Modern and environmentally friendly concrete casting systems The economy in Bolivia, and particularly in Santa Cruz, is thriving. As a consequence the real estate market is booming and construction of medium to high rise buildings is increasing very strongly.High rise buildings are built with local expertise but local construction companies do not have the skills or access to modern technology. Particularly for buildings with more than 4 floors, the casting of concrete structures is currently completely inadequate.Casting in Bolivia is done by constructing a mould with wood, supported by wooden poles. Because wooden planks never have the same shape, the moulds are normally not straight and when used to cast a concrete floor or wall, an irregular surface is the result. Furthermore, the wooden moulds are often not strong enough to support the enormous weight of the concrete floor and many accidents happen during casting.In more developed countries, metal moulds are used with steel supports. These moulds are straight and strong, resulting in level floors/walls and strong concrete structures. When the design of the mould is well calculated, accidents and risks are minimal.Project partners, Rheto Arquitectos S.L. from Spain and Con4t S.R.L. from Santa Cruz, are proposing to introduce these modern casting methods, consisting of well calculated steel moulding systems, compliant with international building standards, in Bolivia.For this purpose, they will set up a new joint venture in Santa Cruz, which will offer state-of-the-art steel casting services to real estate developers and construction companies. This is completely new for Bolivia, and will significantly increase safety during construction of high rise buildings.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)Particularly regarding the safety of employees, there are substantial improvements versus the current methods. There is no known certification for concrete casting, but partners will be cooperating with CADECO and local universities to develop improved guidelines and even national legislation.Environmental impact is also significant, as the current construction methods result in enormous waste of wood.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsJoint venture employees will get extensive training, and become valuable assets for the company. Therefore, remuneration will be at least 272% of the legal minimum wage. Overtime hours will be voluntarily, no longer than 12 hours and will be paid at a premium rate. All workers will receive safety clothing equipment and "personnel and protective equipment training" (PP&E) as well as weekly briefings on the overall safety situation. Free meals and transport to the worksite wrap up a generous fringe benefit package.•	Innovation/Transfer of knowledgeThe casting method is completely new for Bolivia, and will improve construction safety, while at the same time reducing building time and costs.•	Chain effectsReal estate developers and customers will face a strong reduction in building time (= less interest) as well a much safer building process, with less accidents and losses of life.•	Impact on the sectorThe project will provide a good example to other construction companies in the sector.•	EnvironmentThe project has a positive impact on the environment. There will be significant savings in the use of wood in construction in general.•	Position of womenSlightly positive impact. The increased mechanisation of the casting processes reduces the need for physical strength and therefore facilitates the employment of women, in this traditionally "all-male" sector. To set up a concrete casting service company, based on patented state-of-the-art technology, with a capacity of casting 60,000 m2 of concrete floors/walls per year.