Carbon Footprinting of Timberless Vaulted Roofs

Traditionally, the Sahel people of Sub-Saharan Africa have used bush timber for roof construction. However, increased desertification and loss of tree cover in the region has forced impoverished rural families to seek alternatives. Often, they are obliged to scrape together or borrow money to buy sawn timber and imported sheet roofing. This option has many negative side effects for local families, notably debt, amplification of heat and cold inside the homes, and severe noise nuisance during the rainy season. This form of roofing does not support traditional Sahelian flat roof terraces either.

An organisation has adapted an age-old technique of vaulted roof building from the Upper Nile region to Burkina Faso. This technique is relatively easy to implement and, most importantly, is easily integrated into apprenticeship traditions. The program focuses on the training of craftsmen to become independent contractors. Houses built in this way are better insulated from heat, cold, and noise, are healthier, longer-lasting, and can incorporate a flat roof terrace and/or second floor.

To help the association better market itself to sponsors and co-investors, ERM consultants have undertaken a pro-bono carbon footprint of the vaulted roof technique compared to alternatives. The study revealed that this technique has saved approximately 993 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents to date.  We is also seeking to arrange a stakeholder seminar in London in the year ahead.