World’s first climate resilient, carbon negative home unveiled in The Bahamas

The 1,250 sq ft. home will actively remove and avoid 182.6 metric t of CO₂ – equivalent to the annual CO₂ absorbed by 5200 mature trees. Compared to a standard concrete-built home, which generates 70.2 t of CO₂ on production.

The innovative ‘Home for the World’ is the first of 1000 planned homes announced in partnership with the Bahamian government, as part of an historic agreement signed at COP27. Further details on plans to deliver a further 29 properties, alongside information around future production facilities in The Bahamas are expected in the early part of 2024.

The Honourable Philip E. Davis, K.C., M.P., Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, expressed:

"Standing on the forefront of climate peril, we Bahamians have always been bound by resilience and innovation. Today, as we unveil the world's first carbon-negative concrete home right here in Nassau, it is a testament that the answers to our global crises often come from those most affected. This cement-free marvel not only absorbs CO₂ but thrives when exposed to seawater.

“I am immensely proud that it is a Bahamian entrepreneur leading this revolution, showing the world that when we say time is running out, we also mean it's time to build anew. We are not just on the frontline of climate change; we are the frontline of solutions."

Climate change and increasingly extreme weather events have caused a surge in natural disasters over the past 50 years, disproportionately impacting poorer countries. According to the World Meteorological Organisation, this extreme weather has caused two million deaths and cost over US$4 trillion in the past 50 years.

While traditional concrete weakens when exposed to seawater, Partanna’s material strengthens upon contact due to its use of brine, a by-product of desalination – a process crucial for freshwater supply in areas impacted by climate change.

For Small Island Developing States like The Bahamas, which bear the brunt of weather, climate, and water-related hazards, Partanna’s material offers a climate-resilient solution that supports the urgent need for reliable, affordable housing.

Commenting on the unveiling of Partanna’s Home for the World, Rick Fox, NBA legend, Bahamian, and co-founder of Partanna Global, said:

"The world is forecast to build an area equivalent to the size of The Bahamas every three years. The need to disentangle development from pollution has never been more pressing.

“Our 'Home for the World' is the answer to this challenge, and The Bahamas, having experienced the devastation of Hurricane Dorian first-hand, is the symbolic birthplace for our movement to change the way the world builds – for good.”

Cement’s responsibility for 9% of global CO₂ emissions, coupled with the UN's projection of three billion individuals requiring housing by 2030, underscores the magnitude of the challenge. Partanna's aspiration, moulded by the personal experiences of co-founders Rick Fox and Sam Marshall, is to break this link between development and pollution.

A rapid upscaling of Partanna's production is on the horizon, with existing facilities in Westlake, LA, and forthcoming expansion into the US, accompanied by strategic collaborations with Red Sea Global and Diriyah Company to revolutionize giga-cities in the Gulf.

Partanna’s eco-contribution extends beyond just homes. It yields high-value, Verra-certified carbon credits and has achieved Interrek certification, affirming its concrete's compliance with global standards. Impressively, in terms of compressive strength, its concrete solution outclasses traditional counterparts, with its standard CMU block estimated to be 25% mightier than a conventional concrete CMU block.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/16102023/worlds-first-climate-resilient-carbon-negative-home-unveiled-in-the-bahamas/