Eco-Friendly Green Construction

Plastic waste has been a major problem in the development of most countries. Globally 300 million tons of plastic were generated which ended up polluting our environment, water bodies (oceans, Seas, Rivers, etc.), and the air we breathe. Pakistan generated 4 million tons of plastic waste in 2021 and is estimated to increase to 6 million tons by 2030. Plastic waste accounts for 27% of the total solid waste generated. Also, the cost of construction has elevated by 30% in the last 2 years. 

A total of 1.6 billion people live without a proper roof above their heads, leading to diseases and severe cases of death. it is estimated that 1 in 7 life in slums today. Pakistan is the 5th most populous country in the world with a 2.34% increase in population annually, a total of 350,000 units are required (64% for low-income, 26% for middle-income, and 10% for upper-income) but even with the combined effort of government and private companies, the formal supply is 150,000 units annually.

The CO2 emission in 2022 was estimated to be about 36.8 billion tons out of which the construction industry participates in 38% of the total CO2 emission i.e. 14 billion tons of CO2 annually. Pakistan as a developing country partakes 0.3% of the total CO2 emission.

There are several factors contributing to the global construction cost increase in 2 years, including the rising cost of materials, labor shortages, and increased demand for construction services due to a growing population and urbanization. The Construction cost has increased by 70% in the last 2 years in Pakistan.

I realized that the uncontrollable construction cost and the rapidly increasing plastic waste can only be reduced by merging these factors, so we have come up with a sustainable solution to use plastic waste as a building material. The solution is provided after considering the Sustainable Development Goals and structural safety. 

The objective of our concept is to minimize the use of natural resources during building construction and also focuses on the three R's – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle plastic.

The basic concept is to reduce the cost and time without compromising the quality. This enables us to reduce concrete slab costs without sacrificing its strength, allowing us to utilize non-reusable plastic waste. Therefore, we have come up with a solution called Bubble Deck Slab. The solution involves removing the concrete from the middle of a slab and replacing them with hollow-core balls made up of HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene). Consequently, the dead weight of the structure was reduced, which in turn reduced the base shear, leading to a smaller foundation and structural elements.

The Solution proved to be 20% reduction in CO2 emission, a 25% reduction in the use of natural resources, 30% decrease in the cost of construction, and 30% less time consuming.

The solution will serve a wide range of people in the construction industry, from architects and engineers to builders and contractors.

The use of green construction materials can have a significant impact on the environment, as they are often made from sustainable or recycled materials and can reduce the carbon footprint of a building. This can help reduce the overall impact of construction on the environment and promote more sustainable practices.
In addition, green construction materials can also benefit the people who use the building, as they often provide better insulation, improved air quality, and increased energy efficiency. This can lead to lower utility bills and a healthier living or working environment for the occupants of the building.
Overall, the use of green construction materials is a positive step towards creating a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly future, and can have a lasting impact on the people and communities that use them.

Our solution will help the people of all classes to complete their dream of owning a house at a reduced cost as compared to other construction firms.

We are a team with diverse backgrounds including Civil Engineers, architects, environmentalists, marketing professionals, and highly qualified local and international researchers. 

My team includes 4members including myself:

• Engr. Ayan Raza (Founder/CEO), A young and talented entrepreneur looking to make the world a better place by making a change in the construction industry. A Team Leader, Junior structural engineer, and head of this organization as well as the Founder. 
• A structural design engineer Dr. Muhammad Imran (Mentor/CTO), A motivational speaker, and a great mentor is currently employed as the chairperson of the Civil Engineering department at Sir Syed University of Engineering and technology. 
• Engr. Abdul Basit Shaikh (Co-Founder/COO), the fun and joy boy of our team and well Experienced Site Engineer. And cost management.
• Engr. Nahid Mosharraf (Mentor/international helper), A talented public speaker and motivator, is currently residing in Gloucester England, UK. Expertise in Engineering Management, and Material.

We are currently a small enterprise and we are currently in contact with 2 clients.

