In Kenya's Laikipia County, where temperatures can soar to 30 degrees Celsius, a local building technology is making a significant impact on housing conditions.The use of compressed earth blocks (CEB) is helping homes remain cooler while also supporting education, creating jobs, and improving the livelihoods of community residents.
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climatechangenews.comTraditionally, homes in Laikipia have been constructed using wood or cement blocks with corrugated iron roofs, which often results in unbearably hot interiors, especially during the peak heat months from September to December.
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climatechangenews.comHowever, the Laikipia Integrated Housing Project, initiated in 2023, is changing this narrative by employing CEB technology.This method draws on traditional building techniques and local materials, including soil, timber, grass, and cow dung, to create thick walls that provide effective insulation against the heat.
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climatechangenews.comPeter Muthui, the principal of Mukima Secondary School, has experienced the benefits of this technology firsthand.He noted that his home remains cool even during the hottest days, allowing for a more comfortable living environment.
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climatechangenews.comThe school has also adopted this building method for classrooms and boarding facilities, ensuring that students can continue their studies without interruption from extreme heat, a problem that has led to school closures in other regions, such as South Sudan.
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climatechangenews.comThe construction sector is a major contributor to global emissions, accounting for 37% of greenhouse gases, according to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).Despite increasing calls for decarbonization, substantial progress has been limited.
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climatechangenews.comInitiatives like the Cement and Concrete Breakthrough Initiative, launched at COP28, aim to accelerate investment in technologies that can lead the cement and concrete industry toward a net-zero emissions future by 2050.
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climatechangenews.comThe CEB technology not only addresses the immediate need for cooler homes but also contributes to broader climate goals.By utilizing locally sourced materials and minimizing the use of cement, this approach significantly reduces carbon emissions associated with construction.
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climatechangenews.comDacan Aballa, a construction manager at Habitat for Humanity International, emphasized that the lifecycle emissions from traditional construction methods are largely avoided by using CEB, which relies on materials readily available in the environment.
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climatechangenews.comMoreover, the CEB method helps conserve energy that would otherwise be spent on cooling homes, making it a more sustainable option for residents.
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climatechangenews.comJustin Atemi, a water and sanitation officer at Habitat for Humanity, pointed out that this technique also reduces deforestation, as the blocks are air-dried rather than fired in kilns that require wood as fuel.
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climatechangenews.comThe resurgence of traditional building methods like CEB is particularly relevant in the context of climate change, which is causing higher temperatures and more extreme weather events.As communities in arid and semi-arid regions face these challenges, CEB offers a low-cost, eco-friendly alternative for constructing homes, schools, and other essential buildings.
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climatechangenews.comThis innovative approach is not limited to Kenya.Similar techniques are being employed across Africa, from Senegal to Nigeria, where compressed earth construction is being recognized as a viable solution for sustainable housing.
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climatechangenews.comFor instance, the Goethe-Institut in Dakar and the Bamako medical school in Mali have successfully utilized these methods to create comfortable and resilient structures.
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climatechangenews.comIn conclusion, the adoption of compressed earth block technology in Kenya's Laikipia County represents a significant step toward sustainable housing solutions that address both local needs and global climate challenges.By leveraging traditional knowledge and local resources, communities can build homes that are not only cooler and more comfortable but also contribute to a greener future.
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climatechangenews.comnewsnow.comAs the world grapples with the impacts of climate change, initiatives like the Laikipia Integrated Housing Project serve as a model for how innovative building practices can enhance resilience and sustainability in vulnerable regions.
