Bangladesh : Supporting Brick Sector Development Program

Sovereign Project | 45273-002

An ADB sovereign loan in the amount of $50 million complements this government initiative by providing targeted finance (through a credit facility) to build up initial energy efficient brick kiln replacement capacity and help facilitate the phase-out of FCKs. The proposed TA will complement the ADB credit facility by supporting a comprehensive brick sector development program. It will help promote market awareness and generate demand for funds (to construct energy efficient kilns), provide business and brick kiln operational support, minimize negative social impacts from phasing out FCKs, create a long-term brick sector development roadmap, formulate sustainable sector policy and regulation, and advance new building techniques.

Project Details

  • Project Officer
    Al Hasan, Mohammad Rashed
    South Asia Department
    Request for information
  • Country/Economy
    Bangladesh
  • Modality
  • Sector
    • Finance
Project Name Supporting Brick Sector Development Program
Project Number 45273-002
Country / Economy Bangladesh
Project Status Closed
Project Type / Modality of Assistance Technical Assistance
Source of Funding / Amount
TA 8197-BAN: Supporting Brick Sector Development Program
Clean Energy Fund under the Clean Energy Financing Partnership Facility US$ 750,000.00
Strategic Agendas Environmentally sustainable growth
Inclusive economic growth
Drivers of Change Governance and capacity development
Partnerships
Private sector development
Sector / Subsector

Energy / Energy efficiency and conservation

Finance / Small and medium enterprise finance and leasing

Industry and trade / Small and medium enterprise development

Gender
Description An ADB sovereign loan in the amount of $50 million complements this government initiative by providing targeted finance (through a credit facility) to build up initial energy efficient brick kiln replacement capacity and help facilitate the phase-out of FCKs. The proposed TA will complement the ADB credit facility by supporting a comprehensive brick sector development program. It will help promote market awareness and generate demand for funds (to construct energy efficient kilns), provide business and brick kiln operational support, minimize negative social impacts from phasing out FCKs, create a long-term brick sector development roadmap, formulate sustainable sector policy and regulation, and advance new building techniques. It will also coordinate with ongoing and planned similar assistance programs from relevant development partners and assess the possibility to establish a Bangladesh national brick technical and information center (center) as a one-stop-shop to meet all the brick sector's development needs. The TA will therefore be critical towards effective and timely implementation of the ADB credit facility (project loan).
Project Rationale and Linkage to Country/Regional Strategy

Promoting energy efficiency and environmental sustainability is a key part of Bangladesh's sixth five year plan (2011-2015). However, the prevalence of the primitive brickfields throughout Bangladesh has contributed negatively to the country's greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and fine particulate pollution. The causes are multifaceted. There is a lack of a comprehensive sector policy and development plan. As a result, the brick sector is poorly regulated and ill-informed of the latest technologies. Instead of a small number of highly efficient modern brickfields, a large number of unqualified small businesses operate on the back of outmoded technologies, severe industrial pollution, and poor labor standards. Without intervention, the existing brick sector will continue to burn at least 6.0 million tons of coal and emit at least 9.8 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) a year, and increase land-use change emissions.

There are six basic types of brick kiln in Bangladesh: (i) bull's trench kiln, (ii) fixed chimney kiln (FCK), (iii) zigzag kiln, (iv) vertical shaft brick kiln (VSBK), (v) Hoffman kiln, and (vi) tunnel kiln. From (i) to (vi), bull's trench kiln is the least energy-efficient and most polluting, and tunnel kiln is the most energy-efficient and the least polluting. There are also modified (or improved) zigzag kiln and hybrid Hoffman kiln (HHK), which are based on traditional designs but are more energy-efficient than their prototypes. FCKs can be upgraded to improved zigzag kilns because of the similar mechanical designs. Currently, 92% of the 4,880 brickfields in Bangladesh are using the highly polluting FCK design. Improved zigzag kilns, VSBKs, HHKs, and tunnel kilns are rare because of the general lack of awareness of these technologies and the inadequate market funding support.

To improve the environmental condition associated with the brick sector, Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF) issued a directive on 15 July 2010, requiring that (i) no annual FCK licenses be renewed after September 2012; (ii) environmental clearance favor more energy-efficient improved zigzag kilns, VSBKs and HHKs; and (iii) all FCKs cease to exist from September 2013. However, there is a lack of corresponding financing scheme and complementary sector development program to support this initiative.

Impact

Improved environmental conditions in Bangladesh

Project Outcome
Description of Outcome

Expedited brick sector modernization

Progress Toward Outcome Government ban for operating and establishing new FCKs. 40% FCKs have converted to improved zig zag kilns. The Bangladesh Bank has signed participation agreements with 53 financial institutions (35 banking institutions and 18 non-banking institutions). To date, ADB disbursed $33 million as imprest advance, of which $22.75 million has been liquidated so far for 11 subprojects. Total 16 sub-projects approved for $39.59 million under ADB financing and 3 sub-projects are in pipeline for $11 million.
Implementation Progress
Description of Project Outputs

Government delivers a long-term brick sector policy, strategy, and action plan for adoption

Market awareness for energy-efficient brick kilns and provision of business support to subborrowers improved

Effective ADB loan implementation

Research and development in advanced building materials promoted

Status of Implementation Progress (Outputs, Activities, and Issues)

1a. Proposed brick sector policy, strategy, and action plan adopted by relevant bodies by December 2014

Draft brick sector policy prepared.

