A world-first green housebuilding solution that could help solve a global housing crisis is showcased by a UK company attending the Future Cities Summit in Africa.

Scottish entrepreneur Eddie Black is in Nigeria to share Eco Group’s game-changing VASO Build housebuilding technology as part of a three-pronged UK delegation.

Eddie is in Lagos as part of Innovate UK’s Global Alliance Africa delegation to the Future Cities Africa Green Building Summit 2024 taking place in Lagos from July 16-19.

Eddie said: “We are delighted to be joining Lea Esteban (Project Manager and Circular Economy Consultant at Arup) and Marcus von Thiele (Director of Ecobrix-UK) to showcase our amazing technologies, driving sustainable change in construction.

“At Eco we aim to build future cities integrating Carbon Neutrality, Circular Economy, and Inclusive Urban Development. Africa’s forward-looking ambitions are truly admirable.

“Chosen for this delegation, VASO Build stands as a game-changing technology. We want to thank Innovate UK for its immense support because when innovation like this can impact the world, spreading the word becomes crucial.

“Given the massive problems that housing shortages across the UK and the rest of the world are causing, it’s our duty to look at new sustainable solutions to these urgent challenges.”

The new Labour government has set a target of delivering 1.5million new homes this parliament with the biggest increase in social housing and affordable housebuilding in a generation.

Innovative solutions are seen as vital if the government is going to be able to deliver that volume of housebuilding at that pace.

Eco is the majority shareholder in VASO Build Limited which creates buildings from panels manufactured from recycled glass, providing affordable, low energy cost, low carbon dwellings which are quick to construct.

Eddie said: “VASO Build will meet both immediate and longer term needs.

“This circular innovation will create a new build system using building modules with scalable manufacturing, providing large amounts of housing quickly and sustainably where it is required most.”

Eco Group Opportunity Strategist Gary Robertson said “Our ambition at Eco is to make a profound and positive difference in people’s lives and have a significant, sustainable global impact.

“We are committed to being at the forefront of the net zero revolution and, working in collaboration with businesses and other organisations, creating a legacy which will make a difference across the world now and for generations to come.”

Previewed at the UK’s biggest zero carbon built environment festival in Scotland last autumn, VASO Build is now ready to launch to the UK and international markets.

It uses circular processes and advanced materials and will reduce the cost of living in new builds as well as being fast to deploy as a retro-fit solution in existing buildings.

Innovate UK Business Connect exists to connect innovators like Eco with new partners and new opportunities beyond their existing thinking – accelerating ambitious ideas into real world solutions. It is part of the Innovate UK Group – the UK’s innovation agency.

Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa is a six-year project funded by UK International Development through the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The project aims to build new and stronger UK-African partnerships to maximise the creation of inclusive market access, funding, and investment opportunities through innovation knowledge transfer.

VASO Build – why it’s a global game-changer in housebuilding

• Affordable – energy positive buildings with capital costs akin to traditional construction;
• Ultra Sustainable – predominantly made from recycled waste glass;
• Superior Performance – resists fire, mould, floods, insect, freeze thaw and thermal. Engineered for hurricane and earthquake protection. Extreme weather tested (+40°C to -40°C);
• Quick to Manufacture – standard 3-bedroom house is manufactured in a matter of hours offsite;
• Fast and Uncomplicated Onsite Build – a typical 3-bedroom house can be erected in a matter of hours, utilising minimal on-site labour and mechanical equipment;
• Durable and Long Lasting – exceeds industry performances. Build System comes with a 60-year manufacturer’s warranty;
• Exceeds Industry Performance – insured against windstorm, flood and earthquake;
• Design In Mind – flexible floor plans for all budgets. Designed to replicate traditional build styles and practicality.