Energy Systems and Options

Coming Soon!

Informal settlements struggle with a variety of issues including sanitation, education, and energy. Many settlements live without proper electricity or manage to get it illegally. This method causes power outages, unsafe living conditions, and unnecessary hazard. Additionally, limited access to heat and proper cooking equipment means community members must use relatively open fires which can lead to burning shacks and destruction. Because of these, and many other reasons, our students have been focusing on ways to create energy efficiency in informal settlements through different strategies and products.

Project Listings:

An Entrepreneurial Initiative for Distributing Energy Efficient Products in Low Income Communities (2014): worked with the Office of Sustainable Livelihoods, Business Bridge, and a variety of creche and community leaders to build a sustainable business model for the distribution of energy efficient products.

Supporting Reblocking and Community Development in Mtshini Wam (2012): in addition to other community development projects, this group helped the community install Litres of Light that allow shacks to have electricity-free, solar light during the day and eliminate a variety of safety hazards.

Alternative Cooking Solutions for the Redevelopment of Monwabisi Park (2009): this team developed various methods of safe, sustainable cooking in informal settlements by taking into account the needs of the community and the different products available.

Developing Energy Solutions for a South African Informal Settlement (2008): by collaborating with community members and the City of Cape Town, this group established energy issues and developed short term and long term solutions including the creation of a centralized energy facility for essential services.


Resources

More coming soon!