INTRODUCTION OF KARIMA EL AZHARY

“I am participating in ISA because I am driven by the urge to contribute to a more sustainable future of cities and communities by providing sustainable building materials that maximize cost savings and minimize energy use at least cost. I believe in the circular economy and in unlocking the potential of hidden waste streams.“

Karima El Azhary (28 years) is a research consultant, Ph.D. researcher, and energy engineer. She obtained a master’s degree in Renewable Energy and Sustainability in 2015. She has been a professional for over more than 5 years working in the renewable energy and sustainability field with national and international organizations and universities. Having developed a real interest in sustainability and the environment, she consciously directed her university studies to give her the necessary opportunities for a professional exercise focused on energy saving and sustainability in order to provide necessary solutions for thermal comfort issues in poor and arid regions. Her passion for sustainability and the environment directed her to integrate the associative world to encourage and help young people to invest in social entrepreneurship and sustainable projects. As a youth climate leader, she is dedicated to supporting climate action through the sustainable use of local natural resources.

In the framework of her ISA project, Karima is working on improving the energy efficiency of the building envelope, while developing new ecological, sustainable construction and insulation materials based on local waste. Her project proposes an innovative strategy to bring bio-based construction materials into the mainstream. Implementing existing technology, the project aims to develop bio-based panels and blocks with high insulating qualities, low embodied energy, low embodied carbon, and high hydrothermal efficiency. The ultimate goal of the project is to optimize the construction process and create more energy-efficient buildings. Karima is also working on proving the importance of the Moroccan traditional and bioclimatic architectural design configurations in providing green and sustainable buildings.