Theme: 3.6. Resources, Standards, Commerce and Policy Aspects

Mainstreaming Bamboo as a Building Material in the Construction Sector GloballySupported by WBO_______________________________________________________________- Ar. Neelam Manjunath, Proprietrix, Manasaram Architects, Bangalore, India ; CEO, Founder and Managing Trustee, Centre for Green Building Materials and Technology, Bangalore, India- Ar. Rúben Boas (research associate), Architect at Manasaram Architects, Bangalore, India- CGBMT & ArchDaily – survey partners

Notations:

ARCASIA Architects Regional Council AsiaBRICS Five major emerging economies – Brazil, Russia, India, China, South AfricaDFID Department for International DevelopmentEU European UnionHDI Human Development IndexIMF International Monetary FundINBAR International Association for Bamboo and RattanNGO Non Governmental OrganisationR&D Research & DevelopmentSAARC South Asian Association for Regional CooperationSDG Sustainable Development GoalsTRADA Timber Research and Development AssociationUIA International Union of ArchitectsUN United NationsWBO World Bamboo Organization

Abstract:

Bamboo has been used for construction since time immemorial. Even today, a large part of the world’s population lives in houses which use bamboo as a major material of construction. Though, a majority of them do it more out of compulsion rather than by choice. Due to this, most of the traditional technologies of construction with Bamboo have got lost. 

With the renewed interest in local and natural materials for mitigation of global warming, Bamboo has come out as one of the most promising and viable materials for the building sector.

Given the current global situation of bamboo, which is still seen by the building industry as a material with several limitations, that range from legal matters to educational, economic, technical and the general acceptance from the public, a global survey has been formulated to assess the current situation, in order to find solutions to mainstream Bamboo as a construction material globally.

Based on the survey results, action pointers were derived. These pointers then have been translated into a Systemic Action Plan with stakeholders participation guidelines with a very broad spectrum covering multiple overlaying issues plaguing the use of bamboo in the building sector.

This action plan connects the participation by intergovernmental, governmental and non governmental bodies, the various issues, actions and recommendations to approach and solve the

1

Figure 1 Figure 1

issue in a holistic manner. This action plan is intended to be a comprehensive instrument that summarises what needs to be done to mainstream bamboo at local, national and international level as a major building material in the construction sector globally.

Introduction

There are over 1200 species of bamboo in 70 genera found across the world with its distribution closely resembling the population density distribution (figure 1). The global bamboo belt reaches approximately 1000 miles above and below the equator (figure 2).

Bamboo holds the potential to create safe, economical and eco friendly buildings and infrastructure, respecting the triple bottom line of Sustainable Development in a large part of the world. It could be the vehicle of an integrated development for millions below the poverty line, thereby being an agent of equity of resources to the masses on the planet. However, most of the research on Bamboo as a building material remains on paper and does not reach the market. The institutions and organisations have minimal interface with the building fraternity. Several civil societies are trying to bring change but are plagued with severe dearth of resources.

The motivation for the survey lies fundamentally in trying to understand the current relationship of the various stakeholders in the building industry (in their great majority architects) with Bamboo, in order to identify the key issues and come up with solutions for them. As an architectural office with decades of experience in bamboo, there are daily obstacles to be faced with regards to the usage of this material. These obstacles tend to be common across the world, nevertheless, perspectives from different corners of the globe could help in understanding the overall scenario in a holistic manner.

Several studies have been done about bamboo, focusing on different specific aspects. For example, Ansell and Archilla-Santos approach Bamboo-Gadua species and its composites for construction (Ansell and Archilla-Santos 2010-13) whereas bamboo composite materials for low-cost housing were also investigated for a Civil Engineering thesis (Dagilis 1999). The potential of bamboo as a building material in general (Sharma, Dhanwantri, Mehta 2014) and for organic shaped buildings in particular (Bnurdiah 2015) were covered in academic research. Bamboo has also caught the attention of the public through innovative uses of the material (The Atlantic 2011). But, Since most of the studies touched upon only selected issues, the data could not be translated into practical plans for the development of the market for this material in the construction sector.

