Under the mandate of SDC, Skat contributed to the introduction of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly brick production technology to the Afghan brick sector.

Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC

This Project is being implemented on behalf of SDC by the Swisscontact / Skat working consortium. Its phase goal is to reduce emission of GHG in the construction sector to mitigate global warming and environment degradation.Skat has been entrusted with the technical overall responsibility of building up the required skill and capacities to locally anchor and commercially disseminate the VSBK technology in South Africa in a sustainable manner. South Africa is, compared to other countries (India, Nepal, Afghanistan, Pakistan), highly advanced in terms of green brick production mechanization, skills and business management.The advanced brick making culture of South Africa demands exceptionally high design, construction and operation quality assistance of local Skat VSBK entrepreneurs. For this purpose, Skat is managing the coordination of the global “VSBK expert pool” to ensure the south – south approach as well as the integration of international working experience of the globally leading VSBK and other brick sector related experts for this project.The major expected outcomes are: Technology: Economically, socially and environmentally viable Vertical Brick Shaft Kiln (VSBK) technology and its application is adapted and practiced in South Africa.Institutional and Legal Environment: A favorable institutional and legal environment in RSA is established for VSBK accelerated dissemination. Dissemination Services: Commercial VSBK service supply chain for RSA is initiated.

Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC

Swisscontact South AfricaTARA Sociaty/Development Alternatives, IndiaMinErgy. Pvt. Ltd., Nepal

A hydrological study has been elaborated for the potential hydropower site of Lingatunda (estimated potential of about 2.48 MW). The hydrological study at that time was mainly based on water level measurements during the period Jan 2013 – Jan 2014 and a number of 19 flow measurements. Since that time, manual readings (two times per day) have been pursued more or less continuously so that today about 3.5 years can be evaluated and the hydrological study can be updated.

Virunga Power

The PSP Hydro project, carried out in the framework of the Energising Development (EnDev) Rwanda Program, aims to provide access to electricity. The Program provides “viability gap financing” and technical assistance for small and medium-sized businesses to install and operate micro hydropower plants.

GIZ, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit

Helvetas, the Swiss Red Cross and Swiss Solidarity took the initiative to reconstruct permanent houses in Thiraimadu, Batticaloa.

Helvetas, Swiss Solidarity (SwS)

Since more than ten years ago, “Action pour un Development Equitable, Intégré et Durable” (ADEID) initiated a renewable energy program through which 12 micro hydropower plants (MHP) were constructed. ADEID has been visited with a special focus on supporting of the finalisation of the ongoing construction of MHPs.

ADEID / Misereor

The current technologies for energy efficient building material production in the Great Lakes Region are economically not viable for mass scale dissemination. During Phase I of the project successful technologies and production methods from Africa, Asia or Latin America have been transferred to the Region. During Phase II, the economic and social performance of the set of solutions, will be monitored optimised and validated in detail under real life conditions. The private sector will be supported in the establishing of competitive local brick making clusters with complete value chains and a performance based incentive system for certified producers of Modern Bricks. At the same time, authorities and private brick makers are supported in accessing most relevant data, literature and expertise. Through industry facilitation services local authority officers will be capacitated to implement new policies in a most effective manner.

Economically viable solutions for mass scale dissemination. Successful technologies and production methods from Africa, Asia and/or Latin America are being transferred to the Great Lakes Region. After adaptation to local raw materials, fuels and market context, they are being demonstrated and documented regarding social and environmental and economic performance. Simultaneously, the local authorities, banks and service providers shall be enabled to create a supportive environment, allowing the building material sector to change to a more sustainable structure.

Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation

UN Habitat, CRAterre, Swisstopo, Greentech (India), MinEnergy Nepal

Assignment 1: Scoping Assignment for Moldova Water Security and Sanitation Project (MWSSP)
The consultancy assignment provided an investment scoping and prioritization, an option analysis and capacity assessment for implementation, as well as an assessment of the institutional strengthening and capacity development needs.

Assignment 2: Consulting Services on Infrastructure Governance Program and Technical Advisory Support
The consultancy assignment provided technical assistance to the Moldova Water Security and Sanitation Project (MWSSP) in two activities: Improving the governance of infrastructure and optimizing the design and resilience of a regional water supply scheme.

World Bank

Aqua Pro – Efficient Water Management (Assignment 1 only)

The Swiss Water Partnership (SWP) is a formal multi-stakeholder platform bringing together around 70 Swiss organisations from academia, civil society, public and private sectors, with the goal to contribute to solving global water challenges by developing and implementing innovative solutions for water challenges in developing and transition countries. Its vision is to be a globally recognized Swiss platform of high-quality transdisciplinary water solutions.

Since its launch in 2012, Skat Consulting is an essential part of the SWP Secretariat. We support the management of the SWP by ensuring implementation of the SWP action plan by establishing partnerships for collaboration, managing events, communication and supporting customer acquisition & retention as well as facilitating steering board meetings and general assemblies.

As the Secretariat’s Youth Focal Point, SKAT leads the SWP’s branch dedicated to young people (SWP Youth). This includes the management of a global youth community of over 500 members and partners, coordinating online and in-person capacity building programmes as well as networking and mentorship initiatives with the goal to enable and encourage youth up to 31 y/o to build a career in water. SC also supports the steering committee in developing an updated strategy for youth empowerment.

Swiss Water Partnership / Helvetas

Helvetas

Development of strategy, concept, and formulation of the “Sustainable Reconstruction in Disaster-Affected Countries – Practical Guidelines” for project managers to reduce natural disaster risks.

UNEP – United Nations Environmental Programme, Division for Technology, Industry and Economics