Guide For Making Concrete Blocks From Concrete Rubble
EBNet has developed a process to re-use concrete rubble in making blocks for reconstruction. Download the pdf here.
Thinking globally, acting locally
In Haiti we will plant a small seed that can grow and shelter the world. You want low carbon housing? We've got it right here.
EBNet will soon begin construction on a small house in
Last Fall, the EBNet proposal was named among a very few winners of the Building Back Better Communities housing competition sponsored by (among others) the Haitian Government and the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund. Haiti still suffers horrifically from last January's earthquake, but can rebuild almost entirely with what resources she already has- instead of a lot of well-intentioned but unaffordable imported junk. Ecological Building Network (EBNet) and its partners have developed a simple building technology that costs less, uses less energy, generates less carbon, and derives naturally from Haitian people, place and culture. It's not really brand new, so much as blending of centuries of experience with a dash of modern technology for seismic safety.
Current reconstruction activity hinges on importing materials and methods alien to Haiti and inappropriate to the climate, such as plywood, insulation, and light gage metal. This is typical of world response to disasters, and appears to make sense because it "gets stuff built" and brings people under seemingly good shelter in a short time. Unfortunately, this approach almost always proves flawed because the materials don't last and/or the people don't accept and care for the new buildings, and the systems only work so long as aid money is flowing. In short, we give the hungry a basket of fish, but not a fishing pole and the ability to catch fish forever.
The other common reconstruction strategy, also apparently sensible, is to rebuild using the same materials as were prevalent just prior to the disaster-in this case, reinforced concrete and concrete block. However, the technical and financial ability to build safely with concrete is too often absent in Haiti. Corners get routinely cut on construction projects, deliberately or not, which is why the January earthquake caused so much death and destruction. But if the building stock were replaced with reasonably well-done (safe) concrete structures, then by some estimates costs would quadruple. Housing would become even less affordable than it is now.
Can Haiti, and places like it, rebuild quickly, safely and affordably?
Yes, Haiti can.
In Spring 20011 we will begin work on a demonstration house at the BBBC housing expo that will:
1. Provide safe housing at equal or lower cost than conventional "modern" construction in Haiti;
2. Demonstrate at least a 5x reduction in the carbon footprint of the building;
3. Create industry and jobs: rubble processing, block making, bamboo farming;
4. Disseminate good ideas in and beyond Haiti for safe, affordable, low-carbon shelter.
