What is the name of your solution?
Climatile™ (by Takazuri)
Provide a one-line summary of your solution.
Climatile is a patented roofing & cladding solution that enhances climate resilience via improved insulation, solar energy and biophilic adaptation.
In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?
Nairobi, KenyaWhat type of organization is your solution team?
For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models
Film your elevator pitch.
What specific problem are you solving?
East Africa’s population currently standing at 480 million, is expected to more than double by 2050 (AfDB) , which will predominantly be concentrated in urban areas. By 2050 ~ 300-400 million additional people will live in East African cities, all of whom need decent housing, schools and places to work. While there is a construction boom anticipated alongside economic growth, the impact on the environment can not be ignored (globally 40% of the energy use, 100 BT of raw materials consumed annually, 1/3rd of the world’s waste and 40% of GHG emissions are attributed to construction alone).
Further, with imminent climate change affecting rise in temperatures (for East Africa this is anticipated at 1.5 times that of the global average) and also frequency of extreme weather events- millions of people are increasingly vulnerable due to poorly fit infrastructure and limited economic means to access mechanical cooling (e.g., air conditioning, fans, etc.). Coupled with growth in unmanaged waste, particularly plastic for which there is limited infrastructure and fit for quality recycling, there is significant risk of negative impact on health and productivity as well as biodiversity loss .
Takazuri sees the potential to transform solutions for the built environment especially in the era of climate change & resource scarcity, and the increasing vulnerability to natural disasters and conflict. Takazuri’s motivation is to provide an affordable solution to climate resilience utilising local resources as sustainable material and amplifying local environmental and social impact.
What is your solution?
In the wake of climate change, creating buildings & shelters that offer self-reliance is paramount to our adaptation and survival. Takazuri’s net positive mission focuses on supporting local economies to build infrastructure that lasts, provides shelter and resilience, and is regenerative. By providing comfortable indoor temperatures, a safe surface for rain-water collection & energy generation, we equip buildings to provide the most fundamental resources for us to thrive.
Takazuri’s Climatile™ is a patented multifunctional solution for roofing and cladding which incorporates 75% locally sourced and recycled plastic (polypropylene). The interlocking Climatiles make up a modular, lightweight and dismountable system where the tiles are "snapped" in place quickly and easily. This system offers secure, and precise results without the need for high skilled labour. It also saves costs in the installation and ensures a leak-free performance.
Thanks to special pigments, the Climatile acts as a cool roof (enhanced insulation & improved solar reflectance) providing improved indoor temperatures. The Climatile’s cutting-edge design features a smart clipping mechanism where ultra-light frameless solar panels,and biophilic components can be integrated to it’s surface. In this way the Climatile offers an “upgradable” solution for roofing and cladding that is particularly relevant to emerging economies that are driven by price sensitive markets. Lastly, the Climatile is also a safe surface to harvest rain-water that doesn’t corrode.
With its lightweight, dismountabilty and upgreadability, the Climatile offers ample applications ranging from solar canopies, emergency and humanitarian shelters, clinics and storage units, to standard commercial and residential coverings.
Takazuri has an asset-light and circular business model, enabled through robust partnerships with local recyclers and local contract manufacturers, and also with a consortium of architects, builders and contractors. The licensing model enables Takazuri to enter new markets and leverage synergies on the ground for scale across different regions globally.
Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?
User impact:
Improving climate resilience in the building sector & reducing environmental footprint to directly impact millions of people from different socio-economic backgrounds and in different sectors of construction who are occupants. Approximately 62% of the urban population ofSub-Saharan africa resides in areas lacking minimum standards of essential services, including power, water, and sanitation
Climatile acts as a cool roof, providing improved thermal comfort for the occupants while also reducing energy consumption for cooling.
Deploying cool roofs across communities can help reduce local ambient temperatures and mitigate the urban heat island effect. 84 out of the fastest-growing cities globally, face extreme risk due to a warming planet with 79 of these cities in Africa. Passive cooling in construction offers wide-ranging benefits for occupants in vulnerable communities in humanitarian settlements, industrial buildings, commercial and residential spaces, and facilities requiring food storage or equipment amongst others.
