Zehra Ali Fellow 2010

Living in: Washington, DC — United States

Venture: Ghonsla

Low cost, locally produced, rapidly renewable insulation that pays for itself in one winter.

Operating in: South Asia

Impact Area: Energy, Public Health, Waste Management

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"Zehra Ali, fabulous she!"

Basics

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Zehra's bio.

Describe your Unreasonable Venture in 100 words or less.

Over a billion people in disaster-affected areas and slums around the world live under roofs made from corrugated galvanized iron (CGI) sheets. CGI roof’s poor insulation makes homes unbearably hot in the summer and extremely difficult to heat in the winter. Ghonsla will address the problems created by the poor thermal performance of CGI sheets by: 1) Providing insulation made from rapidly renewable and waste materials that are 30 to 40% cheaper than other insulation material products in Pakistan. Also, the cost of these roofs is made up for in firewood savings within 1 winter season. 2) Partnering with micro-finance and social organizations for financing, technology promotion and to reach a greater number of beneficiaries (some already interested in promoting and even buying our products based on further testing and demonstrations). 3) Increasing ownership and responsibility of the local communities, while reorienting the vibrant informal economy through training and employment for promotion, distribution and installation of insulation.

Global Summit

Global Summit

Elevator Pitch

Elevator Pitch

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