Greening Iraq: climate-smart insulation to combat extreme heat

In a region with soaring temperatures and limited green spaces, a team of passionate innovators came together to make a difference. Yathrib Ali, Hozan Ahmed, and Dary Qaiz met by chance at the BEIT Green Home Hackathon. What started as a simple idea quickly evolved into a groundbreaking project to transform urban landscapes in Iraq.

From concept to reality

The idea for GVI (Green Insulation and Ventilation) was born from Yathrib Ali’s personal experiences.

‘I lived in a small apartment with no garden, no insulation, and poor ventilation,’ she said. ‘When I came to Mosul, I noticed the severe lack of green spaces and fresh air. My main goal was to increase green spaces and improve air quality.’

Her concept aimed to introduce vertical gardens that would improve air quality, reduce temperatures, and create more sustainable urban spaces. However, key elements were missing.

When she met Hozan and Dary at the hackathon, everything changed. Hozan, with his expertise in environmental science, proposed a crucial element—integrating piping systems to water the plants. Together, the team refined the concept, making it both sustainable and practical. What started as a simple doodle in Yathrib’s notebook soon turned into a fully developed initiative.

An eco-friendly solution to combat extreme temperatures

Iraq faces extreme temperatures, with some areas becoming nearly uninhabitable during summer. Government infrastructure often struggles to provide sufficient cooling, leaving businesses and residents searching for alternative solutions. The GVI team’s project addresses this challenge by implementing vertical gardens that not only beautify buildings but also lower indoor temperatures by 4–5°C.

Using copper pipes for durability, an automated irrigation system, and carefully selected plants—primarily jasmine—the team designed a self-sustaining model. The jasmine plants continuously bloom, require minimal maintenance, and naturally filter the air. To enhance sustainability, the irrigation system also reuses filtered sink water, making the project eco-friendly and cost-effective.

A green solution spreading across the country

With limited funding but immense determination, the team implemented their first prototype at nursing home for men in Mosul, a building that struggled with unbearable heat. The results are promising. Not only is the greenery creating a more pleasant environment, but the project also will help reduce energy costs.

As soon as the first building was completed, another department in the same space requested the project for their own facility. Shortly after, a pharmaceutical warehouse in Duhok expressed interest in adopting the solution to regulate temperatures in its cosmetic storage area.

Encouraged by this growing demand, the team began expanding their reach.

Challenges and future aspirations

Despite their success, the GVI team faced numerous obstacles, particularly in securing funding. They carefully managed costs, ensuring their solution remained affordable at just $7 per square meter. Now, they are seeking partnerships with investors and organizations to scale their impact.

Their vision extends beyond vertical gardens. They plan to introduce rooftop insulation using plants and integrate solar power to make their systems fully self-sustaining.

Inspiring the Next generation

For aspiring innovators in Iraq, the GVI team offers simple yet powerful advice: ‘Don’t overthink—just do it. Identify a problem, find solutions, and take action.’ They emphasize that with courage, persistence, and sustainable effort, any idea can become a reality. Their journey demonstrates how innovation can address pressing environmental challenges while fostering hope for a greener Iraq.

The BEIT Green Home Hackathon was organized in November 2024 in partnership with the Mosul Space business incubator, under the EU-funded project, Building Equitable and Inclusive Transformation (BEIT). This joint initiative by the International Trade Centre, UN-Habitat, and the International Labour Organization, aims to drive economic growth by creating decent job opportunities, advancing Iraq's affordable and sustainable housing sector, and strengthening the construction industry.