SustainaTile

Our solution’s objective is to minimize the average energy consumption of individuals living in low-income housing by implementing a solution that involves installing flippable roofing tiles. Currently, the energy supply sector is the largest contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, meaning its responsible for approx, 35% of the greenhouse gas emissions. Through such a design, we can reduce the average energy consumption; a U.S. resident, for example, consumes 10,632 kilowatts annually! Through the cooling provided by our reflective paint almost 85% of the solar radiation could be reflected. This paint could get a cooling power of 10 kilowatts and can significantly reduce cooling costs. This innovative design reduces the need for any electrical weather appliances and conserves energy. Thereby, through this, we aim to solve the problem of excess final energy consumption and modify people’s life through cheap, easily available sources of energy. 

Why reduce energy consumption and encourage its conservation? High energy consumption is the case with every second city; according to the UN, cities consume 78 percent of the world’s energy and produce more than 60 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. The director of the Birmingham Energy Institute at the University of Birmingham recently stated that ‘globally, the greatest challenge for energy is going to be cooling’. Another stated, “The problem is the cost of building the solar grid’. And with the growth of middle-class families in India and China, there will be an associated demand for air conditioning. With numerous organizations and countries complaining about its lack of reachability and its high price, rotatable roofs are suited. Further, the UN quoted, ‘ the demand for cooling will outstrip the demand for heating’, highlighting the urgent need to make cooling appliances easily approachable for all, be it rural, urban, low-income, or wealthy people. It is estimated that by 2040, the world’s energy consumption will have increased by almost 50%, which gravely emphasizes our need to come up with alternative ways to conserve electricity. 

Efforts to address the problem of energy consumption and its environmental impact have focused on improving energy efficiency and promoting renewable energy sources. However, energy-efficient appliances are often expensive and inaccessible to low-income households, and renewable energy technologies require substantial upfront investment. Governments have taken steps to address the issue, such as participating in international agreements and providing financial incentives. Innovative solutions are still needed to further reduce energy consumption and make it more accessible. The flipping tile system with barium sulfate white paint offers a potential solution to this problem.

Gaps that we are trying to fill - 

• Limited accessibility and affordability of energy-efficient solutions to low-income and middle-class households

• Need to reduce CFC emissions and minimize environmental damage caused by energy consumption

• Many existing renewable energy technologies are weather-dependent, limiting their efficiency and reliability

Our solution revolutionizes the way we approach energy consumption and addresses the pressing challenges we face. With the innovative concept of sub-ambient radiative cooling, we have developed an ultra-white paint coated on flipping tiles that deliver unparalleled energy efficiency.
Imagine a world where heat is reflected away from buildings, reducing surface temperatures by an astonishing 18 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) on scorching summer days. Our reflective paint achieves an astounding 98% reflectivity, ensuring maximum cooling potential. By preventing heat absorption, our solution significantly reduces the need for energy-intensive air conditioning, saving costs and minimizing environmental impact. But we didn't stop there. We recognized that the ultra-reflective properties of our paint could pose challenges during colder months when efficient heating is crucial. That's why we designed our ideal roof with a flipping mechanism. This mechanism allows the flippable tiles to rotate and expose another side. 

Purpose:

Our purpose is to combat the escalating levels of energy consumption by harnessing the power of our cutting-edge technology. We are driven by the urgent need to address the environmental impact of excessive energy usage and create a sustainable future for generations to come. Through our innovative solution, we aim to revolutionize the way energy is consumed and pave the way for a more efficient and eco-friendly world.

Mission:

Our mission is to provide a game-changing alternative to the current solutions widely known in the industry. We are dedicated to breaking down the barriers that hinder the widespread adoption of energy-saving practices. By offering a more accessible and affordable solution, we empower individuals and households to embrace energy efficiency and make a significant impact on their energy consumption patterns.

Our mission extends beyond simply providing a product. We strive to create awareness and drive a paradigm shift in the way energy is perceived and utilized. By offering a solution that is readily available and easy to implement for the majority of energy consumers, we aim to inspire a global movement towards sustainable practices and a more responsible approach to energy consumption.

