Ghana - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

We make use of anaerobic digestion technology in the biodigesters to provide effective decomposition of organic waste. Thus, we solve the problem of indiscriminate disposal of organic waste.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

We implement a sustainable system on school property to create biogas from organic waste known as a "biogas for schools" initiative. The procedure begins with gathering biodegradable garbage (food scraps, leftovers from the cafeteria, organic materials from landscaping). The waste is fed into a digester, where microorganisms break it down in the absence of oxygen to produce digestate rich in nutrients and biogas, primarily carbon dioxide and methane. The biogas produced can be used as a renewable energy source in the school for a number of uses, such as cooking in the cafeteria and powering generators for electricity. Furthermore, the digestate can be applied as a premium fertilizer school gardens, encouraging environmental education and sustainability. Key elements of the project include biogas digester system's design and installation, staff and student education about waste segregation and biogas production, and establishing protocols for operation and maintenance procedures.

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

PROBLEM 1 Lack of access to clean and sustainable energy SOLUTION 1 We construct high performance bio-digesters that make it possible for institutions to have access to alternative, clean and sustainable energy (BIOGAS). PROBLEM 2 Indiscriminate waste disposal SOLUTION 2 We utilise the concept/technology of anaerobic digestion by using on-site biodegradable waste (student liquid waste, food left-overs, grass, agricultural waste etc.) which is a nuisance to these schools to generate methane-rich biogas that is utilised in clean cook stoves we provide to our clients.

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

1. Eco friendly way of waste disposal: Biogas plants offers a platform where waste produced in the schools is properly managed and controlled. This helps in releasing waste that has less risk to the environment. 2. Improved Health and Safety: Traditional cooking methods employed in schools often involve the use of wood or charcoal, leading to indoor air pollution. Biogas provides a cleaner alternative, improving the health and safety of students and kitchen staff. 3. Lighting: Biogas can come in handy in areas where lighting connections is yet to reach. It also cuts costs on lighting costs. 4. Cooking Energy Solutions: Biogas shall substitute existing cooking fuels in the preparation of meals for students. Biogas offers an alternative to firewood as a source of energy used for cooking. This saves time that was to be used for splitting wood and cooking time.

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

1. STUDENTS Demographics: School-aged children (15-20 years) attending secondary and TVET schools. Relevant attributes: - Direct recipients of better air quality and renewable energy-related educational opportunities. A healthier classroom environment improves student performance and lowers absenteeism. Participation in real-world, experiential learning involving biogas technologies. 2. Teachers and School Staff: - Demographics: Educators and administrative staff working in secondary schools. In charge of incorporating biogas technology into the educational programme. - Assume a major part in overseeing the biogas system and informing pupils of its advantages. - May gain from a possible decrease in the health risks brought on by indoor air pollution. 3. Parents and Guardians: Demographics: Parents and guardians of students. -Indirect beneficiaries through better educational and health results for their offspring. - Potential community activists and supporters.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2020-01-01

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.)

1. Agnes is a passionate health worker with experience in health and environmental work who believes our health is directly impacted by our environment and daily living activities. She is passionate about a positive climate change and has joined various causes and outreaches to champion this course. 2. Muriel's youthful exuberance has positively impacted various projects she has been involved helping her easily carry others along. With her positive outlook, she has largely influenced various positive climate outreaches she has been involved in, by rallying individuals for positive change. 3. Daniel is an accomplished social business executive with domestic and international experience in Green and Climate Change, Adaptation & Resilience projects. His energies are displayed in strong emphasis on systems applications that are geared towards organizational growth and improvement initiatives.

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?

a) Energy (equipment, services, sustainable energy and fuel)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

1. Access to Clean Energy: Biogas reduces dependency on costly and environmentally harmful energy sources like firewood, charcoal, or fossil fuels by offering a sustainable and renewable energy source for cooking in school kitchens. Schools can devote funds to other poverty-alleviation initiatives, like enhancing school infrastructure or offering scholarships to underprivileged students, by cutting energy expenses. 2. Health Improvement: Indoor air pollution from traditional solid fuel cooking methods leads to respiratory illnesses and other health problems, especially impacting women and children. By removing the need to burn solid fuels indoors, biogas improves indoor air quality and lowers the hazards to staff, instructors, and students' health. People in good health can learn and work more efficiently, which breaks the cycle of poverty. 3.Resource Efficiency and Income Generation: Schools can also make money by selling extra biogas or biofertilizer.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

1. B4S generates biogas for cooking and biofertilizer for use in agriculture by using organic waste from local farms or school cafeterias. Biofertilizer has a high nutrient content and can increase soil fertility, which raises crop yields and boosts food security. Ultimately, leading to healthier soils and increased agricultural productivity long term. 2. Education and Awareness: By installing biogas systems in schools, students can gain real-world experience with sustainable agriculture, waste management, and renewable energy. By increasing knowledge of the significance of sustainable food production and consumption methods, this instruction empowers students to make decisions that advance SDG 2 goals. Schools have a critical role in forming the next generation of environmentally conscious citizens by fostering a culture of sustainability from an early age.

