LCCR construction for semi arid climate for building professionals

The document outlines strategies for Low Carbon, Climate Resilient (LCCR) construction in semi-arid regions, focusing on Madhya Pradesh, India. It examines the cyclic link between construction and climate change, detailing how the sector contributes to emissions through energy-intensive materials like steel and cement, while also being vulnerable to extreme weather. The manual provides technical guidance on passive design strategies—such as high thermal mass, cross-ventilation, and shading—to reduce operational energy. It further details alternative building technologies for walls (e.g., Stabilized Compressed Earth Blocks, Rat-trap Bond) and roofs (e.g., Filler Slabs, Ferrocement Channel Roofing) to lower embodied energy. Finally, it discusses policy frameworks in India and Madhya Pradesh aimed at promoting sustainable habitats and eco-friendly rural housing.

• The construction sector has a significant environmental impact, accounting for 40 per cent of the total annual flow of raw materials into the global economy and approximately 9 per cent of global GDP.
• Passive design strategies for semi-arid regions focus on minimizing heat gain in summer and capturing solar gain in winter; key techniques include using high thermal mass to moderate temperature fluctuations when the diurnal range exceeds 10°C, and employing shading devices like horizontal overhangs and vertical fins.
• The Rat-trap Bond masonry technique reduces the number of bricks by at least 20 per cent, mortar by at least 30 per cent, and overall wall costs by at least 25 per cent, while reducing emissions from brickwork by nearly 30 per cent compared to conventional English bond walls.
• Filler slab roofing reduces the dead weight and cost of the slab by 25 per cent by replacing concrete in the upper compressive zone with lightweight filler materials, resulting in 40 per cent less steel and 30 per cent less concrete usage.
• Alternative walling and roofing technologies such as Stabilized Compressed Earth Blocks (CSEB), Ferrocement Channel Roofing, and Mud Phuska are recommended to lower embodied energy and utilize local or waste materials.
• Ecological sanitation (Ecosan) toilets are proposed as a low-carbon solution that separates faeces and urine to recover nutrients for agricultural use, which is particularly suitable for areas with high water tables where leaching is not feasible.
• The Government of Madhya Pradesh has implemented the MP-Chief Minister Rural Housing Mission (launched February 2011) to address housing shortages through eco-friendly building solutions and mason training in all districts.

APA

Climate and Development Knowledge Network (2013). LCCR construction for semi arid climate for building professionals. https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/MP-proff-reading-material.pdf

Chicago

Climate and Development Knowledge Network. LCCR construction for semi arid climate for building professionals. 2013. https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/MP-proff-reading-material.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Climate and Development Knowledge Network |title=LCCR construction for semi arid climate for building professionals |date=2013 |url=https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/MP-proff-reading-material.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{climateanddevelopmentknowledgenetwork2013lccr, author = {{Climate and Development Knowledge Network}}, title = {{LCCR construction for semi arid climate for building professionals}}, institution = {Climate and Development Knowledge Network}, year = {2013}, url = {https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/MP-proff-reading-material.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }