Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

At Project Greenbricks, we transform plastic waste into affordable, durable, and eco-friendly construction materials. Our mission is to address the critical needs of affordable housing and eliminate plastic wastes pollution in Nigeria.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Project GreenBricks is a clean tech innovator transforming plastic waste into eco-friendly building materials, tackling plastic pollution and affordable housing. Our innovative solution offers Green LegoBricks™, Green Pavers™, GreenTile™, and Green Panel™, made from collected plastic waste using patented technology. Cost-effective, durable, and resistant to weathering and pests, our materials target environmentally conscious builders, developers, and government agencies. Our impact reduces plastic pollution, promotes sustainability, and creates jobs. With a team of sustainability, engineering, and business experts, we've achieved awards, awareness campaigns, and successful product testing. Our vision is to revolutionize Africa's construction landscape through innovation, reliability, and environmental stewardship.

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

The main problem we're solving at Project GreenBricks is the critical housing deficit and plastic pollution plaguing Nigeria. With a housing shortage of over 20 million units and plastic waste exceeding 32 million tons annually, we're tackling this dual challenge by transforming plastic waste into affordable, durable, and eco-friendly construction materials. Our innovative solution addresses housing affordability and accessibility for low-income communities, plastic waste management and pollution reduction, creation of economic opportunities for local communities through job creation and skills development, and promotion of sustainable development and circular economy practices. By addressing these interconnected issues, we're aligning with SDGs 1, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, positively impacting millions of lives, creating a sustainable future, and contributing to a cleaner, healthier environment.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

Here are the major benefits of using Project GreenBricks' product/service: - Affordable Housing: Our eco-friendly construction materials reduce building costs, making housing more accessible to low-income communities. - Plastic Waste Reduction: We transform plastic waste into durable construction materials, reducing plastic pollution and promoting a cleaner environment. - Job Creation & Skills Development: Our solution creates economic opportunities for local communities through job creation and skills development in sustainable construction practice.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Our startup, Project GreenBricks, aims to serve: - Low-income communities: Providing affordable housing and economic opportunities - Environmentally conscious builders, developers, and government agencies: Providing sustainable construction materials and waste management solutions - Individuals: Engaging recycling experience through our app and smart recycling machines and getting paid in return. - Local communities and cities impacted by plastic pollution: Reducing plastic waste and mitigating the harmful effects of open burning, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions Our targeted beneficiaries are those seeking sustainable, affordable, and innovative solutions for housing, construction, and waste management.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-03-25

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

2

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Esther Boluwatife Faparusi (Co-founder and Chief Sustainability Officer) - Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Ogun - Specialization in sustainable and eco-friendly constructions

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

https://www.instagram.com/project_greenbricks?igsh=dzQ3cngydnlscmtp

01.11 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 startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Project GreenBricks is committed to helping eradicate poverty (SDG 1) by creating economic opportunities for local communities through job creation and training programs. We provide employment opportunities for marginalized individuals, including waste pickers, factory workers, and others, empowering them to earn a stable income and lift themselves out of poverty. This enables them to support their families and reduces poverty and social vices by promoting economic growth and social equity. Additionally, our app and smart recycling machines empower individuals and communities to manage waste and earn income, further contributing to poverty alleviation. By providing jobs and training programs, Project GreenBricks helps address poverty and social inequality in local communities, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 1: No Poverty. Poverty is bad, nobody deserves it.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Project GreenBricks contributes to Zero Hunger (SDG 2) by providing employment opportunities for marginalized individuals, enabling them to purchase food and support their families. By promoting sustainable development and reducing poverty and social inequality, we address key drivers of hunger and malnutrition. Additionally, our eco-friendly construction practices reduce environmental degradation and promote sustainable use of natural resources. By addressing poverty, promoting sustainable development, and stimulating local economies, Project GreenBricks helps ensure access to nutritious food, providing opportunities for people to earn a living and put food on the table, and promotes sustainable living, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