The Asia Pacific Network proposes some solutions to promote bamboo on an Indian context. (APN, no date available). However, for an effective impact, it is necessary that several organisations, institutions, professional bodies, etc, work in close collaboration in a mission mode to identify the challenges both at global and regional level, and develop a set of implementable action plans with timelines, resources, identifying stakeholders, etc. The following research survey is a part of the goal of our project of “Mainstreaming Bamboo as a Building Material in the Construction Sector

2

Figure 1 Figure 2

Break-up by continent:Asia – 61%Europe – 20%Americas – 17%Africa – 2%Oceania - <1%

Figure 3

Globally”, an effort to arrive at initial broad conclusions and develop a set of guidelines to proceed further in the project. The survey results will help to formulate the actions towards this objective in a holistic manner, for which all players must be involved simultaneously.

I - Formulation of Global Survey - Assessing the status of usage of bamboo as a construction material by building professionals

- Content: The survey was conducted as a single part with 15 multiple choice questions and an open question in which the participants could add information / suggestions that were not covered by the multiple choice questions. The questions and options given are based on existing policies, market conditions, industry etc. The survey covers both round bamboo and processed bamboo products.

- Software: The questionnaire was created on Google Forms tool which provides various types of questions and delivers the results in a simple, intuitive manner.

- Target Audience: The survey was shared by Archdaily online - https://www.archdaily.com/886269/is-it-possible-to-massify-the-bamboo-as-a-building-material-in-the-construction-sector. It was also sent directly to more than 500 architecture offices across the globe in a proportioned manner, considering their population and area. Finally it was shared on Facebook and other social platforms. The target audience was all the building industry professionals, however the answers received represent mostly architects (more than 80%).

II - Responses received

276 responses were received from more than 30 countries from almost all the continents. The majority of the respondents were aged 20-39, although the survey included all age ranges above 20. A larger participation was received from India due to the proximity allowed by the social platforms.

Country of Professional Education:

Asia contributed with 61 % of the responses. Even though bamboo is not native from Europe, the continent showed a significant interest on the subject with 20% of the replies.

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4% 2%2%

2%3%3%

42%4%

3%

2%

2% 7%

3%4% argentina australiaaustria belgiumbrazil canadachina colombiaecuador francegermany greecehungary indiaindonesia italymalayasia mexiconeitherland nigeriapakistan peruphillippines portugalsouth africa spainunited arab emirates united kingdomunited states of america vietnam

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 18

Questions:1. During your degree, how thoroughly approached was bamboo as a construction material?

44%

40%

12%

4%

not approachedbriefly approachedfairly approachedthoroughly approached

88% of the people felt that bamboo was not approached or briefly approached as a construction material during their graduation.

2. How often do you use the following materials as a structural element in your projects?

reinforced concrete steel wood bamboo masonry (s-tone,mud,etc)

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

neverrarely

sometimesoftenvery often

The majorly used structural elements in buildings were reinforced concrete followed by steel. Bamboo was the least used material even below stone and mud blocks.

3. How often do you use bamboo in your projects in applications like finishes and furniture?

More than 50% of the time bamboo is never or rarely used as finishes or furniture in projects.

4. How well accepted by the clients do you consider the following materials to be?

reinforcement concrete

steel wood bamboo masonry (s-tone,mud,etc)

0

45

90

135

180

not acceptedrarely acceptedfairly acceptedwell acceptedvery well accepted

Bamboo is either not accepted or rarely accepted by more than 70% of the clients.

4

20%

32%32%

10%

5%

neverrarelysometimesoftenvery often

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

5. From not available to very much available, how do you consider bamboo where you work?

31% of the people feel that bamboo is not available or scarcely available. Another 4% of the people are not aware of the availability of bamboo.

6. How expensive do you find bamboo in comparison with other construction materials?

More than 60% feel that bamboo construction is reasonably priced or cheaper than other materials.

7. How is the situation when it comes to the skills and/or acceptance of the following professionals regarding bamboo?

civil / structural engineers developers labourers0

28

55

83

110

very badbadreasonablegoodvery gooddon’t know

Acceptance of bamboo was found very bad among developers followed by civil eng. and labourers.