We as a team have invested a total of $2,500 to test and design our prototype, at present, we are looking for an investor to help us in pursuing our goals and continuing our journey ahead.

We require assistance in achieving a breakthrough financial and marketing barrier.

This Solution will revolutionize the construction as compared to Our Competitors which include the construction companies that are providing construction services to the general public and government sectors. They are providing services that are old and not so eco-friendly. In terms of rates, their prices are higher whereas in contrast our prices are truncated and better for the environment. Their biggest weakness is that they are using outdated and past-used techniques that are harmful to our environment.

We at EFG Construction are providing superior construction services which are not offered by most of our competitors. Our services will save our customers time and cost without concern about the structural quality. The price of our services is guaranteed to be less in comparison to our competitors.

By the end of this year we aim to successfully complete our target of completing minimum 15 million PKR ($55,000) worth of construction, which in next five year will increase to 10 billion PKR ($3.5 million) worth of construction. By doing so we will be able to provide houses to the middle- and low-class families which are still unable to own their own households.

3. Good Health and Well-being: Calculating the reduce in the CO2 emission and no. of houses provided.

7. Affordable and Clean Energy: Measuring the reduction in the cost of construction so that it is affordable to all.

8. Decent Work and Economic Growth: By doing so we are reducing the cost and use of natural resources and increasing the economic growth of the country

9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Revolutionizing the construction industry by reducing the cost of industry construction.

11. Sustainable Cities and Communities: Solution provided is sustainable as we are using plastic waste and recycling plastic waste.

12. Responsible Consumption and Production: Reducing the use of natural resources as they are becoming a sacristy. 

13. Climate Action: Reduce the CO2 emission in all aspects of construction, i.e., construction, transportation and maintenance.

14. Life Below Water: reusing of plastic waste that end up in our waster bodies and causes harm to aquatic life.

15. Life on Land: Reusing of plastic waste that end up in our landfills and environment.

17. Partnerships for the Goals

Our Short-term goal is to complete our first project and long term is to be the leading construction industry in Pakistan.

The technology is based on use of plastic waste as a structural element . Our product has been modeled, tested and approved by multiple construction related agencies.

The three-management position holders hold equal equity of the company i.e. 33.33% each. Which in case of future investor will be further divided.

In this business, we are targeting B2C, B2B, and B2G.

In B2C, we will provide our services to the innovative public who couldn't afford houses by providing cost-effective, high-quality (in terms of structural strength, durability, and reliability) and aesthetically elegant greenhouses.

In B2B, we will provide our services on contract bases to different construction companies. We will also provide our services to provide a green solution by modifying available resources and cost-effective structures into upgraded and green structures by using our customized, eco-friendly, and economical construction techniques.

In B2G we will develop houses at low cost for the government to provide for the low-income and poor people who in this era of development are not able to afford a decent residence for their families, by doing so we will as an additional advantage by generating jobs.

Achieving financial sustainability in a construction company as its founder can be challenging, but I follow the following strategy:

1. Develop a sound business plan: A clear and comprehensive business plan can help you define your goals, set realistic targets, and identify potential challenges and opportunities. It should include a detailed financial plan that outlines your revenue streams, expenses, and cash flow projections.

2. Manage your costs: Construction projects can be costly, so it's important to manage your expenses carefully. This includes tracking your costs closely, negotiating with suppliers, and minimizing waste.

3. Build a strong team: A construction company is only as good as its team, so it's important to hire skilled and experienced professionals who are committed to your vision and values. This includes not just construction workers, but also administrative staff, project managers, and other key personnel.

4. Diversify your revenue streams: Relying on a single type of construction project or client can be risky, so it's important to diversify your revenue streams. This can include expanding into new markets, offering new services, or targeting new types of clients.

5. Embrace technology: Technology can help construction companies streamline their operations, reduce costs, and improve their efficiency. This includes using digital tools for project management, scheduling, and communication.

Currently we have raised $5000 that were used for the products development, modeling and testing. Most of the funds were personal savings and prize money won from multiple National and International competitions.