I strongly agree (7) that Project GreenBricks contributes to good health and well-being (SDG 3). By recycling plastic waste, we prevent mosquito breeding and reduce the spread of diseases like malaria. Our app and smart recycling machines incentivize individuals to engage in environmental sustainability tasks, promoting a culture of responsible waste management. This reduces open burning, toxic gas emissions, and related health issues. By addressing plastic waste management, we create a healthier environment, improving public health and well-being. Our startup's impact aligns with SDG 3's targets, ensuring access to basic healthcare services, reducing mortality rates, and promoting well-being for all.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Project GreenBricks significantly contributes to the Quality Education goal (SDG 4) by providing sustainable school buildings and infrastructure, promoting inclusive and equitable access to education. In Nigeria, we address the pressing need for adequate learning environments, as many children still attend schools under trees. Our eco-friendly construction materials and sustainable building practices create conducive learning environments, reducing distractions and health hazards. Through local partnerships, we tailor our solutions to community needs, promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. Our CSR initiative focuses on building schools in underserved areas, directly addressing the goal of quality education for all. By providing sustainable education infrastructure, we empower communities to thrive and foster a culture of lifelong learning, ensuring quality education for present and future generations.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Project Greenbricks is deeply committed to gender equality, demonstrated through our inclusive team structure and empowerment initiatives. Key highlights include: - Women-led leadership positions (Co-founder and Chief Sustainability Officer) - Gender-balanced teams and decision-making processes - Training and employment opportunities for women waste pickers - Partnerships with women-led organizations and communities - Active promotion of gender equality and challenging of patriarchal norms By intentionally addressing gender disparities and empowering women, we contribute significantly to achieving gender equality, fostering a culture of inclusivity and social justice.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

6

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

Project Greenbricks contributes to Clean Water and Sanitation by: - Reducing plastic pollution in waterways through recycling and upcycling - Implementing sustainable construction materials and practices, minimizing water pollution - Supporting innovative solutions for water conservation and efficient use - Advocating for policies and practices protecting water resources and promoting sanitation infrastructure development - Partnering with organizations promoting access to clean water and sanitation for marginalized communities By addressing plastic pollution, promoting sustainable practices, and supporting access to clean water and sanitation, we directly contribute to achieving this goal, ensuring a healthier environment and communities. Our eco-friendly bricks and construction materials reduce the environmental impact of traditional construction, helping to preserve water resources and prevent pollution.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

As we are evolving we will start making cell accumulators lithium batteries from plastic and other waste, it's a New technology, but for now, our solution does not cover affordable and clean energy generally project greenbricks is a hub of discoveries.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Project GreenBricks contributes to Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) by creating: I would rate Strongly Agree=7. - Full and productive employment opportunities in sustainable construction - Inclusive economic growth through local job creation and training programs - Decent work conditions and stable income for marginalized individuals - Sustainable economic growth through eco-friendly construction practices - Local industries are supported, reducing reliance on imports - Employment is generated, stimulating local economies By addressing decent work and economic growth, Project GreenBricks aligns with SDG 8, promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth for all.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Project GreenBricks contributes to Industry Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9) by developing innovative, eco-friendly construction materials and sustainable building practices. We foster inclusive and sustainable industrialization through local job creation and training programs, building resilient infrastructure through sustainable construction and community engagement. Our startup encourages innovation in the construction industry through research and development, supports local industries, and reduces reliance on imports. By promoting sustainable infrastructure development, we drive economic growth and development, aligning with SDG 9's goals of building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Project GreenBricks contributes to Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10) by promoting inclusive and equitable access to sustainable construction and infrastructure development. Our startup addresses inequality by providing affordable and sustainable building solutions for marginalized communities and children attending schools under trees. We create job opportunities and training programs for underrepresented groups, empowering local and marginalized communities through job creation. By fostering inclusive economic growth, we reduce income disparities. By addressing these inequality issues, Project GreenBricks aligns with SDG 10, reducing inequality within and among countries.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Project GreenBricks contributes to Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) by developing innovative, eco-friendly construction materials and sustainable building practices. Our startup makes cities and human settlements more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable by: - Creating affordable and sustainable housing solutions for marginalized communities - Designing and building resilient infrastructure, reducing the risk of natural disasters - Promoting sustainable urban planning, reducing environmental impact - Fostering community engagement and participatory decision-making processes - Supporting local economic growth, reducing urban poverty By addressing these key aspects, Project GreenBricks aligns with SDG 11, making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

Project GreenBricks contributes to Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) by promoting a circular economy through sustainable construction practices. Our startup ensures sustainable consumption and production patterns by: - Developing eco-friendly construction materials, reducing waste and pollution - Implementing sustainable building practices, reducing environmental impact - Encouraging recycling and upcycling of materials, reducing waste - Fostering sustainable consumption patterns, reducing resource depletion - Supporting local and sustainable supply chains, promoting responsible production By addressing these key aspects, Project GreenBricks aligns with SDG 12, ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns through a circular economy.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Project GreenBricks contributes to Climate Action (SDG 13) by addressing the urgent need to combat climate change and its impacts. Our startup takes action by developing sustainable construction materials that reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional cement making process, implementing energy-efficient building practices, reducing energy consumption, promoting eco-friendly construction, reducing waste and pollution, and reducing plastic waste, which contributes to 3.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. By addressing these key aspects, Project GreenBricks aligns with SDG 13, taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Our innovative approach to sustainable construction materials and practices helps mitigate climate change, supporting a more resilient and environmentally conscious future.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

