Winners of the second European Holcim Awards competition for projects and visions in sustainable construction were announced at a ceremony in Madrid. Total prize money of USD 270,000 was presented to ten projects that demonstrate the latest in eco-friendly and sustainable approaches from the building and construction industry.

The project’s strength lies in the promotion of biogas production from household and farming waste in order to provide a long-time viability for small agricultural households in rural areas. Sparse employment prospects in rural areas necessitates that young people abandon their home town environment or commute over long distances to work each day. The basic concept of this project fosters a sustainable way of living outside of the urban fabric by constructing new housing units that are built with local skills and materials and that operate autonomously.

Migration from rural areas to the city is a problem. The Self-sufficient rural community project aims to foster a sustainable way of living outside the urban fabric with housing units built from local skills and materials. The concept links the long-term economic viability for a community of 15 households to the promotion of biogas production from household and farming waste.