Building Pioneers

Transform FCB kilns into HCB factories in parts of Bangladesh where course sand is locally available or cost effective to buy – mainly in the north and east.

Modernize out-dated FCB kilns in parts of Bangladesh where HCB cannot be produced cost competitively due to the price of course sand – mainly in the south of Bangladesh.

Introduce more innovative building materials to Bangladesh such as wood-plastic composites (WPC), engineered bamboo etc. Bangladesh has a high demand for eco-friendly, affordable and disaster resistant construction.

Enforce existing regulations to increase pressure on brick kiln owners to either shut down, upgrade or switch to HCB production.

Offer soft loans and other financial incentives (e.g. purchase guarantees for governmental construction projects) to early adopters of HCB production.

Realize a pilot transformation as a proof of concept. Promote this case study among key stakeholders incl. a detailed cost analysis and technical assessment.

Create a “transformation package” by engaging key stakeholders: financial institutions for funding, private sector for machinery and training, universities for research and testing, developers for contracts, etc.

Involve brick kiln owners from the start. They should remain in business; their existing infrastructure and knowledge of the brick market will facilitate the shift.

Especially HCB machine suppliers (China and India) can play a key role in creating the pilot factory which show cases and promotes HCB production. The transformation of countless brick kilns into HCB factories is an untapped business opportunity.