KARACHI: Engro, in partnership with the Sindh Rural Support Organization (SRSO) and the Indus Valley School (IVS), continues its commitment to supporting flood-resilient housing solutions.
The organization recently presented findings from two significant projects during a briefing held at the IVS campus in Karachi.
One of these pioneering initiatives, led by Engro Polymer & Chemicals in collaboration with the Indus Valley School, focuses on exploring the potential of PVC as the material of choice in flood rehabilitation efforts. This project involved extensive research into flood-responsive housing solutions and an in-depth understanding of the socio-cultural aspects of rural Sindh.
Thread 1 | @engrocorp @engrofoundation pioneered projects like #floodresilient housing that can float, transform,submerge or block during the flood disasters #EnablingGrowth #ClimateChange #SindhFlood #FloodsInPakistan #FloodInPakistan #SindhFloods #SindhRuralSupportOrganization pic.twitter.com/BicjzmJh6d
— Aamir Mughal (@mughalbha) October 9, 2023
The IVS students played a pivotal role in this collaborative effort, sharing a shelter design that incorporates regional materials and construction techniques. This innovative design integrates locally sourced bamboo, sun-dried brick, concrete blocks, and recyclable UPVC sheets. These materials are not only climate-aligned but also highly adaptable. They are designed to respond to flood disasters by floating, transforming, submerging, or blocking, ensuring the safety and security of their occupants. This partnership exemplifies how industry and academia can unite to address real-world challenges, utilizing local wisdom in construction and fostering the next generation of architects and designers.
In a similar vein, Engro Foundation, the social investment arm of Engro Corporation, joined hands with the Sindh Rural Support Organization (SRSO) to support the construction of 146 climate-resilient residential units in two severely affected villages in District Kambar Shahdadkot. These elevated residential units, situated three feet above ground level, were constructed using readily available materials and recyclable UPVC sheets. Thatched roofs were added to regulate temperatures, making the rooms habitable even during hot weather. Each unit comprises a room, kitchen, bathroom, and a courtyard. What sets this initiative apart is the strong emphasis on community mobilization, empowering local communities to take ownership of and participate in construction activities.
During the media briefing, Favad Soomro, Head of Engro Foundation, emphasized Engro’s commitment to serving underprivileged communities across Pakistan. He highlighted the organization’s strategic investments in environmental sustainability, quality education, healthcare, and livelihoods.
Muhammad Idrees, Chief Commercial Officer of Engro Polymer & Chemicals, emphasized the company’s dedication to sustainability. He outlined three sustainability streams, including carbon offsetting, advanced plastics recycling, and water conservation. Idrees underlined the significance of modern PVC materials, which are not only environmentally friendly but also resilient against harsh conditions, including flash floods.
PVC, as explained by Idrees, offers several advantages. It is waterproof, termite-resistant, fire-retardant, lightweight, durable, and requires minimal maintenance. Aesthetically, it surpasses iron and aluminium, demonstrating superior longevity and the ability to withstand diverse climatic conditions.
These projects epitomize the transformative power of knowledge, innovation, and community engagement in addressing contemporary challenges. As climate-related disasters intensify, collaborations like these provide hope for vulnerable communities, offering safety, dignity, and opportunities for rebuilding lives.
Thread 7 | #ClimateChange is not just a #BuzzWord it’s a reality @engrocorp & #IndusValleySchool of #Karachi join hands to cater to the biggest issue the world is facing; climate change. #ENablingGROwth #ThinkPvc#PakistanFloods #PakistanFlood #Poverty pic.twitter.com/5bnfNzzO1s
— Aamir Mughal (@mughalbha) October 7, 2023
Engro Polymer & Chemicals has achieved recognition as the first affiliate member from Pakistan to join the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP). This initiative aligns with Engro’s sustainability efforts to promote a circular economy and contribute to zero plastic waste. At the group level, Engro is also a member of the UN Global Compact, demonstrating its commitment to incorporate the UN’s ten principles into its strategy, culture, and daily operations.
Pakistan, as one of the world’s top five climate change-vulnerable nations, faces increasingly unpredictable weather patterns due to global warming and climate change. Regions like the Indus floodplains are particularly affected, making initiatives like these critical for the nation’s resilience and sustainability.