8.1 In the country you practice, in terms of legislation, is bamboo as a construction material, as well regulated as other materials?

Only 20% globally think that bamboo is well regulated as compared to other construction materials.

5

9%

22%

23%25%

18%4%

not availablescarcely availablesomewhat availablefairly availablehighly available

20%

46%

34%

yesnodon’t know

6%

23%

40%

16%

11% 5%

very cheapcheapreasonably pricedexpensivevery expensive

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

8.2 In case there is lack of regulation on Bamboo, is that a discouragement/obstacle for you to use it?

If Bamboo is regulated, an additional 30% of the professionals could be encouraged to use it.

9. How easy is it to find information about construction with bamboo in your area ?

15%

24%

30%

22%

5%4%

very difficultdifficultsomewhat difficulteasyvery easydon’t know

Only 27% globally find it easy to access information regarding construction with bamboo. 10. How good do you consider bamboo as a construction material?

17%

29%

46%

4%

very badbadaveragegoodvery gooddon’t know

75% consider bamboo as a good construction material. It is a very positive indicator and justifies the need to mainstream bamboo.

11. Regarding Material Limitations, how effective would be the following solutions, to mainstream Bamboo, having in mind their ease of implementation?

larger span solu-tions

water repellent fire repellent jointing system splitting behaviour bamboo software

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

not effectivesomewhat effectivefairly effectivevery effective

Bamboo software, jointing systems and splitting behaviour are considered the major material limitations.

6

30%

39%

31%

yesnodon’t know

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

12. Regarding Academics and R&D, how effective would be the following solutions, to mainstream Bamboo, having in mind their easiness of implementation?

academiccurricula

design attractivebamboo buildings

make datausable

standardizebamboo

engineered bam-boo/

bamboo compos-ites

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

not effectivesomewhat effectivefairly effectivevery effective

Making data usable, standardize bamboo and develop engineered bamboo and bamboo composites were considered the most effective solution regarding Academics and R&D to mainstream bamboo.

13. Regarding Legal, Financial and Policies, how effective would be the following solutions, to mainstream Bamboo, having in mind their easiness of implementation?

include bamboo inbuilding codes

redefine governmen-tal

housing strategies

include bamboo in central

government issues

streamline local machinery

funding for bamboo buildings

coordination betweenagencies/industries

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

not effectivesomewhat effectivefairly effectivevery effective

Including bamboo in building codes along with redefining government housing strategies and coordination between agencies/industries are considered effective measures to mainstream bamboo.

14. Regarding Social, how effective would be the following solutions, to mainstream Bamboo, having in mind their easiness of implementation?

prove bamboo asaffordable

use bamboo in urban furniture

use bamboo in cities supported by per-

sonalities

agro-based employement

scheme

market bamboo in mass media

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

not effectivesomewhat effectivefairly effectivevery effective

Making bamboo an affordable material and also desirable through support from personalities are regarded as the most efficient strategies for social acceptance of Bamboo.

15. Regarding Execution, how effective would be the following solutions to mainstream Bamboo, having in mind their easiness of implementation?

bamboo depots withgraded bamboo

skill development programs

multi-purpose bamboo kits enable field testing

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

not effectivesomewhat effectivefairly effectivevery effective

Multipurpose bamboo kits along with skill development program and field testing are considered to be effective regarding execution of bamboo.

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16. Please let us know any other solution that would be effective in mainstreaming Bamboo.A summary of the responses is given below. For detailed response list see Annexure I.

Legal Framework & Policies:The material needs lot of support from Governments in terms of building codes, standardisation, green rating systems, agro-forestry laws, tax exemptions etc.Advocacy: Social acceptance of the material being the biggest question , using bamboo for prestigious and iconic large public buildings and infrastructure projects by famous architects would be the best publicity it can get, making people see the material as a viable option.Academics & Skill Development:Including bamboo in the curriculum of architects and engineers and in technical schools and skill development at all levels for bamboo as a main building material would go a long way to solve the issue.R&D and Industry:Continued research, development and design should be done in collaboration with construction and related industries to understand the industry needs comprehensively and direct the research accordingly.Marketing:Branding bamboo as a high profile material rather than affordable, market will ensure that it is accessible to the lower sections of the society as well.

