A recent study has revealed that a simple, low-cost solution targeting heat loss in Bangladesh’s zigzag brick kilns can substantially reduce environmental damage. The intervention cuts carbon dioxide emissions by 20% and lowers energy consumption by 23%, offering a scalable model for similar high-emission industries across South Asia.
Bangladesh, long plagued by some of the worst air quality in the world, continues to face severe health and environmental hazards due to industrial pollution. In 2024, the country ranked second globally for PM2.5 levels, according to IQAir data, recording pollution levels over 15 times higher than the World Health Organization’s safe limit.
Among the biggest culprits? The thousands of brick kilns operating in and around urban centers like Dhaka. These kilns, particularly traditional zigzag variants, burn massive amounts of coal and other fuels to bake bricks, contributing heavily to the country’s overall greenhouse gas output.
Simple Changes, Big Impact
The breakthrough came when researchers tested an insulation-based modification to reduce heat loss during brick production. Unlike more capital-intensive technologies or full kiln redesigns, this intervention is affordable, fast to implement, and doesn’t require halting production — a critical factor in adoption among small and mid-sized kiln operators.
This study provides fresh hope for greener industrial practices in low-income regions where infrastructure overhauls remain out of reach. Experts believe that if scaled nationwide, this tweak could drastically cut emissions and improve public health without compromising production efficiency.
Need for Urgent Action
As Bangladesh faces increasing pressure to meet its climate goals under the Paris Agreement, improving emission-intensive sectors like brick production is crucial. With over 7,000 brick kilns scattered across the country, the cumulative environmental benefit of this minor adjustment could be monumental.
Government bodies and international environmental organizations are now being urged to support widespread adoption through policy incentives and awareness campaigns.