The integration with lightweight solar and rainwater harvesting can also supplement and enable self-sufficiency for energy and water needs in a wide variety of sectors as mentioned above. In Sub-Saharan Africa only 45% of households have access to grid electricity. In the case of retro-fitting a building with Climatile’s ultralight solar great cost savings can be incurred as no structural retro-fit is necessary to carry heavy glass solar panels.
The tiles' non-toxic composition and capacity to incorporate biophilic elements like green walls and roofs can enhance indoor air quality, insulation, and biodiversity in urban areas where greenery falls below the recommended 15% threshold essential for mental health, well-being, and mitigating urban heat island effects.
The design of the tiles has been optimized to enable a decrease in structural load & material requirements as well as to allow efficient transportation and installation, further reducing overall construction & logistics costs. This feature impacts all the sectors in construction, especially those in humanitarian aid and emergency relief.
Impact on people involved in the upstream and downstream supply chain:
Giving value to plastic waste to increase income generation for collectors as well as viability of recycling operations (aggregation across 2500 waste collectors in Kenya).
Every Climatile, incorporates 75% recycled plastic, diverting it from either low value add applications (best case) or landfill or being incinerated (worst case)- in the meanwhile working with reputed recyclers that are engaging and employing waste collectors on the ground in Kenya.
Takazuri is also working closely with local sources of ocean certified plastic as well to remove plastic from the environment and create additional income for vulnerable coastal communities.
Increased access & affordability to catalyze the local economy
Green job creation - from upcycling of the waste to manufacturing and product installation, there are several opportunities to engage and provide dignified employment. The ease of installation does not require significant upskilling which makes it an easy product to service.
Financing - the immediate climate and material benefits differentiate the Climatile amongst other materials and can tie in with product financing (especially incentives aimed at decarbonization) , further increasing affordability.
How are you and your team well-positioned to deliver this solution?
Maria (Colombian), Adel (Colombian), Zehra (Pakistani), and Kemunto (Kenyan) bring a unique perspective to Takazuri's core team, with experiences growing up in developing countries that resonate with those in Africa. In the same way, the rest of the team members bring firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by communities in developing nations gained through several years of living and working in these geographies. Their combined backgrounds and experiences enrich their approach to designing and delivering sustainable solutions following a human centered approach. This interactive systems approach seeks to make systems usable and useful by focusing on the users, their needs and requirements understood from direct observation, engagement and participation with community and stakeholders.
Led by Maria Schlesinger, CEO & Founder, with an MA in Industrial Design and sustainable building training, the team comprises specialized industrial designers and business entrepreneurs that combine in-depth understanding of local socio-economic reality with extensive international experience across continents, including the US, Europe, Asia, South America and Africa.
Adel Kassem, Co-founder & Design, brings over 20 years of award-winning industrial design experience across South America and Europe,focusing on driving positive societal change through innovation. Christopher Hornor (USA & UK), Co-founder & Business Development, has over 25 years of experience pioneering renewable energy products and impacting millions in Africa through rural electrification projects. J
ulie Orr's (Ireland) background in finance and strategy has been mostly gained through 15 years of experience working with NGOs, social enterprises, and SMEs in East Africa.
Zehra Ali, with a background in engineering and business development from MIT and Cambridge, has led initiatives in sustainable materials and energy efficiency, with a multidisciplinary approach.
Kemunto Nyawencha, with nearly 15 years of corporate experience in solution selling and marketing in Kenya, adds valuable expertise in operations and customer service empathizing with the needs and aspirations of African communities.
This diverse team's extensive experience and multidisciplinary approach uniquely position them to design and deliver sustainable solutions tailored to the target population. Their understanding of the communities they serve is enhanced by their diverse backgrounds and experiences, allowing them to meaningfully incorporate community input, ideas, and agendas into the design and implementation of solutions. Through collaboration and engagement with the communities they serve, the team ensures that their solutions address the specific needs and priorities of the target population, driving sustainable impact and positive change.
Which dimension of the Challenge does your solution most closely address?
Adapt cities to more extreme weather, including through climate-smart buildings, incorporating climate risk in infrastructure planning, and restoring regional ecosystems.Which of the UN Sustainable Development Goals does your solution address?
What is your solution’s stage of development?
PilotWhy are you applying to Solve?
