Utilizing indigenous building material

Using indigenous construction materials
Using natural materials for construction
Developing natural building materials

Description

Utilizing indigenous building materials involves sourcing and employing locally available natural resources—such as earth, stone, bamboo, or timber—for construction. This strategy reduces transportation costs and environmental impact, supports local economies, and ensures buildings are adapted to regional climates and cultures. By prioritizing these materials, communities can address issues of affordability, sustainability, and resilience, while preserving traditional knowledge and reducing dependency on imported, often less sustainable, construction products.

Context

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities. Agenda 21 recommends the establishment and strengthening of an indigenous building materials industry, based as much as possible on input of locally available natural resources.