Regenerative Economic Zone or rez

The need

By 2030, the world faces a monumental challenge: nearly 3 billion people—40% of the global population—will urgently need adequate housing. In India alone, a staggering 25 million affordable homes are needed to address this crisis. Rapid urbanization and the relentless decline of natural resources have exacerbated this issue, pushing millions into precarious living conditions without basic amenities.

The time for change is now. We must rethink how we build and sustain our communities to ensure that everyone can live with dignity and hope. Join us in transforming this challenge into an opportunity for innovation and resilience. Together, we can create homes that are not only shelters but sanctuaries of sustainability and well-being.

Our Solution

Our project, the Regenerative Economic Zone (REZ), is a transformative solution designed to address this crisis. We aim to create thriving, sustainable communities that will serve as replicable models for the world. The REZ integrates advanced technology, material science, design thinking, and regenerative principles to build affordable homes that are clean, green, and self-sustaining. These homes are embedded within ecosystems that restore soil health, manage water resources efficiently, and utilize urban waste streams to support small industries and food forests.

Addressing the Housing Challenge:

At the core of our solution is Unwood, a groundbreaking material engineered from waste products that mimics hard natural wood substituting traditional building materials like wood, concrete, and steel.  Offering a durable, eco-friendly alternative that addresses plastic pollution as well as deforestation.

Creating Self-Sustaining Communities:

Another feature of the REZ is its food forests—diverse, self-sustaining ecosystems that produce a variety of produce while enhancing local biodiversity and acting as significant carbon sinks. These food forests will empower communities by providing fresh, nutritious food and creating local jobs, all while contributing to climate resilience.

Energy needs within REZs will be met through a combination of renewable energy sources. We will deploy solar and wind microgrids, waste-to-energy systems, and biomass-to-energy technologies to ensure that each community is energy self-sufficient, removing dependency on non-renewable resources.

Water management is another critical component of our solution. REZs will incorporate sustainable water management systems, including rainwater harvesting, greywater treatment, and efficient irrigation methods. These systems will help conserve water, reduce waste, and ensure a reliable supply for both domestic and agricultural use.

To further enhance the well-being of residents, we will introduce personalized nutrition programs. Leveraging local food production from the food forests, these programs will provide tailored dietary solutions that meet the specific health needs of individuals and families, contributing to overall community health.

Core Team

Dr. Babu Padmanabhan
Founder and MD,
STEER World
Gayatri Chauhan
Founder & CEO,
Gaia The Earth Foundation
Shiva Subramanian
Founder & CEO,
Connect Ventures
Nandita Abreo
Founder & CEO,
Firefly Life Sciences