Solve platform can help us connect with relevant stakeholders (strategic business development partnerships, financing, new project adopters & exposure) across markets. Also interested in engaging with the peer & alumni group, along with the experienced panel / partners with a focus on scaling product innovations with a positive climate impact
Participating in Solve's program would provide Takazuri with a multitude of benefits tailored to support its mission of driving sustainable solutions for the built environment. Through its virtual support program, Takazuri would gain access to tailored capacity workshops and leadership coaching, enhancing its organizational capacity and leadership skills. Additionally, access to in-kind and pro bono resources such as software licenses would enable Takazuri to streamline its operations, its design development, 3D modeling, visualization, rendering animation and video editing. Support in legal services could help us with IP safeguarding and international licensing contract and engagement models to overcome potential barriers and speed up expansion. The program's opportunities to connect and network with peers would offer a great support group, providing inspiration, guidance, potential new partnerships and exposure to expand Takazuri’s business.
Furthermore, Solve's monitoring and evaluation assistance would help Takazuri continue building its impact measurement practice, ensuring its initiatives are effectively addressing community needs whilst continuing to build the financial and business case towards a B-Corp company model.
In which of the following areas do you most need partners or support?
Who is the Team Lead for your solution?
Maria Schlesinger
What makes your solution innovative?
The Climatile leads the market as the only roofing and cover solution that has been designed not as a singular product rather a system that can integrate diverse solutions to support self-reliance and climate resilience. (Nearly weightless solar panels, biophilic solutions eg. plant trays and drip integration). Equipped with an interlocking system & an ingenious clipping mechanism, these solutions can be integrated without interfering with the integrity of the roof or cladding structure.
In this way, the Climatile is the only product of it's kind that offers a sustainable, versatile, upgradable, and dismountable roofing and cladding solution to address the demands of different sectors in construction and in different geographies.
The climatile targets several synergies across the value chain -from improving valorization of recycled plastic (supporting the local waste collection and local manufacturing infrastructure) to increasing the ease and affordability of construction (hassle free and fast installation).
Climatile:
Material choice:
Mono-material for improved recyclability - unlike other recycled plastic building product suppliers, we focus only on PP vs. a blend of other plastics (which may be cheaper but having poorer performance and are harder to recycle).
qualification of recycled content- we are working with established local recycling partners and European plastic chemistry partners who focus on quality and compliance across the value chain (including cooperation on community waste collection side in coastal areas).
Local manufacturing and ease of licensing business model
Climatile is produced using injection molding- most markets in the world have an existing supplier base that can provide this service.
Injection molding allows for great versatility, precision and quality in the design of complex product mechanisms which boost product performance and functionality.
Upgreadability
Clipping mechanism enables seamless integration with light-weight solar, biophilic components & future others (ex.lighting).
Installation: interlocking mechanism and in-built guides to eliminate human risk (low skilled labor), fast installation, easy disassembly, no leakage guarantee. Stackability for transportability. The interlocking mechanism of the Cliamtile is unique in that it not only attaches the tiles sideways but top to bottom with the tile below. This dramatically increases strong wind resistance, animal and human interference (In Africa heavy baboons and other animals jumping on roofs present a persistent problem with tile dislodgement and iron sheet breakage). This “four corner” mechanical fastening has also allowed the Cliamtile to be used as vertical wall cladding providing a water tight cover.
Versatility :
The Climatile can be sold in the market as a plug-and-play solution for shelters which can include basic structures (solar-ready canopies, car ports, “floating canopies”, etc.) + solar panels, batteries and inverters; or biophilic components. These can all be designed as modular off-the-shelf solutions, flat packed and dispatched with international outreach.
The climatile can also be sold per square meter for customized solutions with upgradability to solar, biophilic integration on a by-project basis.
Asset light business model - not investing in additional capacity but leveraging the existing manufacturing and recycling base for scalability. This promotes cross-value chain collaborations between stakeholders fostering innovation and promoting circularity.
Describe in simple terms how and why you expect your solution to have an impact on the problem.
The Climatile can be used across surfaces in the built environment to achieve benefits of improved insulation, renewable energy integration and biophilic integration for a range of occupants. From quick assembly for humanitarian/ relief, living pods, to light weight solar canopies across industrial and commercial to hospitality and residential buildings.