Our startup contributes to the Life Below Water goal. We reduce plastic waste in oceans, seas, and marine resources by developing sustainable construction materials and practices. Our innovative approach prevents plastic pollution, protecting marine life and ecosystems. Around 400,000 tons of plastic waste enter the Atlantic Ocean every year, harming marine life, contaminating the food chain, and even affecting human health. If we don't take action, it's predicted that by 2030, there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean. By reducing plastic waste, promoting eco-friendly construction practices, and supporting marine conservation efforts, we align with the UN's goal to conserve and sustainably use oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development, protecting life below water for future generations.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

As the CEO of Project GreenBricks, I strongly agree that our startup contributes to the Life on Land goal. We promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems by developing eco-friendly construction materials, reducing deforestation and habitat destruction. Our innovative approach to sustainable construction practices helps combat desertification, land degradation, and biodiversity loss. By using recycled materials and minimizing waste, we reduce the environmental impact of construction, preserving natural habitats and ecosystems. Our startup supports reforestation efforts, promoting sustainable forest management and conservation. By adopting sustainable practices, we aim to protect and restore terrestrial ecosystems, ensuring a resilient future for all.

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

5

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

As the CEO of Project GreenBricks, I somewhat agree that our startup contributes to the Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions goal. We empower youths who may have initially resorted to social vices, providing them with sustainable construction skills and eco-friendly innovations. Through our training and community engagement programs, they're now building a more peaceful and productive society. By offering alternative opportunities and fostering a sense of purpose, we've seen a significant reduction in social vices and an increase in community cohesion. Our approach promotes peace and inclusivity, helping youths become positive change-makers and contributors to sustainable development.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

As the CEO of Project GreenBricks, I strongly agree that our startup contributes to the Partnerships for the Goal. We collaborate with local communities, organizations, and governments to promote sustainable development and eco-friendly construction practices. Our innovative approach fosters global partnerships, bringing together diverse stakeholders to achieve common goals. By sharing knowledge, resources, and expertise, we strengthen the means of implementation, supporting the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development. Our startup's collaborative spirit and inclusive approach embody the spirit of SDG 17, driving collective progress towards a more sustainable future.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

6

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.08 Justification for my startup

A1: Strongly agree,traditional construction materials like concrete, clay, and wooden pavers exist, but have limitations. A2: Strongly agree, the eco-friendly construction materials market is new, and our product is new also. A3: Strongly agree, our technology is new and differs from traditional processes, offering superior durability (4X stronger!), water resistance and even our new approach to raw materials collection introducing tech. A4: Our products excel in water-logging areas, absorbing less water, and are made from recycled plastic waste using patented technology. A5: Strongly agree,We offer a well-defined product line, featuring innovative products like Green LegoBricks™, addressing limitations like collapse, high costs, and raw material scarcity. A6: Strongly agree, Our products stand out, offering distinctive values like sustainability, innovation, and durability, desired by our target audience. A7: Strongly agree, Our products aim to revolutionize the construction industry.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Project GreenBricks is revolutionizing the recycling industry in Nigeria and beyond. While our competitors - FreeRecycle, Brickify, Conceptos Plasticos, and Gjenge Limited - focus on traditional recycling methods, we stand out with our cutting-edge tech platform and smart machines. However, the thin line of differentiation is our innovative products. Our flagship product, Green Panels™, made from recycled plastics, are durable, water-resistant, and eco-friendly, providing a revolutionary solution for sustainable construction. By integrating blockchain and gamification into our recycling process and offering groundbreaking products like Green Panels™, we're setting a new standard for the industry and paving the way for a sustainable future.

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

The reason we have to come to Akwa from Anambra that we were initially, is to come and inspire young persons to take ENTREPRENEURship seriously, and also creating economic opportunities for the communities, because initially Awka Ibom state was known as a civil service state and there was little commerce before now, so as an Awka Ibom son I have to stand up and change the narrative. I am launching a program on my social media mentorship/Coaching platform to help the youth especially our young ladies to inculcate entrepreneural lifestyle. Let's not be known as ashawo stereotype anymore, let's create another stereotype, oh Awka Ibom ladies are independent babes and Ballers not because they sleep with men but because they have what they're doing that put food on their table. that what I'm hammering on.