Sustainability Report

Pergola achieves a substantial reduction in embodied carbon by substituting conventional high-emission materials with components made entirely from recycled plastic waste. The structure employs modular blocks, cladding sheets, and floor tiles supplied by three Egyptian innovators in plastic reuse: Reblox, VeryNile, and TileGreen. This approach avoids the carbon-intensive extraction, processing, and kiln-firing associated with cement-based masonry and traditional finishes. 

The lightweight nature of the recycled-plastic components reduces material volume and transport emissions, while the mortar-free Reblox system eliminates additional bonding materials. 

Because the blocks can be dismantled and reused in future projects, the structure supports circular construction and further reduces lifecycle emissions beyond its initial assembly. 

By integrating plastics collected from the Nile and local construction waste streams, Pergola turns a pollutant into a resource, cutting embodied carbon while contributing to environmental remediation.

Operational emissions for Pergola are exceptionally low due to its open-air typology and passive environmental strategy. Energy use is limited to lighting and audio equipment during programmed events. 

The recycled-plastic canopy provides effective shading and reduces solar gain, while the low thermal conductivity of the Reblox components minimises heat transfer and contributes to improved comfort without active systems. 

Reblox’s lightweight profile — around 10.5 kg per square metre — further contributes to energy efficiency, with the system capable of saving up to 15 percent in electricity consumption compared to traditional brickwork. 

These measures ensure that the structure operates with minimal energy demand, keeping operational emissions to a practical minimum throughout its use.