‘World’s first’ climate resilient, carbon negative home

The 1,250 square foot home will actively remove and avoid 182.6 metric tonnes of CO2

What is claimed to be the world’s first climate resilient, and carbon negative home has been unveiled in Nassau, Bahamas, by Partanna Global.

The construction of the home substituted carbon-intensive Portland cement with a blend of natural and recycled ingredients activated by brine, forming chemical compounds that interact with and capture atmospheric CO2.

The home is built with Partanna’s carbon-negative CMU block, mortar and pour-in-place technology that supports rebar. The material strengthens when exposed to seawater, a perfect solution for low-lying coastal communities.

According to Partanna, the 1,250 square foot home will actively remove and avoid 182.6 metric tonnes of CO2 – equivalent to the annual CO2 absorbed by 5,200 mature trees. A standard concrete-built home generates 70.2 tonnes of CO2 in production.

The so-called ‘Home for the World’ is the first of 1,000 planned homes announced in partnership with the Bahamian government, as part of an historic agreement signed at COP27. Further details on plans to deliver a further 29 properties, alongside information around future production facilities in The Bahamas, are expected in early 2024.

The Honourable Philip E. Davis, K.C., M.P., Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, said, “As we unveil the world’s first carbon-negative concrete home right here in Nassau, it is a testament that the answers to our global crises often come from those most affected. This cement-free marvel not only absorbs CO2 but thrives when exposed to seawater.”

While traditional concrete weakens when exposed to seawater, Partanna’s material strengthens upon contact due to its use of brine, a by-product of desalination – a process crucial for freshwater supply in areas impacted by climate change.