Centre for Research & Development of Structures and Materials Universidad Central de las Villas

1. Universität Dortmund Ecomaterials in Social Housing Projects Centre for Research & Development of Structures and Materials Universidad Central de las Villas Carretera a Camajuani km 5 ½ Santa Clara 54830, Villa Clara, Cuba Telephone: +53 42 281064-65 Fax: +53 42 281539 e-mail: F.Martirena@enet.cu Main Purpose of the Project Develop and further disseminate an innovative system of production and marketing of ecomaterials at municipal scale, as an alternative for local provision to owners whose apartments or houses need repair, above all in disaster prone areas. • Project Context • Decrease in the availability of materials • Quicker deterioration of houses due to lack of maintenance • Hurricanes and floods Impact of the Project Social: the population has gained access to affordable materials for house construction and renovation. Economic:the local economy at municipal level has been favored by new income and job opportunities Technological:the new technologies have proven their viability Ecological: lower transportation and energy costs • Main Results • 2,300 family houses renovated (2000-2005). • 19 new ecomaterials workshops in commercial operation in Cuba (2006). • 200 new direct jobs created • 1,500 tons of pozzolanic cement CP-40 , 3.6 million hollow concrete blocks and 150,000 roofing tiles were produced. • Lessons learnt • A solid and efficient infrastructure for the manufacture of building materials must be created at municipal scale. • Local governments must contribute to the financial and social viability of the newly created manufacturing facilities. • Self help construction is more flexible and yields better results at lower costs. • Project activities • Production of ecomaterials in local workshops at municipal scale for the housing market. • Creation and implementation of a decentralized model for housing management at municipal scale. • Organization of the community for the renovation of houses • Innovative technology development • Fundamental research is done in cooperation with Universities in North America & Europe. • Applied research and machinery manufacture is done in Cuba • Technology transferred from Cuba to other developing countries (South-to-south) Improvements to housing system The technologies Project implementation in Cuba and worldwide The project is in a frank process of dissemination and replication. A second phase will be implemented from 2007-2010 in Cuba. CIDEM and Ecosur provide consultancy in establishing comprehensive know-how transfer, scientific knowledge appropriation, technical training and business skills.