Nixon Peabody LLP (NP) is a global law firm, with more than 650 attorneys collaborating across major practice areas in cities across the U.S., Europe and Asia. NP provides advice in areas such as sustainable infrastructure, clean tech, green building design, construction, sustainable supply chains, validation of green claims, and renewable energy project development and finance. Being responsible stewards of the environment is part of their firm culture.
As part of NP’s special firm-wide focus on sustainability leading up to Earth Day (April 22), Project YES Africa‘s (PYA) board member, Beverly Taylor, a regional Director with the firm, sat down to share PYA’s work to build a new preschool with sustainable materials in Khayelitsha, outside of Cape Town, South Africa.
In order to match our grassroots culture and sustainable, community-driven mission, Project YES Africa has selected Ubuhle Bakha Ubuhle (UBU), a design/build non-profit working to address the housing shortage in South Africa, as the builder for the project.
UBU has easy-to-assemble structures made out of eco-friendly beams laced with malleable metal that’s strong and durable. The structures design includes a two-foot space between the exterior wall an interior wall for sandbags to line from floor to ceiling, which not only saves money on building materials but makes the buildings insulated—warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer—sturdy, and bulletproof. “Sand is plentiful in South Africa,” explained Beverly, “So this method is sustainable and the crux of what makes these structures so eco-friendly and safe and secure.” UBU’s building approach will allow PYA to spend more on the inside of the building with an expanded kitchen with new appliances, enhanced sanitation facilities, improved electrical and plumbing, new desks, chairs, shelving and play mats, and professional training for the staff.
“We originally wanted to go over and get our hands dirty, really be involved with the building process,” said Beverly. “But the more we learn about the unemployment crisis in these townships across South Africa, we realized we’d be taking away crucial jobs for the community.” Another key sustainability facet of UBU’s work is that UBU only hires workers within the local community, which creates jobs and provides individuals with building experience and new construction skills to help them get jobs in the future. PYA’s school project will empower children to develop to their fullest potential, and will provide critical employment and skills-building for the adults, thus helping to transform lives and break the cycle of poverty.
As we look forward to breaking ground on the new school, we are appreciative of Nixon Peabody for their Earth Day feature of Project YES Africa. We are grateful to our supporters for your continued commitment to our efforts to support children’s education in Khayelitsha, and we look forward to sharing more on our collaboration with our sustainability partner, Ubuhle Bakha Ubule.
For more information about Project YES Africa, go to projectyesafrica.org.
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