Climatile acting as a cool roof:
Activity: Installation of the climatile (over existing structures or as new construction)
Output: reduced solar absorption by roofs, improving thermal comfort for occupants/ users while also reducing energy consumption for cooling
Outcome: improved utilization of indoor space, reduced cooling energy expenditure and also positive impact on health (due to reduced exposure to heat) . In the longer term, the reduced absorption and emittance of heat by roofs, would also result in reduction in ambient temperatures during summer months (and reducing the urban heat island effect in communities where climatile is deployed).
2.Multi-functional roofing & cladding system
Activity: installation with lightweight solar and rainwater harvesting systems or incorporation of biophilic elements like green walls and roof
Output: increased solar generation from the roofs and also collection of rainwater (in case kenya ,an average household can generate 8 KW and collect ½ their usage of water) . The tiles' non-toxic composition and capacity to can enhance indoor air quality, insulation, and biodiversity in urban areas where greenery falls below the recommended 15% threshold
Outcome: can also supplement and enable increased self-sufficiency for energy and water needs in a wide variety of sectors. In case of green elements would have a positive impact on mental health, well-being, and mitigating urban heat island effects.
What are your impact goals for your solution and how are you measuring your progress towards them?
The main impact inputs for Climatile encompass various dimensions of sustainability and performance, which are being assessed and monitored as Takazuri rolls out demonstrations with key partners and initial customers. These impacts are aligned with the demands of different construction sectors where Climatile offers valuable solutions, including humanitarian aid, emergency relief, commercial, institutional, industrial, hospitality, and residential sectors. Some of the key impact inputs include:
1. Improved Insulation: Climatile provides enhanced indoor thermal comfort for building occupants by reducing temperature differentials compared to other common construction materials. This is measured through direct surface temperature readings and indoor temperature monitoring.
2. Reduction in Cooling Energy Demand and CO2 Emissions: Climatile contributes to climate adaptation and mitigation efforts by reducing cooling energy demand, associated costs, and CO2 emissions, particularly in hot climate regions such as Coastal and Western Kenya, compared to alternative constructions.
3. Improved Construction Resilience & Carbon Footprint: Climatile enhances construction resilience and reduces carbon footprint through improved material performance, durability, and sourcing. Specialized masterbatch additives improve UV resistance of recyclates, fire resistance, and enhance emittance and reflectance, verified through specialized lab testing for international certification compliance.
4. Support for Solar Energy Adoption: Climatile facilitates the adoption of solar energy through bankable integrated roofing solutions, leading to increased solar adoption in existing structures and new builds across various sectors. This also opens up new markets for ultra-light and dismountable solar solutions.
5. Increase in Resource Efficiency: Climatile promotes plastic recycling by increasing local plastic (PP) recycling rates. Additionally, it supports rainwater harvesting by facilitating the integration of water harvesting systems with collection tanks, filters, and pumps.
6. Catalyzing Green Technology Transfer & Job Creation: Takazuri's collaboration with plastic recyclers and manufacturing collaborators leads to job creation and skill development across the value chain. Adoption of new technologies and quality control measures is documented as improvements in green technology transfer and local capacity building.
Describe the core technology that powers your solution.
Core technology
Leveraging the properties of plastic for improved insulation, combined with advancements in material science and chemistry to optimize solar reflectance and emittance, has become increasingly important. Current demand and legislation in Europe to include recyclates in ordinary plastic products have spurred the development of new science and chemistry in plastic manufacturing. Climatile has collaborated with BASF in Germany for 2.5 years to develop and test sustainable additives that increase the lifespan of recycled material while enhancing performance. These additives, including specialized UV stabilizers, "cool" pigments, and safe fire retardants, are at the forefront of innovation in recyclate utilization, ensuring durability and safety while incorporating recycled plastics.
The Climatile technology capitalizes on the unique characteristics of plastic, providing an excellent opportunity for innovation with interlocking mechanisms and clasps. Plastic's flexibility, durability, and moldability allow for the development of intricate interlocking systems and secure clasping mechanisms that ensure a tight fit between tiles while maintaining structural integrity. This innovative approach enables Climatile to seamlessly integrate diverse solutions, such as lightweight solar panels and biophilic features, without compromising the overall stability of the structure.