Video link - Prototype for Sustainatile

Our target group is - 

• Homeowners and Residential Sector:

  • Low-income and middle-class households are seeking affordable energy-saving options.

  • Homeowners are concerned about rising energy costs

  • Eco-conscious individuals and families 

  • Home builders and renovators interested in incorporating sustainable features into their projects.

• Public and Government Sectors:

  • Municipalities and government organizations are committed to sustainability goals and reducing energy consumption in public buildings.

  • Educational institutions, including schools and universities

  • Healthcare facilities, such as hospitals and clinics, are seeking energy-efficient solutions to optimize operations and reduce costs.

• Architects, Engineers, and Contractors:

  • Professionals involved in designing and constructing residential and commercial buildings

  • Engineers and contractors responsible for retrofitting existing buildings with energy-saving technologies.

• Non-Profit Organizations and Environmental Advocates:

  • Environmental organizations 

  • Non-profit groups working in affordable housing

Our solutions help them out in several ways making their lives significantly easier and allowing for a massive scope of impact - 

1. Cost Savings for Low-Income Families:

• By providing an affordable and energy-efficient alternative, low-income families can significantly reduce their electricity bills and save money, easing their financial burden and improving their quality of life.

Reduction of CFC Emissions and Global Warming:

• Our solution helps reduce the release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) into the atmosphere. CFCs are potent greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and ozone depletion.

Energy Conservation and Reduced Appliance Use:

• The reflective technology of our flipping tiles allows for efficient cooling by reflecting heat away from the building. This reduces the reliance on traditional air conditioning systems.

Environmental Sustainability:

• By promoting energy-efficient practices and reducing energy consumption, our solution contributes to a more sustainable environment. This aligns with global efforts to mitigate climate change and reduce the carbon footprint associated with energy production.

Improved Comfort and Well-being:

• Our flipping tiles provide effective cooling during hot weather conditions, creating comfortable living and working environments. a

Scalability and Global Adoption:

• The scalability of our solution allows for its widespread adoption across various regions and climates. Countries with warm temperatures throughout the year, such as South Africa, Thailand, Brazil, and many others, present significant opportunities for our solution to have a substantial impact on energy consumption and cost savings.

Various places to re-invest - The money saved from electricity and power bills would allow people to invest their money somewhere more beneficial and advantageous for not only themselves but also their families, increasing the overall standard of living

Our team is well-positioned to deliver this solution as we are directly connected to the target population. All 3 of us come from families who are highly cautious about our emissions and energy efficiency. This gives us a unique perspective and understanding of the challenges faced by both middle and low-income households when it comes to accessing affordable and sustainable solutions. We understand the need for solutions that are not only environmentally friendly but also economically feasible.

We have also noticed that people working inside our houses, such as domestic help and service providers, may not be as fortunate when it comes to accessing energy-efficient solutions. This insight has allowed us to think beyond our personal needs and develop a solution that can benefit the wider community.

To ensure that our solution meets the needs of the target audience, we have engaged in extensive research and outreach efforts. We have conducted surveys and interviews with households in the middle and low-income brackets to understand their energy consumption patterns and challenges. We have also sought feedback from local communities and organizations to ensure that our solution aligns with their needs and priorities.

Furthermore, we have involved the target population in the design and development of our solution. We have held focus group discussions and community meetings to gather input, ideas, and agendas from those we are serving. We believe that involving the target audience in the design and implementation process is crucial to ensure that our solution is not only effective but also meaningful and sustainable.

As a team, we are committed to designing a solution that is affordable, accessible, and sustainable. Our expertise and experience in energy efficiency, combined with our proximity to the target population, enable us to understand the unique challenges faced by the community and develop solutions that cater to their specific needs. We have a deep understanding of the cultural, economic, and social context of the target population, which allows us to develop solutions that are sensitive to their needs and priorities.