III - Actions pointers based on the survey

Based on the survey outputs, actions to be taken for “Mainstreaming Bamboo as a Building Material in the Construction Sector Globally” are proposed to be worked out in the following areas:

AREAS ACTIONS POINTERS

Legal Framework & Policies

Although the legal aspects are seen by the professionals as one of areas of action in which the implementation is not as easy as in others, measures such as redefining governmental housing strategies, including bamboo in building codes (mentioned specifically by a handful) and funding for bamboo buildings appear as important. It was seen as crucial to reach the higher bodies of the governments and felt that once they are sensitized about the importance of bamboo, laws will change. Directives that come from the top to the bottom of the hierarchy usually have a bigger impact. (Refer to Survey’s Questions 8.1, 8.2, 13)

Advocacy

Creating awareness among the public, designers, policy makers, artisans etc about the possibilities of bamboo will increase its acceptability across all professional sectors and social strata. Showcasing bamboo in key locations by prominent architects will have a big impact according to the survey. Using bamboo in bigger buildings, showing the material in attractive designs will positively impress the public. Its use in urban-furniture and making ready-to-use kits should attract the user to bamboo. No architect mentioned the possible replacement of steel by bamboo in structures and reinforcement, or wood in windows, furniture, etc. which means that there is a severe dearth of awareness about the potential of bamboo as a building material. (Q.4, Q.7, Q.14)

As per the survey, including Bamboo in Architecture, Civil Engineering and other related building science degrees is very important. This opinion is

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Academics especially popular among countries where bamboo is a native species, but its inclusion in higher education doesn’t match the material’s availability and potential presently. (Q.1, Q.12)

Research & Development

In this area of action, there are some of the measures which are seen as the most effective and easy to implement: make data usable, develop engineered bamboo and composites, and bamboo specific software for architects and engineers. The enquired believe that this will allow bamboo to reach new types and scales of buildings. Also, industry specific research to solve issues would go a long way to achieve the target, for example fire rating of bamboo poles and bamboo composite products. It is a significant obstacle for use in public and large infrastructure projects. (Q.15, Q.16)

Skill Development

Providing labors, supervisors as well as architects and engineers with knowledge and practical skills to work with bamboo will solve the execution issues and spread its use. Apart from the significant portion of architects who don’t have the skills to design with bamboo, even the architects willing to work with it, have trouble to find qualified labourers and engineers to execute their work. Educational Institutions, Foundations and NGOs could significantly contribute in this. (Q.7, Q.13, Q. 15)

Marketing

Proving bamboo as an affordable material as well as advertising it in mass media by including public figures and celebrities are perceived as effective actions to spread the use of bamboo. Making it appealing and good for both low-income audiences for its affordability and also desirable or high-income audiences for its appearance and industrial enhancement. According to many, Bamboo should be promoted as a technically sound, eco friendly and aesthetically pleasing material rather than affordable and cheap material. (Q.5, Q.6, 14, Q.15)

Industry Development

This is an essential field of action, since it defines the quality and ease of access of Bamboo by the building professionals. Having an agro-based employment scheme and creating an organised supply chain with better coordination between agencies are indispensable to serve the construction needs. Also extremely important is the standardisation / certification of bamboo for confident utilisation by professionals and clients. Most professionals prefer off-the-shelf bamboo products and components for ready usage in their projects. In countries with wood based constructions like Europe etc architects feel value added products from bamboo like ply, boards, flooring , bamboo wood etc., can be popularised more easily rather than bamboo poles for constructions. (Q.13)

Housing & Infrastructure

Bamboo is a strong and versatile material with multiple uses that can be used in different parts of buildings and structures. Its lightweight and flexibility are qualities that will prove it successful in housing projects, both high-rises and horizontal, much in need in developing countries. At the same time it has to be encouraged to be used for schools, public buildings, resorts, hotels and even infrastructure buildings. (Q.13)

Figure 20

IV - The Systemic Action Plan - Stakeholders participation guidelines

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The actions pointers mentioned in II, can be undertaken by various organisations, ministries and civil societies in different countries. On a Global level, the UN with its diverse programmes could have a central role in this mission. Several international organisations like the various arms of UN, SAARC, BRICS, DFID, TRADA, International NGOs such as INBAR, WBO, working in the field of environment, welfare programs and so on, could collaborate with national, state and local bodies in organised and vertically connected programs. The table below outlines stakeholders participation guidelines for each of the necessary action areas, to solve the issues at different levels.

