Cameroon - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

The Beta Block is an initiative created to combat Climate Change. The Beta Block has intrinsic improved thermal properties, making it 30% more insulating than other conventional blocks ultimately reducing the heat transfer through a building's envelope.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

The Beta Block Initiative: A Tool For Climate Change Resilience Climate Change, which before now has not been the talk of day, is no longer a subject to be avoided as the adverse effects of climate change are now as clear as day. These effects which range from extreme weather events (high temperatures, floods, droughts etc), should humanity do nothing to combat it, will keep plaguing this planet. So there is an absolute need for humanity to fight back. The Beta Block Initiative created by Pivot Engineering, individuals from different spheres of expertise who came together with the sole aim of learning through research and development, innovative sustainable construction practices. The Beta Block is a building block made from a Hybrid blend of wood sawdust, fine aggregates combined with masonry binders. The Beta Block combines the structural qualities of masonry with the resilient qualities of wood waste which would have ultimately been disposed of causing land pollution.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

The Beta Block Initiative has as principal aim of improving indoor occupant comfort in building infrastructures in spite of extreme weather events that are primarily caused by Climate Change. Cameroon, ranked as 146 out of 182 countries on the 2020 ND-GAIN Index, is one of most vulnerable countries in the world to Climate Change, due to its exposure, its sensitivity and its low adaptive capacity. Already, Cameroon has witnessed a staggering 0.86°C rise in temperatures since 1974, with projections indicating a further surge of up to 3.9°C over the next two decades. The urban Island effect looms large over Cameroon's major cities like Douala, with rapid urbanization and deforestation amplifying temperatures and exuberating energy demands for cooling. Cameroon's Minister of Public Health, Dr. MANAOUDA Malachie in May 2024, made a press release to call to the attention the of Cameroonians , which revealed that temperatures are surging. and will reach record highs not been recorded before.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

The Beta Block is an environmentally sustainable masonry building product made by a hybrid blend of natural organic materials combined with masonry binders. This makes the building block to have superior intrinsic properties than other conventional building blocks. The Beta Beta block from laboratory test results have shown to have a far lower thermal conductivity (30% lower) because of its organic component which makes it out-perform all other masonry products. This ultimately regulates temperatures inside buildings and reduce cooling needs. The Beta Block because of its Hybrid nature, is lighter than traditional concrete, clay fired brick or mud brick, making it easier to handle and transport resulting to faster construction and reduced labor costs. The Beta Block is a Carbon sink as it is made from natural fibers that actually traps the carbon that would otherwise end up as greenhouse gas. The Beta Block has good sound insulation due to its natural fiber content.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Cameroon's major cities grapple with the challenges posed by its hot tropical climate amidst escalating climate change threats. Ranked at the top 16th most vulnerable nation globally, Cameroon's major cities like its economic capital, Douala have witnessed a staggering 0.86°C rise in temperatures. As it stands there are millions of Cameroonians in the Far North, North, Center, East, South, North West, Littoral and South West are annually exposed to climate hazards. These hazards range from heat-related illnesses, water stress, and infrastructure vulnerabilities. The high and medium-income earners are already becoming resilient to this plague as they massively adopt the easy way out of using air conditioners, low-income earners are not yet equipped to withstand its impacts. This disparity further underscores the urgency to address these challenges and so there is an absolute need to level the playing field with projects like the Beta Block initiative to improve quality of life for all.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-08-10

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

3

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

2

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

At Pivot Engineering, we have Maël Sonna who is a civil engineer specialized in the design of structures; concrete and steel structures and is currently doing a PhD Thesis in the study of the behaviour of materials in France. He is also quite talented, creative as the performs the role of head of HR (Human Resource ) Department. We have Linda Guiameugne who is also quite as talented and resourceful. She is the head of R&D department at Pivot Engineering projects, while I have been the head of the Beta Block initiative. She too is a structural engineer doing her PhD Thesis in Germany in the design of structures. And the last, but not the least is Prisca Bakodock, also currently resident in Cameroon like myself. She is what I consider the tip of the spear. She has been actively hands-on on this project right from its conception stages up this point of material testing. She is a Geotechnical Engineer, quite proactive and she too has played a key role as well on the Beta Block initiative.

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

b) Materials (agriculture, fishing, chemical products, construction materials, containers and packaging, metals and mining, paper and forest products)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

2

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

2

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

The Beta Block significantly enhances good health and well-being. Its thermal insulation properties create a comfortable indoor environment, regulating temperature and humidity. This optimal climate control prevents extreme heating conditions, reducing the risk of respiratory ailments, allergies, and cardiovascular issues. Also, the Beta Block minimize noise transmission because of its wood content, promoting peaceful surroundings that facilitate relaxation and sleep. By preventing drafts and moisture intrusion, it mitigates the growth of mold and dampness, safeguarding against respiratory problems and allergies. Improved energy efficiency resulting from insulation reduces reliance on fossil fuels and other non renewable energy sources, contributing to a cleaner environment and reducing air pollution-related health risks. This consequently fosters a healthier, more comfortable living space, enhancing overall well-being and quality of life.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

