Bamboo: Green, strong, and transformative - A sustainable solution shaping cities like Bengaluru for the future

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: In the realm of sustainable solutions, one remarkable contender stands out: bamboo.

Often overlooked, this grass possesses great potential to combat climate change, transform construction practices, and uplift communities.

The bamboo ambassador of India, Neelam Manjunath, an advocate for environmental sustainability, sheds light, that bamboo is not merely a resource but a catalyst for change.

Through her insights and advocacy, she unveils the multifaceted power of bamboo and its transformative impact on cities like Bengaluru.

Bamboo emerges as a champion in the fight against climate change. According to several studies, it is a fast-growing flora that matures in just 3-4 years, unlike trees requiring decades.

Furthermore, it acts as a carbon sink, absorbing 35% more carbon dioxide compared to regular trees. Bamboo also strengthens soil health by preventing erosion and promoting nutrient cycling.

Sustainable solutions

Neelam Manjunath advocates for bamboo and she says, “Compared to wood, steel, and concrete, bamboo boasts significant advantages. It possesses remarkable tensile strength and a high strength-to-weight ratio, making it suitable for robust structures.”

Unlike steel and concrete, bamboo production requires considerably less energy and doesn't contribute to deforestation.

However, bamboo requires proper treatment to enhance its durability, presenting a slight disadvantage.

She elaborated, "By ensuring just one bamboo tree per citizen, our city could achieve carbon neutrality by 2023."

Despite its fast-growing nature, bamboo boasts remarkable tensile strength and a high strength-to-weight ratio, comparable to steel in some aspects.

This makes it suitable for constructing robust and earthquake-resistant buildings. Production of bamboo requires considerably less energy and water compared to traditional building materials like steel and concrete.

Additionally, it doesn't contribute to deforestation.

The future is green

While high-rise structures utilising bamboo are still under exploration, significant advancements are being made.

Neelam Manjunath suggests, “Bamboo's inherent flexibility makes it well-suited for earthquake-resistant construction. Prefabricated bamboo structures offer promising solutions for faster and more sustainable construction.”

She added that the applications of bamboo extend far beyond construction. Bamboo boasts a dense and fast-spreading network of roots that firmly grip the soil.

This extensive system acts like an anchor, preventing loose topsoil from washing away during heavy rains. Neelam Manjunath said, “Bamboo efficiently absorbs rainwater. They can even store significant amounts of water within their stalks. This captured water is then gradually released back into the soil during dry periods, contributing to overall water balance and groundwater level.”

Dense bamboo groves act as a natural barrier, creating a physical impediment that disrupts the direct flow of rainwater.

This slows down the water's pace, allowing it to permeate the ground instead of rushing off as surface runoff, which is a major cause of erosion.

The Bamboo City Project

The Bamboo City Project in Bengaluru integrates sustainable bamboo construction to combat climate change.

Goals include carbon sequestration, climate resilience, and socioeconomic growth. Launched at COP28, it aligns with global climate priorities and gains support from the World Bamboo Organisation.

Early stages focus on pilot programs, with the potential to transform the cityscape. Updates can be found through official channels like the World Bamboo Organisation website.

This initiative offers promise in addressing environmental challenges while fostering economic and social well-being, showcasing a scalable solution for sustainable urban development.