helping communities make full use of their buildings after dark.
Let's build a more sustainable future together
We're continually learning, testing and refining sustainable design approaches alongside the young people, communities, partners and organisations we work with.
Whether you're interested in our projects, have questions about our methods, or would like to explore new ideas, we'd love to hear from you.