1b. A signed memorandum of understanding for setting up a national brick center signed, with committed funding, by participating donors by December 2014.

MOU has not been signed due to lack of coordination among DOE, ADB, UNDP, and World Bank. Instead ADB and DOE has set up a brick center at DOE. ADB provided some basic equipment to measure GHG emission from brick manufacturing plants.

2a. The Bangladesh Bank has signed participation agreements with 53 financial institutions (35 banking institutions and 18 non-banking institutions). To date, ADB disbursed $33 million as imprest advance, of which $22.75 million has been liquidated so far for 6 subprojects. 8 sub-projects are under construction for ADB financing of $27.9m. 3 subprojects are with BB for approval for ADB financing of $11.0m.

3a. 100% compliance with subloan environmental, social, gender, labor, and other safeguard measures during 2013 -2014

All subprojects financed under the project complied fully with all safeguard measures

3b. DOE s establishment of a technical support desk and publication of brick kiln operation and troubleshooting manuals by December 2014

DOE has established the one-stop-service facility at its new building.

3c. At least 30 sub borrowers benefit from the training on operating new brickfields by December 2014

Trained

3d. No FCK owners came forward for establishing energy-efficient brick manufacturing plant. Therefore no livelihood program was prepared.

4a. Government s adoption of perforated or hollow bricks as construction standards by December 2014

Partly implemented

4b. At least three alternative construction materials developed by DOE by December 2014

DOE does not have the expertise and mandate to develop such materials and therefore, this indicator is to be revised to "Prepare a knowledge product on alternative construction materials".

Draft knowledge product being prepared.

Geographical Location
Summary of Environmental and Social Aspects
Environmental Aspects
Involuntary Resettlement
Indigenous Peoples
Stakeholder Communication, Participation, and Consultation
During Project Design

ADB has conducted extensive stakeholder consultations during the processing of the sovereign loan and designing the proposed TA. A series of meetings have been conducted on the program design and implementation details with proposed EAs and IAs and other relevant institutions, including Bangladesh Bank, DOE, MOEF, Ministry of Finance (Bank & Financial Institutions Division, Finance Division, and Economic Relations Department), and MOIND. ADB will also visit the Ministry of Social Welfare, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and Ministry of Labour and Employment during the TA fact finding to ascertain their support for the brick sector program to minimize the social impact.

ADB has also conducted additional consultation with Bangladesh Brick Manufacturing Owners Association; Britic Wall Material Co., Ltd (Bangladesh); Diamond Auto Bricks Limited/Nestor Consulting; Clean Energy Alternatives; SME Foundation; Women Entrepreneurs Association of Bangladesh (or WEAB); Xi'an Research and Design Institute of Wall and Roof Materials; Eastern Bank Limited and many potential business investors. The purpose is to ascertain local market demand for energy efficient brick kiln technologies; appetite for financing and technical capacity development; need for project implementation support; and need to strengthen environmental and social safeguards, gender, and labor conditions. In addition, ADB has further consulted a number of potential PFIs including Agrani Bank Limited, Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL), Industrial and Infrastructure Development Finance Company Limited (IIDFC), Mutual Trust Bank, and Sonali Bank Limited.

Finally, ADB consulted relevant development partners working in the brick sector in Bangladesh (the World Bank, UNDP, and GIZ), particularly on the donor coordination and the possible establishment of the national brick center.

During Project Implementation ADB has conducted frequent, often monthly, reviews on the project implementation. All relevant government and public entities are well involved. Site visits and consultations required as a part of the social safeguard and environmental compliance requirements. Several workshops were conducted involving the stakeholders in brick sector to raise awareness of the facility and formulate a policy guideline.
Business Opportunities
Consulting Services TA extended up to 30 June 2018. Four international consultants (36 person-months on an intermittent basis) and five national consultants (44 person-months on an intermittent basis) recruited through a firm. The performance of the firm was not satisfactory and the contract was not extended. Instead, four consultants were recruited, primarily to prepare Technical verification reports, social safeguards, and environmental due diligence reports for approving energy-efficient and less carbon dioxide emission brick sub-projects under the associated loans. Recruitment of three consultants under process for the extended period of the TA.
Procurement Procurement of goods will follow ADB's Procurement Guidelines (2010, as amended from time to time), and any equipment purchased under this TA will be handed over to the MOEF at the closure of the TA.
Responsible ADB Officer Al Hasan, Mohammad Rashed
Responsible ADB Department South Asia Department
Responsible ADB Division Bangladesh Resident Mission (BRM)
Executing Agencies
Ministry of Environment and Forest
Timetable
Concept Clearance 11 Jul 2012
Fact Finding 24 Jul 2012 to 26 Jul 2012
MRM -
Approval 22 Oct 2012
Last Review Mission -
Last PDS Update 23 Sep 2018

