20 June 2011
UNDP, GEF Introduce Energy Efficient Brick Technology in Bangladesh
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The UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) have introduced the new Hybrid Hoffman technology, developed in Germany and tested in China, which has the potential to save energy and resources and curb Bangladesh's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

UNDP, GEF Introduce Energy Efficient Brick Technology in BangladeshJune 2011: The UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) have introduced an energy efficient, smokeless brick-making technology to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Bangladesh.

The Project, titled “Improving Kiln Efficiency in the Brick Making Industry,” aims to replace outdated brick-making technology, which is one of the largest GHG sources in the country. Rapid economic growth and rapid urbanization are driving a boom in the construction industry, which has increased the demand for bricks. A major challenge for the project is the fact that the brick making industry in Bangladesh has remained largely unregulated. In addition, UNDP reports that 90% of the brick kilns use outdated and polluting technology, and emit around six million tons of carbon dioxide annually. In addition, 33% of the kilns use firewood, aggravating deforestation.

The new Hybrid Hoffman technology, developed in Germany and tested in China, has the potential to save energy and resources, and help curb Bangladesh’s emissions. [UNDP Press Release]