LCCR construction for semi arid climate for building professionals

This guide provides building professionals with strategies and technologies for Low Carbon, Climate Resilient (LCCR) construction in semi-arid climates, using Madhya Pradesh as a model. It details the environmental impacts of the construction sector, passive design principles for thermal comfort, and specific alternative building materials and techniques to reduce embodied energy and carbon emissions.

• The construction sector has a significant environmental impact, accounting for 40% of the annual global flow of raw materials and approximately 9% of global GDP. In India, the sector emits about 22% of total annual national CO2 emissions, with 80% of these emissions originating from the production of four materials: steel, cement, bricks, and lime.
• Madhya Pradesh faces severe climate-related stresses, including a recorded loss of forest cover of approximately 12% (over 3,500 sq. km) between 2001 and 2011. The region experienced a severe drought from 2003 to 2008, and in 2009, the government declared 37 of its 50 districts as drought-hit.
• LCCR construction aims to minimize embodied energy by reducing the use of high-energy materials like steel and cement, and to minimize operational carbon emissions through passive design. Passive strategies for semi-arid climates include using high thermal mass to moderate temperature fluctuations (effective when the diurnal range is over 10°C), cross ventilation, night ventilation, and strategic shading.
• Several alternative walling technologies are recommended to reduce carbon footprints. Stabilized Compressed Earth Blocks (CSEB) offer lower embodied energy as they do not require burning. The Rat-trap bond masonry technique reduces brick usage by at least 20%, mortar by at least 30%, and overall wall costs by at least 25%, while improving insulation.
• Alternative roofing systems can significantly lower embodied energy compared to conventional RCC roofs. Plank and Joist roofing reduces embodied energy by at least 25%, while Filler Slabs reduce concrete and steel use by about 40% and overall cost by approximately 23%. Other options include Micro Concrete Roofing (MCR), Precast Arch Panels, and Ferrocement Channel Roofing.
• Ecological sanitation (Ecosan) is proposed as a resource-recovery system that separates faeces and urine to be used as agricultural manure and fertilizer. This system is particularly suitable for areas with high water tables where waste leaching is not feasible.
• The Government of Madhya Pradesh has integrated LCCR concepts into its rural housing mission. The MP-Chief Minister Rural Housing Mission, launched in February 2011, focuses on affordable and eco-friendly building solutions, including mason training in all districts and the development of a state-level Schedule of Rates (SOR) for alternative technologies.

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} }