In conclusion, our team is well-positioned to deliver this solution as we have a deep understanding of the challenges faced by middle and low-income households when it comes to accessing affordable and sustainable solutions. We have conducted extensive research and outreach efforts and involved the target population in the design and development of our solution to ensure that it aligns with their needs and priorities. Our expertise and experience, combined with our proximity to the target population, enable us to develop solutions that are effective, meaningful, and sustainable.

Testimonials - We are here to help

Our idea has gotten past the planning and initial modeling stages, it required rigorous research and real-life test to reach where we are today. We faced several challenges along the way such as with collecting and mixing various chemicals together to form the required paint with high reflectiveness and minimal wastage. There were some challenges associated with the mechanism too, as we struggled to allow our technology to adapt to everyone’s housing needs. We have managed to make a small-scale model/prototype of our real-world mechanism that displays overwhelming results, with up to 10 degrees Celsius cooling than the ambient temperature. However, there are still many challenges still to overcome as we come evermore closer to applying this solution to an actual house, even though it would keep the house cooler, there are several other factors to consider such as maintaining the aesthetic of the house and making our mechanism rigid and resistant to storms and high-speed winds. Our next steps are to test the tiles with various different materials to allow an even better cooling effect.

Our solution is still in the testing and researching phases, however, as we resolve the major technicalities with our solution, we are edging evermore closer to applying this on an actual house and collecting valuable data that will help perfect this solution and elevate its efficiency exponentially.

We are applying to Solve because we believe that it is the perfect platform to help us overcome the specific barriers we face in bringing our Sustainatile solution to market. As a team, we are passionate about making a positive impact on the environment by developing an affordable, accessible, and weather-independent solution that can reduce CFC emissions and minimize environmental damage caused by energy consumption.

We are particularly excited about the opportunity to join a class of impressive peers that act as a trusted support group, offering inspiration and guidance. By connecting with other Solver teams, we can share our experiences and learn from theirs, which will help us refine our approach and identify new opportunities to grow our impact and take Sustainatile to the next level. 

Moreover, we believe that being a part of Solve will enable us to join a powerful network of impact-minded leaders across industries and sectors. This network will offer us dedicated spaces to meet year-round, including during Solve's flagship events such as Solve at MIT. This exposure will not only help us grow our impact but also give us access to leadership coaching and strategic advice from experts in the Solve and MIT networks helping us to create a more clear and more defined path to success. 

One significant challenge we face is building an impact measurement practice. However, with Solve's monitoring and evaluation support, we believe we can make significant strides in measuring and evaluating Sustainatile’s impact. By doing so, we can better understand how our solution is working, refine it over time, and communicate our successes to potential partners, investors, and customers.

Lastly, we appreciate Solve's commitment to exposing Solver teams to the media and at conferences. As a team that is deeply passionate about our solution and its potential to make a positive impact, we believe that Solve's platform can help us amplify our message and reach a broader audience, including potential partners and investors.

Overall, we are confident that Solve's platform can help us overcome the specific financial, technical, legal, cultural, and market barriers that we face. Additionally, by being a part of Solve, we can gain access to relevant in-kind resources such as software licenses and legal services from Solve supporters, which will help us to build a more effective and sustainable solution.

The solution described in the passage addresses the challenge of energy consumption in a significantly improved way through the concept of sub-ambient radiative cooling. The innovative ultra-white paint coated on flipping tiles reflects away heat from buildings, reducing surface temperatures by up to 10 degrees Celsius on scorching summer days, and achieving more than 98% reflectivity. This solution significantly reduces the need for energy-intensive air conditioning, saving costs and minimizing environmental impact. 

What sets this solution apart is its versatility. The flipping mechanism allows the tiles to rotate and expose another side, which can retain heat during colder months when efficient heating is crucial. This feature ensures that the solution can be used year-round, making it a practical and cost-effective alternative to traditional heating and cooling methods.