TA 8197-BAN

Milestones
Approval Signing Date Effectivity Date Closing
Original Revised Actual
22 Oct 2012 31 Mar 2013 31 Mar 2013 31 Dec 2014 30 Jun 2018 03 Oct 2018
Financing Plan/TA Utilization Cumulative Disbursements
ADB Cofinancing Counterpart Total Date Amount
Gov Beneficiaries Project Sponsor Others
0.00 750,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 750,000.00 17 Jun 2022 730,362.11

Project Data Sheets (PDS) contain summary information on the project or program. Because the PDS is a work in progress, some information may not be included in its initial version but will be added as it becomes available. Information about proposed projects is tentative and indicative.

The Access to Information Policy (AIP) recognizes that transparency and accountability are essential to development effectiveness. It establishes the disclosure requirements for documents and information ADB produces or requires to be produced.

The Accountability Mechanism provides a forum where people adversely affected by ADB-assisted projects can voice and seek solutions to their problems and report alleged noncompliance of ADB's operational policies and procedures.

In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of, or reference to, a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

Title Document Type Document Date
Supporting Brick Sector Development Program: Technical Assistance Completion Report TA Completion Reports Apr 2021
Supporting Brick Sector Development Program Technical Assistance Reports Oct 2012
Supporting Brick Sector Development Program Technical Assistance Reports Oct 2012

Safeguard Documents See also: Safeguards
Safeguard documents provided at the time of project/facility approval may also be found in the list of linked documents provided with the Report and Recommendation of the President.

Title Document Type Document Date
Financing Brick Kiln Efficiency Improvement Project: Stone Bricks Ltd. Environmental Monitoring Report Environmental Monitoring Reports Dec 2016
Financing Brick Kiln Efficiency Improvement Project: Rashid Auto Bricks Ltd. Environmental Monitoring Report Environmental Monitoring Reports Dec 2016
Financing Brick Kiln Efficiency Improvement Project: Tradexcel Auto Bricks Ltd. Environmental Monitoring Report Environmental Monitoring Reports Aug 2016
Financing Brick Kiln Efficiency Improvement Project: Panchgaon Auto Bricks Ltd. Environmental Monitoring Report Environmental Monitoring Reports Aug 2016
Financing Brick Kiln Efficiency Improvement Project: Bricks 2010 Ltd. Environmental Monitoring Report Environmental Monitoring Reports Jun 2016
Financing Brick Kiln Efficiency Improvement Project: Environment and Social Due Diligence Report for Panchgaon Auto Bricks Ltd. Safeguards Due Diligence Reports Feb 2015
Financing Brick Kiln Efficiency Improvement Project: Environment and Social Due Diligence Report for Tradexcel Auto Bricks Ltd. Safeguards Due Diligence Reports Feb 2015
Financing Brick Kiln Efficiency Improvement Project: Environment and Social Due Diligence Report for Bondhu Unity Auto Bricks Ltd. Safeguards Due Diligence Reports Dec 2014
Financing Brick Kiln Efficiency Improvement Project: Environment and Social Due Diligence Report for Arabi Auto Bricks Ltd. Safeguards Due Diligence Reports Oct 2014
Financing Brick Kiln Efficiency Improvement Project: Environment and Social Due Diligence Report for Stone Bricks Ltd. Safeguards Due Diligence Reports Oct 2014
Financing Brick Kiln Efficiency Improvement Project: Environment and Social Due Diligence Report for Priyo Automatic Bricks Ltd. Safeguards Due Diligence Reports Aug 2014
Financing Brick Kiln Efficiency Improvement Project: Environment and Social Due Diligence Report for Rashid Auto Bricks Ltd. Safeguards Due Diligence Reports Aug 2014
Financing Brick Kiln Efficiency Improvement Project: Environment and Social Due Diligence Report for Bricks 2010 Ltd. Safeguards Due Diligence Reports Jun 2014

Evaluation Documents See also: Independent Evaluation

None currently available.


Related Publications

None currently available.


The Access to Information Policy (AIP) establishes the disclosure requirements for documents and information ADB produces or requires to be produced in its operations to facilitate stakeholder participation in ADB's decision-making. For more information, refer to the Safeguard Policy Statement, Operations Manual F1, and Operations Manual L3.

Requests for information may also be directed to the InfoUnit.

Tenders

Tender Title Type Status Posting Date Deadline
Social Safeguard Specialist Individual - Consulting Closed
Business Development & Technical Specialist Individual - Consulting Closed
Environment Specialist Individual - Consulting Closed

Contracts Awarded

No contracts awarded for this project were found

Procurement Plan

None currently available.