LafargeHolcim and CDC Group, the UK?s development finance institution, have signed an MoU to set up a company to produce and promote an affordable low-carbon construction solution for developing countries. The new company aims to scale up production of earth-cement bricks, a simple, reliable, affordable and environmentally-friendly building material that was launched by LafargeHolcim in Malawi in 2013. The manufacture of burnt bricks, the main building material in Malawi, is a significant contributor as a result of the wood-fired clamp kilns used in the production process. LafargeHolcim has developed an alternative solution to burnt bricks. Durabric, designed by the Group?s research and development centre, is produced from a mixture of earth and cement compressed in a mould and left naturally to cure in the sun without firing. Durabric contributes to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and the deforestation associated with wood fuel consumption.