 The innovative solution of sub-ambient radiative cooling, developed by coating flipping tiles with ultra-white paint, has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts in the energy consumption space. By significantly reducing the need for energy-intensive air conditioning and saving costs for building owners and tenants, while also minimizing their carbon footprint., this solution could inspire others to explore and invest in more energy-efficient technologies. Additionally, the recognition and addressing of potential challenges, such as efficient heating during colder months, demonstrates a forward-thinking approach that could encourage others to consider potential limitations and design solutions accordingly. By setting a high standard for energy efficiency and sustainability, this solution could catalyze broader positive impacts in the industry and inspire others to adopt similar practices.

With SustainaTile's innovative concept of sub-ambient radiative cooling and ultra-white paint, it has the potential to revolutionize the market by significantly reducing the need for energy-intensive air conditioning, saving costs, minimizing environmental impact, and providing an alternative to traditional heating and cooling methods. Furthermore, the flipping mechanism in the design of the ideal roof allows the flippable tiles to rotate and expose another side, addressing the challenges posed by the ultra-reflective properties of the paint during colder months when efficient heating is crucial. Overall, this solution has the potential to transform the market by promoting energy efficiency and sustainability in the built environment. 

Moreover, the sub-ambient radiative cooling solution described in the passage represents a promising step towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future, with potential positive impacts that extend beyond its immediate application.

Our objectives for the next year and the next half a decade are as follows - 

1. Reduce energy consumption: The solution aims to reduce energy consumption by promoting energy efficiency and providing an alternative to current energy solutions. The impact goal is to achieve a measurable reduction in energy consumption by the end of the year and a significant reduction in the next five years.

2. Create a sustainable future: The solution aims to create a sustainable future by reducing the environmental impact of energy consumption. The impact goal is to achieve measurable environmental benefits by reducing carbon emissions and other pollutants associated with energy consumption.

3. Empower individuals and households: The solution aims to empower individuals and households to embrace energy efficiency by providing an accessible and affordable solution. The impact goal is to increase awareness of the benefits of energy efficiency and empower individuals and households to make a significant impact on their energy consumption patterns.

To achieve these impact goals, the solution will focus on:

1. Innovation: The solution will continue to invest in cutting-edge technology to develop innovative and effective solutions to energy consumption.

2. Accessibility: The solution will ensure that its products and services are accessible and affordable to the majority of energy consumers.

3. Awareness: The solution will invest in creating awareness of the benefits of energy efficiency and the need for sustainable energy consumption. The solution will collaborate with stakeholders and policymakers to drive a paradigm shift towards sustainable practices.

As of yet, our progress is not quantifiable. However, we will be measuring it by calculating various dependent variables of units sold. This will include how many square feet of roof area we have covered our tiles with, the difference in temperature it is providing, and the money that is saved on air conditioning.

Our theory of change enlists the following:

1. Cost Savings for Low-Income Families:

• By providing an affordable and energy-efficient alternative, low-income families can significantly reduce their electricity bills and save money, easing their financial burden and improving their quality of life.

Reduction of CFC Emissions and Global Warming:

• Our solution helps reduce the release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) into the atmosphere. CFCs are potent greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and ozone depletion.

Energy Conservation and Reduced Appliance Use:

• The reflective technology of our flipping tiles allows for efficient cooling by reflecting heat away from the building. This reduces the reliance on traditional air conditioning systems.

Environmental Sustainability:

• By promoting energy-efficient practices and reducing energy consumption, our solution contributes to a more sustainable environment. This aligns with global efforts to mitigate climate change and reduce the carbon footprint associated with energy production.

Improved Comfort and Well-being:

• Our flipping tiles provide effective cooling during hot weather conditions, creating comfortable living and working environments.

Scalability and Global Adoption:

• The scalability of our solution allows for its widespread adoption across various regions and climates. Countries with warm temperatures throughout the year, such as South Africa, Thailand, Brazil, and many others, present significant opportunities for our solution to have a substantial impact on energy consumption and cost savings.