2

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

2

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

2

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

3

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

The Beta Block reduces thermal conductivity of the conventional block by 30%, contributing to energy savings by improving insulation and reducing the need for heating and cooling in buildings. This promotes the use of clean energy and enhances energy efficiency, directly supporting SDG 7, Target 7.3. By reducing thermal conductivity, The Beta Block significantly enhances energy efficiency in buildings, helping to achieve the global goal of doubling the rate of energy efficiency improvement by 2030. The Beta Block's innovative design minimizes energy consumption for climate control, making it a key player in promoting sustainable construction practices and reducing carbon emissions. The Beta Block provides a superior building material but also contributes to a sustainable future.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

The Beta Block project generates economic opportunities through the development, production, and commercialization of our innovative building material. Pivot Engineering is opening its first The Beta Block production site in Yaoundé at Emana, where one person will be recruited. Plans are underway to open two more production sites in Yaoundé, two in Douala, and one in Buea, creating 12 direct jobs and 25 indirect jobs within 12 months at all the stages of development, production, and commercialization. By focusing on sustainable construction and innovation, the project can create new jobs in the green economy sector. The Beta Block fosters economic growth by driving technological upgrading and diversification in the construction industry. This approach aligns with Target 8.2 by achieving higher levels of economic productivity through innovation and diversification. The Beta Block is investing in a future of economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Goal 9 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focuses on the importance of building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation. The development of thermally advantageous building blocks, incorporating wood sawdust, represents a significant innovation in construction materials. By using wood sawdust, the Beta Block not only enhances insulation but also promotes resource efficiency by repurposing waste materials. This project supports the construction of resilient infrastructure that is more sustainable and durable. The Beta Block’s technological advancements in material efficiency aligns with SDG 9, Target 9.4, by encouraging the adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies. The Beta Block upgrades housing infrastructure to be more sustainable, contributing to global efforts to make industries more resource-efficient and environmentally friendly by 2030.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

3

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

The Beta Block project aims to minimize environmental impact through sustainable building practices. By incorporating wood sawdust, The Beta Block enhances thermal comfort and improves living conditions while reducing costs by 15% compared to conventional blocks, making it suitable for low-income earners and directly contributing to safer and more affordable housing solutions, aligning with Target 11.1. Additionally, The Beta Block uses sustainable materials and promotes carbon capture, significantly reducing energy consumption and lowering the environmental impact of urban areas. This supports Target 11.6 by addressing air quality and waste management. By focusing on sustainability, efficiency, affordability, and inclusivity, The Beta Block plays a crucial role in building more sustainable cities and communities for the future.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

The Beta Block project focuses on sourcing environmentally friendly materials, such as wood sawdust, which supports sustainable consumption and production patterns. By developing efficient building blocks, The Beta Block reduces wood construction waste and promotes the use of sustainable wood materials, aligning with Target 12.2. The innovative design and production processes of the Beta Block ensure efficient use of natural resources and support sustainable resource management. Additionally, The Beta Block contributes to waste reduction by incorporating wood recycling and reuse practices, significantly lowering the environmental impact. This project not only enhances the sustainability of building practices but also aligns with the goal of substantially reducing waste generation by 2030 through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse of wood. The Beta Block promotes a future of responsible consumption and efficient resource use in the construction industry.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Improved thermal insulation helps in reducing the carbon footprint of buildings by lowering energy consumption. The high quantity of cement used for conventional blocks is responsible for about 8% of planet-warming carbon dioxide emissions. The Beta Block addresses this by using less cement and more sustainable materials like wood sawdust, significantly reducing the need for high cement content and thus lowering carbon emissions. By contributing to energy-efficient buildings, The Beta Block supports efforts to mitigate climate change impacts. Enhanced building energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions make The Beta Block a key player in climate action initiatives. The project supports the integration of climate considerations into construction practices, aligning with Target 13.2. The Beta Block champions sustainable construction that prioritizes climate resilience and environmental responsibility.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

2

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

2

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

2

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

3

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

5

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

6

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.08 Justification

Goal 9 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focuses on the importance of building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation. The Beta Block Initiative is not new technology as it not the first block. What sets the Beta Block apart is that we have dissected the key components that makes walling material more efficient. The improved thermal performance of the Beta Block which we performed a comparative laboratory test, showed a staggering improved thermal performance of 30 % more than the conventional concrete block (that is it has a thermal conductivity 30% less than the conventional concrete block). The Beta Block also has a water absorption ratio of less than 12%, so it meets enhanced durability requirements and moisture resistance. Its compressive strength makes it not only thermally performant but structurally sound as well. The Beta Block's lightweight makes it easier to transport and build than other blocks.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

Nationwide, Cameroonians have rapidly shifted from building with local indigenous materials to building with concrete and concrete blocks as they find them more esthetically appealing and its proper adherence to cement plaster and other finishing materials. The main rivals of the Beta Block project are nation wide are local block moulding companies. On practically every major street in Cameroon major cities, there are local block manufacturing sites as the locals who prefer to buy instead of mould their own blocks, buy from them. These local block manufacturing sites, have little or no material quality control as they mould blocks with very low compressive strength and low thermal properties as to increase their profits. The Beta Block is the natural superior alternative as it meets the strength requirements and has improved thermal properties and is a carbon sink and this makes the Beta Block the better choice as it is more environmentally friendly as it reduces energy needs in homes.

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

...