Brief portrait
A sustainable and self-sufficient energy concept was developed for the Grace Orphan Care orphanage site and specifically for the new dormitory building in Zomba, Malawi. The aim was to ensure a reliable supply of water and energy while improving the living conditions of the residents through resource-conserving and environmentally friendly approaches.
The concept includes a series of measures that focus on the water cycle: Rainwater is collected in large tanks and transferred to roof storage tanks using solar pumps to make it usable for showers and toilets. In addition, gray water is purified and reused in a plant-based sewage treatment plant, which significantly reduces water consumption. The water from septic tanks is also treated by plants and used for irrigation in agriculture, closing the cycle of water and nutrients in the long term.
In addition to the focus on water, the concept provides for further sustainable measures. A design for dry toilets enables even more efficient use of resources, while options for producing biogas from faeces and agricultural waste have been identified. In addition, photovoltaic systems with battery storage ensure the energy supply. The solar power generated is primarily used for lighting, making the residents' everyday lives much easier thanks to a reliable source of light.
The energy concept is based on a detailed preliminary assessment, which was supplemented by a 14-day on-site inspection. The focus was on both the technical feasibility and the acceptance and practicability under local conditions. An approach was developed in close consultation with local tradespeople and construction companies based on the principle of helping people to help themselves.