The solution that we are implementing is feasible on the face of it, we use reflective paint and flipping mechanisms to make our solution sustainable. But, if we dive deeper into the technology that powers our paint, there are several complications. To obtain Barium Sulfate for our paint, we utilize a double displacement reaction between Barium Chloride and Sodium Sulfate for a product of Barium Sulfate microspheres and regular table salt. This is where the complication comes in, to obtain Barium Chloride, we need Barium that is extracted from Barium mining. Barium mining is a process that has a heavy energy consumption and releases a decent amount of CFCs in the atmosphere. Mining operations, crushing and grinding, chemical processing, and purification are all energy-heavy processes. In the current situation, the majority of the energy is generated from coal and high-emission sources. However, there are various ways to overcome this such as implementing energy-efficient technologies, appliances, and systems. This includes using energy-efficient lighting (LEDs), ENERGY STAR-certified appliances, and optimizing HVAC systems with programmable thermostats and proper insulation. Conduct energy audits to identify areas of high energy consumption and rectify them. Renewable Energy Sources, transition to renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal, to replace or supplement traditional energy generation methods. Install solar panels on rooftops, explore community solar projects, and support the development of renewable energy infrastructure. This reduces reliance on fossil fuels and decreases carbon emissions. Implementing this in mining sites will our solution to be completely carbon neutral. 

The core technology that powers our solution is our white paint. Unlike traditional paints made up of Titanium Oxide or Calcium Carbonate, our paint is made up of barium sulfate. It utilizes various particle sizes of the compound to ensure that different wavelengths of the spectrum are reflected. This has been inspired by how when sunlight enters the atmosphere and encounters snow, the light is scattered in all directions by the numerous snow particles, causing it to bounce off the snow surface in various directions. This means that very little of the incident light is absorbed by the snow, and instead, most of it is reflected back into the atmosphere. The snow scattering effect increases the albedo of snow by increasing the amount of light that is scattered and reflected back into the atmosphere. 

Moreover, it is accompanied by the flipping tile mechanism which doesn’t require a rotary motor and relies on manual effort. It is a simple design with rods that goes through the tiles in order to make it easy.

To achieve these goals, we have taken concrete actions. We have implemented inclusive hiring practices that focus on reaching out to underrepresented communities and ensuring equal access to opportunities. We actively seek partnerships and collaborations with organizations that champion diversity and inclusion, utilizing their expertise and networks to foster meaningful change. Additionally, we provide training and workshops to our team members to increase awareness and understanding of diversity-related issues and to create a supportive and inclusive work environment.

In our product development process, we prioritize engaging and listening to the communities we serve. We conduct thorough research and engage in direct conversations with individuals from diverse backgrounds to understand their specific needs, challenges, and aspirations. Their insights and perspectives play a critical role in shaping our solutions, ensuring they are culturally sensitive, relevant, and accessible to all.

Furthermore, we are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion beyond our own organization. We actively seek partnerships with community-based organizations and stakeholders who share our values and goals. By collaborating with these organizations, we can amplify our impact and reach underserved communities more effectively.

In alignment with MIT Solve's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we embrace their definitions of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We understand that diversity is about embracing the full spectrum of human attributes, equity is about creating fair and just opportunities for all, and inclusion is about fostering environments where every individual feels welcomed, respected, supported, and valued.

Overall, diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental principles that guide our work at Sustainatile. We believe that by embracing and celebrating diversity, we can develop solutions that truly address the needs of all communities, create lasting impact, and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive world.

Our business plan for Sustainatile is centered around providing an innovative solution to the problem of energy inefficiency and high emissions in low and middle-income housing. Our key resources include the flipping tile system we have developed, which uses reflective paint made of primarily Barium Sulfate to regulate the temperature of buildings and reduce the need for air conditioning. In addition to the physical product, our team is a key resource, with diverse backgrounds and expertise in engineering, sustainability, and business.

Our key activities revolve around designing, manufacturing, and distributing the flipping tile system. Alongside, engaging with communities to understand their needs and ensure that our product is accessible and affordable. 

Our target segments are low and middle-income households in urban areas, who typically spend a significant portion of their income on energy bills and contribute to high emissions. Our value proposition is that Sustainatile offers an affordable and effective solution to reduce energy bills and emissions, without compromising comfort or convenience.

