Rethinking Cooling, Storage
and Food Systems
Cool-Crops
CoolCrops is developing climate-smart storage and processing solutions for farmers and rural communities in East Africa. The project addresses one of the region's biggest agricultural challenges: the loss of fruits and vegetables after harvest due to heat, poor storage infrastructure and limited access to cooling.
Using a combination of earth-based construction, passive cooling principles and locally available materials, CoolCrops creates low-energy storage facilities that help keep produce fresh for longer without relying on expensive refrigeration systems. By reducing post-harvest losses, farmers can access better markets, increase their incomes and reduce food waste throughout the value chain.
The project builds on CoolBricks' expertise in thermal performance and climate-responsive design. Structures are designed to remain significantly cooler than outdoor temperatures through the use of thermal mass, natural ventilation, shading and other passive cooling techniques. Future developments also explore food processing, drying and value-additionopportunities that can further strengthen local food systems.CoolCrops demonstrates how sustainable building innovation can extend beyond housing. By combining climate adaptation, food security and rural entrepreneurship, the project aimsto create practical solutions that improve livelihoods while reducing environmental impact.