ISSUE LEVEL ENTITY ACTIONS•

LEGAL FRAMEWORK

&POLICIES

GLOBAL UN – Dep. Economic / Social AffairsUNDP – UN Development Programme

- funding for bamboo projects

BAMBOO ASSOCIATIONS: - WBO ; INBAR ; TRADA , DFID, etc

- share with governments technical, industry, economical, social information etc in order to formulate suitable legal framework.

INTERNATIONAL BODIES:BRICS; SAARC; IMF; EU, etc

- promote regulations for bamboo-facilitate funding for bamboo projects

NATIONAL MINISTRIES – Environment / Tribal & Rural Development / Women & Children/Urban Development etc.

-create legal framework and policies for bamboo for its environmental, social and economical advantages

PROFESSIONAL BODIES: Architects/ Engineers, etc.BAMBOO SOCIETIES:- Bamboo Soc. of India, etc.

-promote the inclusion of bamboo in building codes with support from research institutes, Standards, Certification etc

STATE / LOCAL

MUNICIPAL AUTHORITIES Departments –Town Planning / Social Housing, etc.

- support and implement the measures taken by the ministries

NGOs - influence authorities at a local level in order to implement changes

•

•

ADVOCACY

GLOBAL

GLOBAL

UNEP – UN Environment ProgrammeIPCC – UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

-spread awareness about environmental qualities of bamboo

UNWTO – UN World Tourism Organization

- promote tourism based on bamboo- Cultural ,Heritage and Eco-tourism

BAMBOO ASSOCIATIONS:- WBO , INBAR ,DFID, TRADA etcEuropean Bamboo Society, etc

- promote the use of bamboo in UN programs for Governments, large corporate bodies, International Architectural and

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ADVOCACY

INTERNATIONAL ARCHITECTS BODIES - UIA, ARCASIA etc

design events etc like Venice Biennale

NATIONAL MINISTRIES – Culture / Urban Development / Tourism / EnvironmentNATIONAL BAMBOO SOCIETIES

- promote bamboo as an important cultural , economical and ecological value addition- advertise bamboo on the media both as an affordable material and as a luxury item.

PROFESSIONAL BODIES – Architects / Engineers

- incentivise the use of bamboo in bigger buildings by renowned architects.

STATE / LOCAL

MUNICIPAL AUTHORITIES: Departments – Town Planning

- showcase bamboo buildings in key locations- use bamboo in urban furniture

NGOs - promote bamboo to the building industry professionals and population in general, Awareness programs

•

MARKETING

GLOBAL UNDP - UN Development ProgrammeBAMBOO ASSOCIATIONS:- WBO ; INBAR ; etcINTL. BAMBOO SOCIETIES

- promote bamboo as affordable and as a means to promote resource equity

NATIONAL MININSTRIES – Industries / Foreign Affairs / Urban Development / CommunicationNATIONAL BAMBOO SOCIETIES

- market bamboo as valuable economical and ecological product and commercialise it.- Societies can help in networking and knowledge dissemination

STATE / LOCAL

LOCAL INDUSTRYNGOs

- develop effective marketing ads.- Social enterprises for bamboo

•

INDUSTRY

GLOBAL

GLOBAL

UN – Conference on Trade & DevelopmentUNIDO – UN Industrial Development OrganizationUNWTOBAMBOO ASSOCIATIONS:- WBO ; INBAR ; etcINTL. BAMBOO SOCIETIES

-promote coordination between agencies / industries

INTL. TRADE UNIONS (International Trade Union Confederation, World Federation of Trade Unions)

- organise the global market in order to have an efficient and strong network of bamboo-related industries.

