Since the Russian Invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has been left in a state of war-affected despair and disaster. The ongoing conflict has left the lives of the people living in Ukraine in tatters with so many of them losing their families, jobs, and their homes. The state of war in the country has damaged thousands of homes, resulting in millions of windows being blown out from the war. The aftermath of this means that residents are left with no windows for insulation or protection, leaving them freezing in sub-zero temperatures, and being vulnerable to the elements and further danger.
This problem has left many Ukrainians trying to find their own solutions, including using old carpets and boards as windows – sadly though, these were not viable solutions, and often did not work, and they soon became redundant. Many didn’t let light through or insulate their homes, whilst others would only meet the same fate as before when disaster struck again. As such people were not only now living in fear from the war, but in often uninhabitable conditions, many of which resorted to sleeping in bathtubs, to retain some form of heat in the 15 winters. A durable solution was needed, and the team at Insulate Ukraine had it!
Young Cambridge graduate Harry Blakiston Houston and his team are “leading the charge” to make a difference for the people of Ukraine. Harry and Insulate Ukraine developed and implemented a cost-effective and durable solution to Ukraine’s window crisis. The new solution is simple, yet effective, constructed using clear polythene film, PVC piping, pipe insulation, and tape. This innovative window solution harbors many benefits:
- They insulate the home, keeping heat inside to help keep residents warm in the harsh winters.
- Protects against wind, snow, and rain.
- They allow light to enter the home, which is great for homes that have lost power.
- The Polythene material is completely shatterproof – so will not be damaged in the unfortunate event of future attacks.
- They can be purpose-built to fit any size window frame.
- They cost between only £10 – £15 per window and can be installed efficiently.
The easy manufacturing and installation process, has meant that Insulate Ukraine has been able to hire locals who have lost their jobs due to the invasion. Currently, the team has implemented the restoration project in the city of Izyum – one of the worst affected places in Ukraine. In this area, the team has already installed over 2,000 windows in just a few short months.
Cromwell’s Help
After hearing about the campaign and learning more about Harry and Insulate Ukraine, we were keen to help the cause and the young engineer. We have donated 2 tonnes of polythene to assist with the production of the windows, manufactured to the requirements that best insulate and protect homes. The manufacturing team worked closely with both Harry and our neighbours John King Chains on this project, who helped to organise the logistics of transporting these goods over to Ukraine.
Harry and Insulate Ukraine have spent a large amount of time in the war-stricken country, to ensure the quality of the work, and ensure the residents are happy with the solution. Various people of Ukraine have stated they feel safer and well protected with the new windows, one recipient saying ‘The windows retain heat perfectly and let light through. I am grateful to your team for the excellent work which was done. After your windows were installed, my gas consumption for heating decreased.’
How you can help?
Whilst the team is working tirelessly on the ground, implementing the solution in people’s homes and teaching locals how to build it, they still need help to scale up the project. They have ambitious plans to help a further 4 cities, which are also in a state of despair. They need support in the form of funding, donations, or partnerships. Insulate Ukraine is appealing to any businesses who might want to help, either by a monetary donation, or manufacturers that produce. PVC piping, insulating noodles, and tape.
If you feel you can help please contact Harry today.