Building a Sustainable Venture from the Ground Up:: The Mountain Institute's Earth Brick Machine

The Mountain Institute works to improve environmental conditions and the quality of life for local communities in mountainous regions throughout the world. TMI is exploring options for its patented technology for compressed earth blocks. Relative to other technologies serving this market, TMI believes that its compressed earth block (CEB) machine is price competitive, allows for low-cost construction, and is environmentally friendly. Winner of the prestigious 2005 Oikos Case Competition., this case explores using this technology as the centerpiece for a new for-profit venture in the developing world.