Fourth Policy Advocacy Network Asia Meeting

About the event

The Fourth Policy and Advocacy Network (PAN) Asia meeting will discuss investment opportunities in brick kiln transformation through voluntary carbon markets (VCMs). VCMs are a financial mechanism to access to global corporate climate change commitments. The event will include presentations from experts and case studies highlighting successful innovation, regional cooperation in the brick sector.

Interactive panel discussions and group work sessions will be conducted to foster ideas for future actions in the sector across the region.

PAN meetings provide a platform for dissemination and sharing of practices across the region. Following our earlier PAN Asia Meetings, the benefits of converting traditional kilns to zig-zag were recognised by the government of Punjab, Pakistan, which banned further construction of traditional kilns. Innovations like initial gas firing and use of biomass pellets has been successfully demonstrated and widely adopted by the brick kiln owners.

Objectives

• Foster collaboration, and knowledge sharing among stakeholders in the sector
• Build understanding of investment strategies and collaboration approaches and discuss practical pathways to drive positive change in both policy and practice or innovation interface

Expected outcome

Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of investment strategies and collaboration opportunities, as well as practical pathways for driving positive change in policy, practice, and innovation.

Background

ICIMOD has been partnering with the CCAC to coordinate and scale cleaner brick production at a regional level across South Asia and beyond. PAN meetings are a unique convergence of two critical actors – policy makers and brick entrepreneurs – in a shared quest for industry-wide transformation. This platform will facilitate dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration, with the goal of forging a cohesive set of policies with entrepreneurial aspirations.

Traditional brick production methods are resource and energy intensive, emitting substantial carbon dioxide and other Short Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs) during firing. This results in various detrimental environment and health impacts. Deforestation, soil degradation, and air pollution have prompted growing concerns among environmentalists, policymakers, and communities.

Amid these challenges, there are immense opportunities for innovation for sustainable brick production. Advancements in technology, automation, and energy-efficient brick production techniques can revolutionise the industry, making it more environmentally friendly and economically viable. Alternative building materials, such as unfired brick, hold the potential to improve the ecological footprint of construction.

Cooperation is crucial in addressing shared challenges and collaboratively devising sustainable solutions. Innovative financing and fund mobilisation can drive cutting-edge technologies and incentivise the transition to sustainable brick production. By fostering knowledge exchange and building partnerships, PAN works as a cohesive network that transcends borders and facilitates the pursuit of sustainable brick production practices.

 Agenda