NATIONAL MINISTRIES - Commerce / -promote coordination between

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INDUSTRY

Industry / Finance / Internal Administration, etc.

agencies / industries- create organised supply chains- promote value addition to bamboo

MINISTRIES – Agriculture / Forests / Rural Development / Tourism

- organise / develop bamboo plantation and processing- organise demand-supply chain management

NATIONAL TRADE UNIONS -organise the national market to have a strong network of bamboo-related industries.- merge several trade unions

STATE / LOCAL

- STATE LEVEL TRADE ORGANIZATIONS- INDUSTRIES-NGOs

- develop market driven industries in association with R&D Organizations- commercialise multi-purpose bamboo kits.- bamboo based social enterprises with suitable networks

•

•

HOUSING & INFRAST

RU--CTURE

GLOBAL UN – Human Settlements ProgrammeBAMBOO ASSOCIATIONS:- WBO ; INBAR ; etcINTL. BAMBOO SOCIETIES

-promote the use of bamboo in housing programmes

UN – High Commissioner for Refugees

- use bamboo as a disaster relief solution

UN – Special Advisor in Africa - use bamboo for basic housing needs

NATIONAL MINISTRIES – Housing / Planning / InfrastructureNATIONAL BAMBOO SOCIETIES

- redefine strategies, including bamboo

STATE / LOCAL

ARCHITECTSNGOs

- utilize bamboo in larger scale public buildings / multi-storied housing, infrastructure, etc.

•

ACADEMICS

GLOBAL - UNESCO- BAMBOO ASSOCIATIONS: - WBO ; INBAR ; etc- INTL. BAMBOO SOCIETIES

- sensitize governments to include bamboo in education curricula- promote bamboo focused fellowships programs- heritage conservation; Funds allocation for documentation of traditional building techniques.

GOVERNMENTS - promote interaction between Universities , Institutions of different countries for exchange of information

12

NATIONAL - MINISTRIES – Education / Culture

- include bamboo in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Interior Design and other practical courses.

- UNIVERSITIES- TECHNICAL EDUCATION BODIES- NATIONAL BAMBOO SOCIETIES

- give bamboo the due importance as a major building material and provide specific information and training programs for teachers.- include industry interface as an essential part of the programmes.- awareness programs and workshops to be conducted

STATE / LOCAL

UNIVERSITIESNGOs

•

R & D

GLOBAL UNDP – UN Development Programme

- allocate and ensure funds availability for R & D

BAMBOO ASSOCIATIONS:- WBO ; INBAR ; etc- INTL. BAMBOO SOCIETIES

- facilitate / promote collaboration and cooperation among Universities and Research Centres and bodies across the world.

NATIONAL MINISTRIES – Science / Technology / EnvironmentNATIONAL BAMBOO SOCIETIES

- include bamboo in national building codes and schedule of rates.- promote standardization / certification of bamboo with support from Research Institutes

STATE / LOCAL

UNIVERSITIES - tie up with Research Institutes to spread updated and usable database for ready usage by the architects, engineers and other building professionals.

PUBLIC/PRIVATE Reasearch OrganisationsNGOs

- develop engineered bamboo and composites and other products as per industry requirements- make data usable- develop suitable fire rating, treatment and other solutions critical to widespread usage of Bamboo- bamboo specific joineries and designing software, etc

•

•

GLOBAL UN – High Representative for least developed countries, landlocked, small island developing statesILO – UN International Labour Organization

- funds availability- promote bamboo related skill training as a vehicle for development and raising of HDI

BAMBOO ASSOCIATIONS:- WBO ; INBAR ; etc- INTL. BAMBOO SOCIETIES

- share knowledge regarding bamboo; promote workshops.- make legal and policy frameworks and funds available

13

SKILLDEVELOP-MENT

NATIONAL MINISTRIES – Labour / EmploymentNATIONAL BAMBOO SOCIETIES

- create suitable and necessary mechanism for implementation of skill development programs

STATE / LOCAL

UNIVERSITIES - enhance architects & engineers skills- develop suitable structured courses for different skill sets and levels- develop suitable courseware for all levels vocational training programs

