Ecoshield

Problem:

There is a current deficiency in the quality of thermal insulation in housing, especially in lower income households. Efficient and good quality insulators tend to cost more, while the most basic insulators made out plaster are generally not enough to maintain a comfortable temperature leading to excessive use of air conditioning, thus, expenses.

Idea:

Our idea is to make a low cost thermal insulator based from rubber and wool. The rubber is extracted from crushed tires that are no longer in use and are considered waste. On the other hand there is a current excess of wool in local sheep livestock farms, although they sell the meat, the wool is rarely purchased, forcing farmers to store enormous amounts and some times burn it. This solution would not only create an affordable and efficient insulator, but also recycle material waste.

Main Beneficiaries:

Low income households with deficient insulation in Santiago, Chile (approximately 60% of homes in the city), chilean local sheep livestock farmers and chilean tyre waste management organizations.

Stage:

Execution and validation

SDG:

GOAL 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

GOAL 10: Reduced Inequality

University:

Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile