While lack of policies are often considered as constraints to green growth, this project will investigate the challenges surrounding the adoption of eco-friendly construction materials in Bangladesh. Specifically, the project will focus on promoting the substitution of fired clay bricks (FCBs) with soil-stabilized blocks (SSBs) in public contracts and the construction industry as a whole. The production of FCBs is a major source of air pollution, contributing to increased CO2 emissions, health risks, and the depletion of cultivable land through topsoil degradation (Pariyar, Das, & Ferdous, 2013; Suresh, Kumar, Mahtta, & Sharma, 2016). SSBs, on the other hand, are a remarkably cleaner and feasible alternative to traditional FCBs. SSBs are also more economically viable in the context of Bangladesh, as they have a marginally higher water usage compared to cement blocks. The Bangladeshi government has approved a policy to replace FCBs with non-fired blocks, such as SSBs, in government construction projects. The policy sets targets for the use of blocks in different types of government construction, ranging from 10% to 100% of all relevant contracts from 2019-20 to 2024-25 fiscal years. The Public Works Department (PWD) is responsible for implementing the policy in coordination with all other ministries. Other entities, such as Bangladesh Bank, are also providing incentives for promoting this policy.
In a recent exploratory research initiative led by Aziz et al. (2023), an investigation aimed to comprehend the challenges in executing a specific policy. The study revealed a noteworthy lack of awareness among contractors, with only approximately 28% being familiar with non-fired bricks and blocks. Among those acquainted, a mere 2% reported using such blocks in the previous year. Respondents identified limited availability (26%) and a shortage of skilled labor for block laying (8%) as key constraints. Despite these challenges, Bangladesh hosts over 200 block-producing factories, contradicting the perceived scarcity. Moreover, there exist misperceptions among procurement officials, indicating a lack of enthusiasm for the policy implementation. Key informant data emphasized the necessity for enhanced coordination among various stakeholders.
This project aims to increase the adoption of SSBs among contractors in the construction sector by providing information and coordination through a Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT). This includes delivering evidence and data about the comparative cost and benefits of SSBs, influencing attitudes by doing tests of crushing strength of SSBs vs. bricks, providing information to government officials and contractors, facilitating site visits of houses/structures made of SSBs, and providing skills training on how to work with SSBs for construction workers. This is expected to increase the likelihood of SSBs being used in the relevant construction contracts procured by the government. This research will also inform the revision of the government policy and its implementation strategy.