Incorporating state-of-the-art technology, the solar panels utilized by Climatile are a breakthrough in solar incorporation. These panels are semi-flexible, ultralight, and highly efficient, representing a significant advancement in solar technology. Unlike traditional solar panels, which are bulky and fragile, these semi-flexible panels offer enhanced versatility and ease of installation. Their ultralight construction reduces installation costs and allows for integration with existing buildings without imposing additional structural requirements. This breakthrough technology expands the application of solar energy by overcoming previous limitations related to weight, fragility, and installation costs, making solar integration more accessible and practical for a wide range of building projects.
Which of the following categories best describes your solution?
A new application of an existing technology
Please select the technologies currently used in your solution:
If your solution has a website or an app, provide the links here:
https://www.takazuri.com/
How many people work on your solution team?
Full-time staff:
1. Maria Schlesinger - CEO and Founder
2. Adel Kassam - Co-Founder and Design Director
3. Kemunto Nyawencha - Office Manager
4. Zehra Ali - COO and Strategic Business Development
Part-time staff:
1. Julie Orr - Financial Director
2. Andreas Haueisen - Project Manager and Director of Operations
3. Christopher Hornor - Co-Founder and Solar Expert
Contractors:
1. Benjamin Hoyle - Architect and Structural Expert
2. Lang Gao - Behavioral Economist and Market Researcher
3. Joost Woltjen - Product Engineer
4. Anton Viklund - Emergency Relief and Humanitarian Aid Sales Specialist
5. Cosmo Grimwood - Commercial and Industrial Sales Specialist
How long have you been working on your solution?
Founded in 2019, Takazuri responded to an international challenge to develop cool roofs. Differentiated by our commitment to innovative product design and technology, we took a holistic approach, unlike other participants focused on single-product solutions. Collaborating with leading chemistry experts and building strong partnerships, we advanced Climatile from prototyping to a market-ready product. Leveraging our entrepreneurial background and global network, we've received invaluable feedback and are attracting collaborators and interest both locally and internationally. Now, we're focused on commercializing our solution and seeking investment opportunities.
Tell us about how you ensure that your team is diverse, minimizes barriers to opportunity for staff, and provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for all team members.
At Takazuri, diversity is ingrained in our DNA, reflected in the varied backgrounds of our team members spanning Asia, Europe, the USA, and South America. Our CEO, a woman, leads the charge, setting the tone for an inclusive culture where everyone's voice is heard and valued. In top management roles, gender parity is not just a goal but a reality, with equal representation of men and women. This diversity extends beyond demographics to encompass a range of perspectives, experiences, and talents, driving our collective innovation and success. By fostering an environment that embraces and celebrates our differences, we minimize barriers to opportunity and create a welcoming space where all team members can thrive, contribute, and grow. At Takazuri, diversity isn't just a checkbox; it's a cornerstone of our identity, guiding us as we work together to create sustainable solutions for a better future.
What is your business model?
Takazuri operates an asset-light licensing business model, focusing on the production and distribution of Climatile™ , a multifunctional roofing and cladding solution made from 75% recycled plastic. Our business model is structured to deliver significant environmental and social impact while ensuring financial sustainability through a combination of direct sales, licensing agreements, and strategic partnerships.
Key Products and Services:
- Climatile™ Roofing and Cladding Systems: These are modular, lightweight, and easy-to-install systems designed for both new constructions and retrofitting existing buildings. The tiles offer enhanced insulation, are integrated with solar panels and biophilic components, and support rainwater harvesting, making them a versatile solution for varied construction needs.
- Installation and Technical Support: We provide comprehensive installation services via third party partners and ongoing technical support to ensure optimal performance and longevity of our products.
Value Proposition:
- For Construction and Real Estate Developers: Climatile™ offers a cost-effective, durable, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional materials, helping reduce the carbon footprint of buildings and enhance their energy efficiency.
- For Communities in Emerging Markets: The product provides access to affordable and sustainable building materials that improve living conditions by offering better thermal comfort and integrating renewable energy solutions.
- For Environmental Sustainability: By utilizing recycled plastics, Climatile™ helps reduce waste and encourages circular economic practices in the construction industry.
