The centre will open in September

Since the beginning of 2017, the international non-governmental association "EcoStroitel" and the production unitary enterprise "EcoDomStroy", in cooperation with Heim-statt Tshernobyl e.V. (Germany), have been implementing a project for the introduction of environmentally friendly local thermal insulation materials, particularly reed. This project also involves Muller Holzbau GmbH Co.KG. (Germany), OJSC "BELGIPS", the "EnergoStroy-Effektivnost" Fund, Lepel District Executive Committee, and the State Nature Protection Institution "Spassky Republican Biological Reserve". The project is being implemented with the assistance of the Programme of Support for Belarus.

The project aims at the introduction, promotion, and wider use in construction of local natural resource-saving building materials, particularly reed. Reed is a pure natural material and an excellent insulator. It grows in nature without fertilizers or chemical treatments, and regular harvesting helps preserve the species. It grows everywhere, including the Lepel district.

For conventional insulation materials, the necessary research has been conducted; for reed insulation, it had not. In 2017, employees of the Scientific Research Unitary Enterprise for Construction "BelNIIS Institute" conducted the necessary tests within the framework of the project. Thermophysical and environmental studies of reed boards and structural elements based on them were verified in the laboratory. RUP "Stroytekhnorm" developed working drawings for wall structures using ecological materials, and the institute "VitebskSelStroyProekt" designed modifications to the project (application of ecological reed insulation).

This year, at the social facility "Centre for Labour and Social-Domestic Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons", we will demonstrate that energy consumption can be reduced through the use of local reed insulation manufactured using ecological technologies. The centre will open in September. Representatives of the charitable organisation Heim-statt Tschernobyl e. V. and others will participate in the event.

An accessible environment is planned everywhere. In accordance with European standards, handrails will be installed for convenience. Currently, interior finishing works and external insulation are underway, and the foundation for future workshops is being laid.

Classrooms, a physical rehabilitation room, a computer class, and premises for training in repair and laundry services, etc., will be located on an area of 450 square meters.

Yauheni NIKALAYEU.
In the photos: fourth-grade board press operator Mikalai Vashyvanyuk at the construction of the center; view inside the building.
Photos by the author.