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From Problems to Possibilities: Overcoming Commercialization Challenges to Scale Timber Bamboo in Buildings

Author

Listed:
  • Kate Chilton

    (Global Bamboo Technologies, Inc., Ocala, FL 34472, USA)

  • Marzieh Kadivar

    (Materials Science and Engineering Graduate Program, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-220, SP, Brazil
    BAMbuild, Pirassununga 13634-020, SP, Brazil)

  • Hal Hinkle

    (Global Bamboo Technologies, Inc., Ocala, FL 34472, USA
    World Bamboo Foundation, Plymouth, MA 02360, USA)

Abstract

The substitution of fast-growing biogenic materials for high-carbon footprint extractive materials is increasingly discussed as a climate change mitigation tool. This review is based on a comprehensive literature search conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases for publications, focusing on keywords such as “bamboo” and “sustainable construction”. Through this literature and bibliometric analysis, we identify the relative interest in timber bamboo as a sustainable building material and review the carbon-capturing and structural properties that underly bamboo’s growing research interest. However, this has yet to translate into any material degree of adoption in mainstream construction. Given the near absence of subsidies, regulatory mandates, and “green premiums”, timber bamboo must become fully cost-competitive with existing materials to achieve adoption and provide its carbon-mitigation promise. In addition to academic sources, the review draws on the professional expertise of the authors, who have extensive experience in the bamboo industry. Using this expertise, the main problems preventing timber bamboo’s cost competitiveness are analyzed with possible solutions proposed. The combination of rigorous research and industry insights ensures practical applicability. Finally, the beneficial climate prospects of adopting timber bamboo buildings in substitution for 25% of new cement buildings is projected at over 10 billion tons of reduced carbon emissions from 2035 to 2050 and nearly 45 billion tons of reduced carbon emissions from 2035 to 2100.

Suggested Citation

  • Kate Chilton & Marzieh Kadivar & Hal Hinkle, 2025. "From Problems to Possibilities: Overcoming Commercialization Challenges to Scale Timber Bamboo in Buildings," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-26, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:4:p:1575-:d:1591099
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Sumeera Madhushan & Samith Buddika & Sahan Bandara & Satheeskumar Navaratnam & Nandana Abeysuriya, 2023. "Uses of Bamboo for Sustainable Construction—A Structural and Durability Perspective—A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-22, July.
    2. Christine A. T. Panti & Christy S. Cañete & Althea R. Navarra & Kerby D. Rubinas & Lessandro E. O. Garciano & Luis F. López, 2024. "Establishing the Characteristic Compressive Strength Parallel to Fiber of Four Local Philippine Bamboo Species," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-21, May.
    3. Kate Chilton & Jay Arehart & Hal Hinkle, 2025. "Evaluating Fast-Growing Fibers for Building Decarbonization with Dynamic LCA," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-18, January.
    4. Timo Bundi & Luis Felipe Lopez & Guillaume Habert & Edwin Zea Escamilla, 2024. "Bridging Housing and Climate Needs: Bamboo Construction in the Philippines," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-25, January.
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