Bamboo Hub
SUPPORTING THE GLOBAL BAMBOO FOR CONSTRUCTION VALUE CHAIN
Bamboo: the new way to construct sustainably | Tono Aguilar | TEDxDalbergCatalyst
Bamboo has several advantages as a sustainable building material. Given bamboo's high potential for carbon sequestration and achieving positive climate and social benefits, there is increasing interest and excitement about the use of bamboo for construction from global funders who are seeing the possibilities of what can be done with this material.
POSITIVE BIODIVERSITY IMPACT
Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that can be grown on all terrains and is indigenous to most countries, growing naturally with out the use of pesticides, or machinery. Roots remain in the ground after harvesting, with the plant’s strong root system ensuring that the soil remains stable, preventing soil erosion and greatly contributes to fertile soil.
HIGH CARBON STORAGE POTENTIAL
On average, one hectare of bamboo absorbs about 17 tonnes of carbon per year and once harvested can be used to make a variety of durable products that act as carbon stores. One study estimates that a one-hectare bamboo plantation and its construction related products (i.e., flooring, etc.) could store over 300 tonnes of carbon over a 60-year period.
VERSATILE CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL
Bamboo fibers are extremely strong and can have higher tensile strength than steel and is relatively lightweight, making it easier to transport and install compared to other building materials. Given its significant water composition, bamboo has natural fire resistance and can withstand temperatures of up to 400 degrees Celsius, with special organic treatments improving this natural resistance.
However, the global bamboo value chain currently faces many challenges to scale. Research is often fragmented and specific to certain locations, the value chain tends to be very nascent and underdeveloped, and public perceptions are often mixed. Overall, it is seldom embraced for the full climate potential it showcases, and is therefore underutilized.
To address the emerging needs of the bamboo for construction sector, several core functions must be supported:
Research and Analysis
Supporting private sector players (i.e., entrepreneurs, SMEs, and innovators) through knowledge sharing, conducting research and analysis to further bolster the case for bamboo as a climate mitigating construction material.
Community Building
Working together to facilitate partnerships and access to resources. Connecting actors across the value chain, and within the enabling environment, to share learnings, experiences, and opportunities to maximize collective potential.
Raising Awareness
Supporting the transition to sustainable bamboo construction and sharing the success stories to begin to shift perceptions, build momentum, and shift critical stakeholders towards informed, widespread adoption.