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES - provide local skill development programs.- integrate vocational training and general education programs

NGOs - execution of skill development programs on a larger scale with networking from international level to the last beneficiary

•

Figure 21

V – Conclusion

As per the survey it was found that the issues need to be tackled from various fronts in a systemic manner, since they are inextricably linked to each other. It is undoubtedly a marathon task. The project needs collaboration from the highest authorities to the lowest bodies to make it successful. The programs will also need to vertically connect the international and national bodies and policy makers, architects, designers and other building professionals to the executing artisans on the site and the bamboo based communities to fulfill the mandate of the project in true sense of the word.

As per no. 17 of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, we have to “Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development”

CGBMT and MANASARAM ARCHITECTS are committed to work with the WORLD BAMBOO ORGANISATION and other organisations as envisaged in the Stakeholders participation table (table 3), to take this project to implementation through further detailed action plans with practical timelines to Mainstream Bamboo in the building and related sectors to address the three bottom-lines of Sustainable Development- Economic prudence, Environmental protection and Social justice globally.List of Figures

Figure 1: 2017 Population density 2

Figure 2: Global bamboo belt 2

Figure 3: Country of degree of participants 3

Figure 4: Academic approach of bamboo as construction material 4

Figure 5: Structural element in buildings 4

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Figure 6: Use of bamboo for finishes and furniture 4

Figure 7: Acceptance by client 4

Figure 8: Availability of bamboo at work 5

Figure 9: Cost comparison of construction materials 5

Figure 10: Acceptance of bamboo among professionals 5

Figure 11: Legislation regarding bamboo as construction material 5

Figure 12: Obstacle to use bamboo due to legislation 6

Figure 13: Information regarding construction with bamboo 6

Figure 14: Bamboo as a construction material 6

Figure 15: Solutions to mainstream bamboo – Material limitations 6

Figure 16: Solutions to mainstream bamboo – Academics and R&D 7

Figure 17: Solutions to mainstream bamboo – Legal, financial and policies 7

Figure 18: Solutions to mainstream bamboo – Social 7

Figure 19: Solutions to mainstream bamboo – Execution 7

Figure 20: Areas and Actions 8, 9

Figure 21: Issues, Levels, Entities and Actions Table 10-14

Bibliography

1 - ANSELL Martin, ARCHILLA-SANTOS Hector, 2010-13, Bamboo-Gadua composites for construction, Bath University, [Abstract accessible at http://www.bath.ac.uk/ace/research/cicm/low-carbon-materials/bamboo-guadua.html ]

2 – DAGILIS Trevor, 1999, Bamboo Composite Materials for Low Cost Housing, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada [Accessible at https://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk1/tape8/PQDD_0015/NQ54407.pdf ]

3 – SHARMA P., DHANWANTRI K., MEHTA S., 2014, Bamboo as a Building Material, International Journal of Civil Engineering Research, Volume 5, Number 3, ISSN 2278-3652

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Research India Publications, Amity School of Architecture and Planning, Amity University, Haryana, India [Accesible at https://www.ripublication.com/ijcer_spl/ijcerv5n3spl_08.pdf ]

4 – NURDIAH Esti, 2015, The Potential of Bamboo as Building Material in Organic Shaped Buildings, Department of Architecture Petra Christian University, Indonesia [Accessible at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877042815061844 ]

5 – THE ATLANTIC, 2011, A Survey of Bamboo Architecture, The Atlantic [Accessible at: https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2011/12/a-survey-of-bamboo-architecture/249614/#slide3 ]

6- ASIA PACIFIC NETWORK FOR GLOBAL CHANGE RESEARCH, Bamboo: Green Construction Material, date not available [Accessible at: https://www.apn-gcr.org/resources/files/original/1654f846a58279adea4aeb44a881321b.pdf ]

7 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_Development_Goals 2018, Sustainable Development Goals

Image Sources

Figure 1: https://www.populationpyramid.net/population-density/2017/ [accessed 17. Jan 2018] 2017 Population density

Figure 2: http://pacificbamboo.org/research/examining-bamboo-industries/ [accessed 17. Jan 2018] Global bamboo belt

Annexure I

16. Please let us know any other solution that, in your opinion, would be effective in mainstreaming Bamboo. — The responses are summarised by topics :

Legal & Policies:

• Incentives through green building rating systems and tax exemption.• A comprehensive International Bamboo Building Code could be formulated with annexes for

regional variations and legally adopted by the countries governments.• Government needs to promote establishment of nurseries and reforestation programs, and ease out

regulations when it comes to plantation of bamboo, treating it like a crop and not like a tree.

