HYT advocates the use of the carbon-saving Interlocking Stabilised Soil Block [ISSB] for construction as an alternative to the traditional fired brick, which is devastating Uganda’s beautiful landscape.
The ISSB is a compressed block of moistened soil, mixed with a little cement, which is cured rather than fired.
Since the ISSB is not fired, no trees are chopped down to fuel brick kilns, making ISSB far more environmentally friendly. Ancient forests are preserved and C02 emissions drastically reduced.
ISSB is proven to be stronger than the conventional clay brick. Dry compressive strength testing at the University of Bath, UK, suggests ISSB is up to 80% stronger than a clay brick.
The interlocking feature of the ISSB means much less mortar is required between courses, construction is easier and costs further reduced.
ISSB is quicker to build with. ISSB blocks are also made on site, reducing costs further.
Find more detail on our site dedicated to the compressed earth block.
‘ISSB demonstrates how environmentally-friendly construction technologies can be made more affordable to the poor.‘ UN Habitat
‘By developing and promoting low-cost and sustainable construction technologies, [HYT] is contributing to the UN Habitat agenda of adequate shelter for all.’ Executive Director, UN Habitat.
Not only is HYT’s compressed earth technology environmentally sustainable, it is cheaper too! Research by a leading British quantity surveyor concludes that construction costs can be reduced by up to 30% using the ISSB. This is because the blocks are made on site and are uniformly shaped, while there is little mortar used between courses and much less need for plastering.
ISSB is stronger and more durable than the traditional fired brick. Experts at the world renowned Bath University have tested the ISSB and found it to be many times stronger than local Ugandan bricks. ISSB is Ugandan government approved and has a UNBS code 849
Using a curved block, rather than the straight one used for buildings, we construct rainwater harvesting water tanks at a fraction of the cost of other kinds of tank. These water tanks provide a valuable supplementary water supply for schools and homes. By doing this, HYT responds to water and sanitation needs in a country where many still have no access to clean water.