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

1. We provide eco-friendly substitute for conventional cooking fuels like charcoal or firewood . Thus, improving indoor air quality in school kitchens and reducing respiratory issues among women and the girl-child. 2. We utilize organic waste, including human and animal waste, as feedstock for the biodigester. Proper management of organic waste through biogas production contributes to improved sanitation and hygiene practices in schools, reducing the spread of diseases and promoting a healthier environment for learning. 3. Students have educational chances to learn about waste management, renewable energy, and environmental sustainability when we implement biogas systems in schools. By integrating these subjects in the curriculum, educational institutions help students become change agents in their communities. Ultimately, increasing student knowledge of the value of sustainable practices and equipping them to effect change in their communities.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Biogas development empower women and girls by reducing their time and labor burden for collecting firewood and cooking fuel. Biogas can also improve their safety and dignity by providing clean lighting and sanitation facilities.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

Biogas development improves water quality and availability by reducing the contamination of water sources from organic waste. Biogas can also reduce water consumption by providing an alternative source of energy for heating water.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

1. Biogas development provides access to affordable and clean energy for cooking, lighting, heating, cooling, or electricity generation. Biogas can also displace fossil fuels and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. 2. Schools lessen their dependency on non-renewable energy sources like firewood and charcoal by using biogas as a fuel source. This helps achieve SDG 7's primary goal of raising the proportion of renewable energy in the whole energy mix. 3. Our project gives schools access to sustainable energy for cooking in school cafeterias and producing electricity, especially in places where energy access may be scarce. This raises the standard of instruction by fostering a positive learning environment.

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

Biogas development promotes economic growth and innovation by creating new markets and value chains for biogas products and services. Biogas also enhances productivity and efficiency by providing reliable and flexible energy supply.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Biogas development supports sustainable consumption and production patterns by reducing waste generation and increasing resource recovery. Biogas also reduces the environmental impact of consumption and production activities by lowering greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, land use change, and water use.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Biogas development takes urgent action to combat climate change by capturing and utilizing methane, a potent greenhouse gas that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere from the decomposition of organic waste. Methane is about 21 times more effective in trapping heat than carbon dioxide.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

2

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.

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

4

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

5

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

2

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.

1 - Strongly Disagree

05.08 Justification

1. The project transforms organic waste generated by the school (such as food scraps, garden waste, and animal manure) into valuable biogas. This innovative approach to waste management reduces landfill use, decreases greenhouse gas emissions, and recycles nutrients back into the soil through digestate. 2. Biogas provides a renewable and clean source of energy that reduces reliance on traditional fossil fuels. This transition to renewable energy helps mitigate climate change and promotes energy sustainability within the school community. 3. Gender Equality: By reducing the need for firewood collection, the project alleviates the burden on women and children, promoting gender equality and enabling them to focus on education and other economic activities. 4 .The potential to sell excess biogas or organic fertilizer (digestate) can provide additional income streams for the school, showcasing an innovative approach to economic sustainability.

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

Main potential competitors include; 1.Companies or organizations offering renewable energy solutions such as solar power or wind energy. 2.Utility companies supplying electricity to schools Our project stands out because: 1. It is cheaper as compared to other sources of energy. 2. It has environmental advantages by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, minimizes organic waste and supports sustainable resource management. 3. Our project integrates production of sustainable sources of energy in school curriculums, thereby equipping each student with knowledge of environmentally safe and sustainable practices. This eventually leads to a greener environment.

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

Our project sparks community-wide initiatives that support the role of female entrepreneurs by; 1.Creating mentorship programs, holding workshops to increase capacity, arranging training programs specifically for women. 2. Sponsoring networking events. 3. Making financial options and access to capital more easily accessible to female entrepreneurs that are interested in biogas projects by collaborating with banks, governmental organizations, or non-governmental organizations to offer microloans, grants, or other financial assistance to women-owned enterprises.