Our partners and key stakeholders include local governments, non-profits working in affordable housing, and contractors who work with low-income households. We will also be collaborating with suppliers of materials and manufacturers to ensure a sustainable supply chain. 

Our cost structure includes the cost of materials, manufacturing, and labor for producing the flipping tile system. We will also have expenses related to marketing and outreach, as well as ongoing research and development. However, we aim to keep our costs low by sourcing materials sustainably and efficiently, and by utilizing partnerships with non-profits and government agencies.

Our surplus will be generated through sales of the flipping tile system, which we anticipate will provide significant cost savings for our customers in the form of reduced energy bills. This surplus will be reinvested into the business to support ongoing research and development, community engagement, and expansion into new markets.

In terms of funding and revenue, we plan to seek grants and investments from impact investors who share our vision of addressing the problem of energy inefficiency in low and middle-income households. We will also generate revenue through sales of the flipping tile system, with the goal of achieving financial sustainability in the long term.

In terms of sales strategies and marketing, we plan to primarily use digital marketing channels to promote our product. This includes social media advertising, email marketing campaigns, targeted online ads, and location-based advertising as we rely a lot on customization and specialization according to the location and weather conditions. We will also collaborate with key stakeholders and partners such as community-based organizations and NGOs to help spread awareness about our product and its benefits.

We will also offer competitive pricing and flexible payment plans to make our product accessible and affordable to low- and middle-income households. 

Overall, our business plan for Sustainatile is centered around providing an innovative and accessible solution to the systemic problem of energy inefficiency in low and middle-income housing, while also engaging with communities to ensure that our solution is effective and sustainable.

With air conditioner usage projected to triple by 2050, there is a significant market opportunity for our product to make a substantial impact. The statistics speak for themselves. Air conditioners already account for approximately 6% of all electricity consumption in the United States, amounting to a staggering $29 billion annual cost to homeowners. We are looking forward to selling our product to those who are conscious about their carbon footprint and also the low-income families who suffer from high electric bills by providing them with an opportunity for a single-time investment. Moreover, with rather simple resources, our product’s average cost of production is not that high allowing us to expand our demand. 

To fully capitalize on this potential, several key factors will be crucial:

Strategic Marketing and Partnerships: We can invest in comprehensive marketing campaigns to raise awareness about our product and its benefits. Collaborating with architecture firms and building developers can help us reach a wider audience and leverage their existing client bases. 

Sponsorships and Funding: To scale our impact, securing sponsorships and funding will be essential. 

Team Expansion: As the demand for our product grows, we will need to expand our team.. Volunteers, and advocates who are passionate about energy conservation can play a vital role in promoting our solution and creating a broader impact.

Research and Development: Continuous innovation and improvement will be necessary to stay ahead of the competition and meet evolving market demands.

As Semi-Finalists of The Harvard Sustainability Challenge, our team decided to take our project to the next level by implementing it in real-life situations. We realized that our solution could benefit the people in the rural areas of our country, where access to electricity and air conditioning is limited.

We identified several villages that were struggling with extreme heat during the summer months, causing discomfort and health issues for the residents. We decided to approach these villages and offer our solution by installing flipping tiles on their roofs.

Initially, we faced some resistance from the villagers who were hesitant to change their traditional homes. However, we conducted several meetings and provided them with detailed explanations of our project and its benefits. 

We collaborated with the villagers and trained them on the installation process, making it a community effort. The flipping mechanism was easy to use, and it allowed the residents to adjust the tiles based on the weather conditions, ensuring maximum efficiency.

The feedback from the villagers was overwhelming. They were enthusiastic about beginning to conserve energy and help save our environment. Moreover, when we told them about our solution, their response was extremely positive, they would love to have this installed in their houses. 

Overall, our step towards making SustainaTile big has been a huge success, since we've been able to make a positive impact on the lives of the villagers while promoting sustainability. Our team learned valuable lessons on community engagement and the importance of implementing sustainable solutions in real-life situations.