Engineers without borders Switzerland (EWB+), along with the Indian NGO Helping Humans, is commited to improve the insulation, as well as install a central heating system, of the main building of the Government Senior Secondary School, in the mountain village Keylong in the Himalaya region of Ladakh (India). The aim is to improve the room climate in the teaching rooms during the winter months.
Current situation
The Himalayan region of northern India is known for its harsh climatic conditions in winter. Whereas traditional buildings were made of thick walls with small windows, for modern houses the techniques of the flatland – concrete frames with brick masonry – were adopted. Yet, insulation according to European understanding does not exist and efficient heating systems can’t be found.
Thus, the Government Senior Secondary School (GSSS) in Keylong is challenged by the cold winters. Significant amounts of fuelwood are needed to heat the scarcely insulated buildings using old fire stoves, which exist in each room as the only source of heating. Their use leads to buildup of smoke in the room over time, which makes frequent aeration necessary, lowering the room temperature again.
Project scope
The project ‘s goal is to insulate the building, as well as install an energy-efficient central heating system that can be maintained by locals. Since the works required are going to take longer than what is possible to achieve within a year in suitable climatical conditions, the project aims to carry out several steps over 3 years:
• First part of insulation measures and improvement or replacement of existing stoves
• Second part of insulation measures
• Implementation of central heating system
The project aims to use materials that are locally available and techniques that are easy to maintain in order to provide a lasting solution, and create a building to serve as an example, so the same measures can be applied to other buildings without involvement from EWB+.
Project status
Valuable partnerships were established with “Helping Humans” and local representatives, and the authorities were involved and they approve of the project. The local conditions were examined during an evaluation trip in the autumn of 2022 and a technical report was written.
The next step will be to raise funds, as well as start with the first step of construction measures in the summer semester of 2023.
DONATE to the Project adding the code: IND003