In today’s rapidly changing world, the demand for carbon-neutral homes is soaring as sustainability takes center stage in the housing industry. As environmental concerns intensify and the effects of climate change become more apparent, individuals and communities are increasingly seeking homes that minimise their carbon footprint In a significant step towards sustainable housing, Partanna Global has unveiled the world’s inaugural climate-resilient, carbon-negative “Home for the World” in Nassau, Bahamas.
‘Home for the World’ Initiative:
The “Home for the World” is the first of 1,000 planned properties constructed in partnership with the Bahamian government. Partanna Global has pledged to construct 1,000 similar homes in collaboration with the Bahamian government. This commitment was made as part of a historic agreement signed during COP27, underlining the global importance of such initiatives. Additionally, the company plans to reveal more information about the construction of 29 additional properties and the establishment of future production facilities in The Bahamas in early 2024.
Carbon Positive Construction:
This remarkable 1,250 square-foot house, located in the Bahamas, not only actively eliminates but also prevents the release of 182.6 metric tons of CO2. To put this into perspective, this achievement is equivalent to the annual carbon absorption of 5,200 mature trees, in stark contrast to the 70.2 tons of CO2 typically produced during the construction of a conventional concrete home.
The Honourable Philip E. Davis, K.C., M.P., Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, said, “As we unveil the world’s first carbon-negative concrete home right here in Nassau, it is a testament that the answers to our global crises often come from those most affected. This cement-free marvel not only absorbs CO2 but thrives when exposed to seawater.”
Addressing Climate Change:
The surge in natural disasters due to climate change and extreme weather events disproportionately affects poorer countries. Over the last 50 years, these events have resulted in two million deaths and cost over $4 trillion, according to the World Meteorological Organization. Partanna’s building material is designed to strengthen when exposed to seawater, offering a climate-resilient solution for countries like The Bahamas, which are vulnerable to climate-related hazards.
Different Approaches and Materials Used for Construction of “Home for the World”
Reducing Carbon Intensity in Cement:
Traditional Portland cement production is known for its carbon-intensive nature, emitting significant carbon dioxide during manufacturing. The approach taken in this construction is remarkable because it deviates from this carbon-intensive practice. Instead of relying on Portland cement, the builders use a mixture of natural and recycled ingredients. These ingredients are activated by brine, which is a concentrated saltwater solution. The chemical compounds formed through this interaction create a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cement. This not only reduces the carbon footprint of the construction but also decreases the demand for energy-intensive processes, ultimately mitigating the carbon emissions associated with cement production.
The reaction of these chemical compounds with brine serves a dual purpose. Not only do these compounds provide a solid foundation for the structure, but they also have the unique ability to capture atmospheric CO2. This means that the home itself acts as a carbon sink, actively removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This innovative feature aligns perfectly with the global urgency to combat climate change by reducing CO2 levels. It essentially transforms the building from a passive structure into an active participant in the fight against greenhouse gas emissions, showcasing a forward-thinking approach to sustainable construction.
Partanna’s Carbon-Negative CMU Block:
Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) blocks are a commonly used construction material. What sets Partanna’s CMU blocks apart is their carbon-negative quality. Unlike traditional construction materials, these blocks result in a net removal of carbon from the atmosphere during their production and use. This achievement is made possible through a unique combination of materials and manufacturing processes. The utilization of such carbon-negative materials sets a new standard for eco-friendly construction practices and offers a clear path towards lowering the carbon footprint associated with building materials. Impressively, in terms of compressive strength, the company’s concrete solution outclasses traditional counterparts, with its standard CMU block estimated to be 25% mightier than a conventional concrete CMU block.
To ensure a holistic approach to sustainability, the construction also incorporates carbon-negative mortar and pour-in-place technology. This means that the entire building, from its foundational elements to the finishing touches, adheres to the carbon-negative philosophy. Not only does this support structural integrity and durability, but it also ensures that the construction materials themselves actively contribute to carbon reduction. This integrated approach to sustainability ensures that every aspect of the building aligns with environmentally conscious practices.
Commenting on the unveiling of Partanna’s Home for the World, Rick Fox, NBA legend, Bahamian, and co-founder of Partanna Global, said, “The world is forecast to build an area equivalent to the size of The Bahamas every three years. The need to disentangle development from pollution has never been more pressing.
“Our ‘Home for the World’ is the answer to this challenge, and The Bahamas, having experienced the devastation of Hurricane Dorian first-hand, is the symbolic birthplace for our movement to change the way the world builds – for good,” he further added.
Cement’s responsibility for 9% of global CO2 emissions, coupled with the UN’s projection of three billion individuals requiring housing by 2030, underscores the magnitude of the challenge. Partanna’s aspiration, molded by the personal experiences of co-founders Rick Fox and Sam Marshall, is to break this link between development and pollution.
What Is a Carbon-Negative Home?
A carbon-negative home is a type of environmentally sustainable home that not only minimizes its carbon emissions but actively removes more carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere than it generates. These homes are designed and constructed with a focus on reducing their carbon footprint, typically through various eco-friendly practices and materials. Additionally, they incorporate elements that capture and store carbon, making the overall impact on the environment carbon-negative. In essence, carbon-negative homes actively contribute to the reduction of CO2 levels in the atmosphere, making them a significant step in the fight against climate change.
Advantages;
- Mitigates climate change by actively removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
- Promotes sustainable construction and eco-friendly materials.
- Enhances energy efficiency, reducing utility costs.
- Improves indoor air quality and resilience to extreme weather.
- Utilizes innovative, carbon-absorbing building materials.
- Demonstrates environmental responsibility and long-term cost savings.
Partanna’s Recognition and Carbon Credits:
While the primary goal of Partanna Global is to provide sustainable housing solutions, the company is also committed to meeting global construction material standards and has secured prestigious certifications. The company is planning a rapid expansion of production, with existing facilities in Westlake, LA, and forthcoming expansion into the US. Strategic collaborations with Red Sea Global and Diriyah Company are set to revolutionise giga-cities in the Gulf. Their ultimate objective is to establish climate-friendly concrete as a mainstream building material, capable of addressing global housing demands and reducing carbon emissions.
Partanna’s pioneering efforts have earned them recognition from the world’s largest carbon crediting program, Verra. Their carbon removal and avoidance have been listed on Verra’s VCS registry, marking them as the first verified carbon-absorbing building materials to generate carbon credits. Each credit signifies the avoidance or removal of one metric ton of CO2. Given the increasing impact of extreme weather events and rising sea levels, Partanna’s unique construction material, fortified with brine, provides a durable and sustainable alternative, particularly beneficial for regions vulnerable to climate-related hazards, such as the Caribbean.
Conclusion
Constructing carbon-neutral homes is achievable through the use of sustainable materials, renewable energy, and individual commitment. However, to drive widespread change, governments worldwide must enact supportive legislation. The adoption of carbon-neutral homes is essential for the future, but it requires collective efforts to advocate for renewable energy and sustainable practices.
References- worldcement.com, international-construction.com, carboncredits.com, architecturaldigest.com