Back to news

Brick sector partnership enhances state of knowledge on science, technology, and policy in Nepal and South Asia

ICIMOD and the Federation of Nepal Brick Industries (FNBI) organized a concluding event to share the outcomes of the Adoption of Cleaner Brick Production project (2018–2019), funded by the Department for International Development (DFID) and implemented by ICIMOD. The project’s interventions have made the Nepal brick industry more energy efficient and environment and worker friendly, enhanced knowledge and adoption of improved technologies, influenced brick sector policies, and worked to improve the social and working conditions in brick kilns.

0 mins Read

70% Complete
The Adoption of Cleaner Brick Production project’s concluding event saw participation from representatives of FNBI district associations. (Photo:ICIMOD)

The project conducted interactive trainings and workshops, solicited feedback from the FNBI’s member associations for increased ownership, and mobilized local brick experts and entrepreneurs along with environmental and social engineers and technology experts. Brick kiln modernization offers a large potential for energy savings; reduces black carbon and CO2 emissions; saves agricultural land from degradation; increases the profitability of brick enterprises; improves the working conditions and health of workers; and provides better-quality building material to consumers. The project helped establish seven showcase kilns in four provinces where brick industries are concentrated. The demonstration and adoption of initial gas firing and experimentation of pellets as an alternative to coal have also been successful.

Speaking at the project’s concluding event, Mahendra Bahadur Chitrakar, Chairperson, FNBI, stressed that brick industries in Nepal should expeditiously adopt cleaner technology. He urged all brick entrepreneurs to unite at the district and provincial levels for the transformation of brick kilns and underlined the need for science-based policy advocacy. Bidya Banmali Pradhan, Programme Coordinator – Brick Kiln Initiative, ICIMOD, also highlighted the value of technology adoption for the efficient operation of kilns, which can lead to cascading positive impacts, including alleviation of social issues.

1. Banmali Pradhan, Programme Coordinator – Brick Kiln Initiative, ICIMOD, spoke about the need for adoption of better technologies in brick kilns. (Photo: ICIMOD)

Stay current

Stay up to date on what’s happening around the HKH with our most recent publications and find out how you can help by subscribing to our mailing list.

Sign Up

RELATED CONTENTS

Continue exploring this topic

23 Jul 2015 News
Expanding commercial banana production in Nepal

Using ecological niche modelling to guide farmers and the Government of Nepal.  Banana is a high-value agricultural product and ...

17 Jul 2017 SANDEE
SANDEE Joins ICIMOD

SANDEE brings together researchers and practitioners from South Asian countries to address the region’s environmental development challenges. For 16 years, ...

10 Feb 2015 News
Climate Change in Downstream Areas of the Indus River Basin: Local Perceptions and Adaptation Measures

Likewise, indirect impacts like losses to agriculture and livelihoods due to erratic rains in high altitudes may result in increased ...

29 Jul 2015 News
Early warning systems for Mahottari

Three community-based flood early warning systems (CB-FEWS) were installed at different sites along the Ratu River in Mahottari District in ...

30 Apr 2020 Cryosphere
New study finds that crevasses in Himalayan glaciers can play a key role in influencing ice temperature

Glaciers in cold and arid climates, such as in High Mountain Asia, can warm up much faster than expected because ...

24 Aug 2018 SANDEE
Nurturing Evidence-based Solutions for a Sustainable Future in South Asia

Twice a year, SANDEE requests research concept notes in any area of environmental and resource economics with implications for poverty ...

24 Nov 2016 News
ISO 27001:2013 Certification for ICIMOD Information Technology Unit

ICIMOD is pleased to announce that its information technology unit has been awarded certification from the International Organization for Standardization ...

6 Jan 2017 News
Use of Picture Series Gaining Momentum in KSL

The Kailash Sacred Landscape Conservation and Development Initiative’s (KSLCDI) efforts to encourage the use of pictures as an adult education ...