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11–12 Mar 2025 | Copenhagen, Denmark

PartnershipUpdated on 24 February 2025

Pilot Scheme

Stephen Ford

Director/Founder at Suscons UK Ltd

Newport, Shropshire, United Kingdom

About

Proposal Partnership for a sustainable community project for refugees, utilizing Suscons UK Ltd shelters, and combining energy and water management solutions. The focus is on creating a self-sufficient, environmentally responsible, and resilient community for displaced people.

Project Overview:

This project aims to build a sustainable community for refugees using Suscons UK Ltd shelters, integrated with renewable energy solutions and water management systems. The initiative will provide essential services for displaced individuals, improving their living conditions while fostering environmental stewardship. It will also create a foundation for self-reliance, allowing refugees to live in harmony with nature.

Objectives:

  1. Provide Safe and Secure Shelters: Implement the innovative shelter designs from Suscons UK Ltd, ensuring durable, energy-efficient homes that are safe and comfortable for refugees.

  2. Energy Independence: Integrate solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy technologies to meet the community’s electricity needs.

  3. Water Security: Establish efficient water capture and distribution systems, ensuring access to clean, potable water through rainwater harvesting, filtration systems, and water recycling methods.

  4. Waste Management: Implement sustainable waste management practices, including composting, recycling, and waste-to-energy solutions.

  5. Self-Sufficiency and Livelihoods: Support refugees in developing skills that will help them become self-sufficient by growing food, managing energy systems, and maintaining water resources.

Key Features of the Project:

  1. Suscons UK Ltd Shelters:

    • Modular Design: The shelters are designed to be modular and can be easily assembled and disassembled, making them ideal for refugee settings. They are lightweight but durable, capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions.

    • Energy-Efficient: The shelter designs include insulation and natural ventilation systems that reduce the need for external heating and cooling, contributing to energy savings.

    • Thermal Mass and Passive Cooling: Shelters are designed to maintain a comfortable internal temperature using natural elements, reducing reliance on external energy sources.

  2. Renewable Energy Integration:

    • Solar Power: Each shelter will be equipped with photovoltaic panels to provide electricity for lighting, appliances, and basic necessities. Community areas will have larger solar arrays.

    • Wind Energy: Small-scale wind turbines can complement solar energy, particularly in windy regions. These can be set up to generate additional electricity for communal spaces.

    • Microgrids: A central microgrid will connect the energy systems of all the shelters, ensuring a balanced distribution of power and allowing energy sharing during high demand periods.

  3. Water Management Systems:

    • Rainwater Harvesting: Roofs of the shelters and communal buildings will be equipped with rainwater collection systems, funneling water into storage tanks.

    • Filtration and Purification: A central filtration unit will ensure that collected rainwater is safe for drinking. Solar-powered water pumps will make it easier to transport water from storage tanks to the shelters.

    • Greywater Recycling: Water used for washing and cooking will be filtered and reused for irrigation purposes or for flushing toilets, reducing overall water consumption.

  4. Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security:

    • Community Gardens and Greenhouses: Refugees will be trained to grow their own food using organic farming practices. Raised beds, aquaponics, and vertical farming techniques will be used to maximize space and increase yield.

    • Composting: Organic waste from the community will be composted to create nutrient-rich soil for gardening.

  5. Waste-to-Energy Solutions:

    • Biogas Digesters: Organic waste will be processed in anaerobic digesters to produce biogas, which can be used for cooking and heating.

    • Composting Toilets: To conserve water, composting toilets will be installed in the shelters and community spaces.

  6. Skills Development and Livelihoods:

    • Training Programs: Refugees will receive training in renewable energy, water management, and sustainable farming. This can help foster self-reliance and provide long-term skills.

    • Micro-Enterprises: Encourage refugees to create micro-businesses based on the skills acquired, such as solar panel maintenance, organic farming, and water filtration services.

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