16

• The state should set up research institutes that take reference from traditional knowledge.• Promote bamboo cultivation oriented for the building sector and create regulations for bamboo as a

structural material and for standardization• Bamboo has to be recognised by the governments as a material suited for permanent constructions

and not temporary.• Make this survey / information available to the government and professional institutions.

Advocacy:

• Proving bamboo’s performance by using it in larger scale, public buildings and infrastructure like bridges. Famous architects doing it would be the best publicity it can get, making people see the material as a viable option.

• Promote Green Buildings from natural materials to bring more awareness.• Showcase bamboo in technology exhibitions, organize annual bamboo festivals and building

competitions.• Bring awareness about variety, suitability, technical know-how and training. The social acceptance

of the material is the biggest question.• Creating work groups about investigation with bamboo with different professionals involved.

These groups can exchange information with other countries about bamboo experiences, so that different technologies can be shared around the world.

Academics & Skill Development

• Include bamboo in the curriculum of architects and engineers and also in technical schools, as a main material, along with concrete, steel, wood, etc.

• All aspects of the material, starting from cultivation, processing, treatment, jointing systems and different applications should be approached during the degree.

• Collaborative designing should be encouraged with organisations having prior expertise. This way, practicing architects can develop proficiency that will help them to do projects by themselves.

• Training of architects and engineers - executive programs in continuous education mode to be done by Institutions in collaboration with professional bodies.

• Develop software for specific Bamboo design in both Architectural and Structural design areas.• Mostly architects who believe in using alternative construction materials, they want to use it. But

practically they become helpless when it comes to execution. Because skilled artisan are not there to execute in a perfect manner.

• Make literature and research material disclosed and produce more in-depth studies.• Educate Architects & engineers through continuing education, executive programs and faculty

development programs.

R&D and Industry

• Continued research, development and design should be done in collaboration with construction and related industries to understand the industry needs comprehensively and direct the research accordingly.

• Industrial solutions, standardisation, development of technology of constructing intermediate flat floors with bamboo required for use in multi-storey dwellings

• Life span of the material is a big question for the public. Research needs to be done to extend bamboo durability (fire safety, biological attacks resistance, water resistance, maintenance, etc.) and further certify it.

• Enhance its structural abilities along with other materials, composites and engineered bamboo, so it becomes a substitute for wood.

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• More structural tests and analysis of existing buildings could be done and published to increase the awareness and potential of bamboo for seismic regions.

• Joinery and connections methods should be made simpler along with load calculations, especially to hold long span loads.

• Use highly developed technology, from planting to production system.• Safer and cheaper treatments for bamboo will make it more popular.• Sort the huge number of bamboo species for their specific purposes, the kinds that ought to be used

for constructions. Ways to identify them need to be documented and shared. • Create a supply chain for treated and graded bamboo, establish bamboo depots, creating national

networks of bamboo producers, so it becomes readily available for architects and others. • Create conditions by improving the bamboo qualities adapting it to climates where it is not

traditionally used, like regions with Temperate or Mediterranean climate.

Marketing

• Performing advertisements over the media about the importance and advantages of bamboo as a material by a public figure, could influence people in large numbers.

• Create clusters in major cities of each state which takes care of information dissemination, supplying materials, execution till maintenance.

• Expressing its sustainability, renewability, as well as durability.• Divulging information about Bamboo and its applications in countries where it is not native or

widely used, trying to integrate it in the market, so it’s not only restricted to small scale constructions.

• Branding bamboo as a fine good rather than affordable. Market will ensure that it is accessible to the lower sections of the society as well.

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