CO2 Bambu

Context

The housing deficit in Latin America pushes families into housing conditions that are dangerous and unhealthy. In Nicaragua there is an estimated deficit of 400’000 houses. This figure is as high as 52 million houses in Latin America. Self-made houses, poor architectural design, and over-crowding render families more vulnerable to natural phenomena and extreme weather events. The most frequently used alternative construction material in rural Nicaragua is wood, which is seldom harvested in a sustainable manner, thus its use has led to increased deforestation. As the available stock of wood diminishes, its price also increases.

Solution

CO2 Bambu designs, manufactures, and field-assembles prefabricated houses and community buildings (e.g. schools and shelters) made of bamboo. These structures are affordable, ecological, and withstand earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods.

Impact depth

CO2 Bambu provides low-income people with access to adequate housing and increases the income of farmers.