As reported on Global News, three Lethbridge College graduates looking to make a social impact in the world of construction set their sights on an environmentally friendly project. Their primary material: bamboo.

Tyson Baldrey, Randy Holmberg and Allan Johnston created a project using bamboo injected with polymer as an alternative to steel re-enforcement rods.

“The combination of bamboo and concrete is well established in the research pool,” Baldrey said. “But we found that there was still room for improvement and analysis of suitability from a North American perspective.”

The trio graduated from Lethbridge College’s engineering design and drafting technology program in 2018.

During their time at the institution, the team took an interest in creating a sustainable product that could be easily accessed by first world and developing countries.

“Steel is really expensive and there are some countries in the world where they rely on 100 per cent imports for it. But, it just so happens those countries also have natural resources readily available in large quantities, such as bamboo.”

In July 2019, the project was named the winner.

“What struck us as really interesting is not only is this a unique and innovative approach to construction materials, but it’s done out of a social concern and out of a sense of what people really need and how knowledge can be used for the benefit of people in the developing world,” ASET CEO Barry Cavanaugh said.

He said these awards highlight the innovative work being done by both institutions and students across the province, adding this project in particular has created a viable alternative to a worldwide need.

Keep reading and watch the news video on Global News