Revenue Streams:
1. Sales of Climatile™ Systems: Revenue generated from the direct sales of Climatile™ to developers, contractors, and through global distribution channels selling to these trades such as SRS distributors.
2. Licensing Agreements: We license the technology to local manufacturers in different regions, allowing them to produce and distribute Climatile™ under our brand and technical standards. This strategy facilitates market penetration and scalability without the associated capital expenditures of manufacturing facilities.
3. Partnerships and Collaborations: Strategic alliances with NGOs, governmental bodies, and international development organizations that subsidize the cost of Climatile™ for use in humanitarian and low-income housing projects.
Market Need:
The demand for Climatile™ is driven by the increasing need for sustainable construction materials that contribute to climate resilience. Our customers seek innovative solutions that reduce environmental impact, are cost-effective, and provide adaptive benefits like enhanced insulation and integration with renewable energy sources.
Impact:
Our business model directly addresses several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Affordable and Clean Energy (Goal 7), Sustainable Cities and Communities (Goal 11), and Responsible Consumption and Production (Goal 12). By aligning our operations with these global objectives, we not only enhance our market relevance but also contribute meaningfully to societal and environmental progress.
Future Plans:
To expand our impact and reach, we plan to enhance our licensing model, explore new markets, and continuously innovate our product offerings to meet the evolving needs of the construction industry globally. This approach ensures that Takazuri remains at the forefront of sustainable building solutions, fostering resilience and promoting green practices worldwide.
Do you primarily provide products or services directly to individuals, to other organizations, or to the government?
Organizations (B2B)What is your plan for becoming financially sustainable, and what evidence can you provide that this plan has been successful so far?
Takazuri's plan for achieving financial sustainability is rooted in a diversified revenue model that includes direct product sales, licensing agreements, and strategic partnerships. This approach not only provides multiple streams of income but also aligns with our mission to deliver sustainable and impactful building solutions on a global scale.
Revenue Streams:
1. Direct Sales: Climatile™ is marketed directly to construction companies, real estate developers, and through retail channels targeting homeowners. This direct sales strategy is designed to quickly generate revenue while establishing the product in key markets.
2. Licensing Agreements: To broaden our reach and minimize capital expenditure, we license the manufacturing and distribution of Climatile™ to local companies in different regions. This not only helps in scaling the business but also ensures that we can enter new markets with lower risks and higher speed.
3.Strategic Partnerships and Contracts: We engage in partnerships with governments, NGOs, and development organizations. These partnerships often involve the integration of Climatile™ in sustainable development projects, which are supported by grants or subsidized funding.
4. Grants and Funding: Initial and ongoing development has been supported by grants and significant funding provided by the companies Founders. This funding includes $70K from GCRF and Innovate UK, and the $280K expected from P4G for the years 2024-2025. These funds have been pivotal in supporting product development and market introduction phases.
Evidence of Success:
- Market Acceptance and Sales: Since its introduction, Climatile™ has seen positive reception in pilot markets, with initial sales confirming the demand and viability of the product. Feedback from these early adopters has been used to refine and enhance the product offering.
- Licensing Success: The licensing model has been successfully initiated, with agreements under negotiation that promise to open new markets and increase production capacity without corresponding increases in capital expenditure. This model not only generates revenue but also fosters local economic growth and supports our sustainability goals.
- Partnerships and Financial Support: Our partnerships have enabled us to be part of larger development projects, providing stable and predictable revenue streams. These partnerships not only validate our business model but also enhance our credibility and visibility in the market.
-Grants and Fundraising: The grants and funding we have received are testaments to the confidence and belief in the potential of Climatile™. These funds have been crucial in covering R&D and market testing. Moving forward after we have been successful setting up channel partnerships and licensing agreements we intend to raise capital to accelerate our growth.
Plan for Future Sustainability:
To ensure long-term sustainability, Takazuri plans to:
- Expand the licensing model to additional regions to further scale operations with minimal capital outlay.
- Increase the portfolio of strategic partnerships to include more long-term contracts that provide stable revenue streams.
- Continue pursuing grants and funding opportunities focused on sustainability and innovation to support new development initiatives.
- Enhance marketing and sales strategies to drive greater adoption and market penetration.
Solution Team
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Our Organization
Takazuri Ltd