In a world that’s increasingly waking up to environmental concerns, Southeast Asia is making waves with a refreshing approach to green building. You see, eco-bricks are taking the construction world by storm in this region. They are not just about using recycled plastic waste to build eco-friendly structures; they’re a statement that screams, “We care about our environment, and we’re here to make a difference.”

Eco-bricks are a simple yet brilliant idea. They’re created by stuffing used plastic bottles with dry non-biodegradable waste like plastic bags, wrappers, and straws. These eco-bricks then become the building blocks for a sustainable future, serving as walls, benches, and playground fixtures. But why are eco-bricks all the rage?

First and foremost, eco-bricks are as tough as nails. They are durable, resilient, and excellent at insulation. Plus, they tackle a major issue head-on – the plastic waste problem. By diverting plastic from landfills and oceans, eco-bricks are a win-win for both the environment and our wallets.

Take the example of AC Energy Corporation (ACEN), a renewable energy company leading the charge in the Philippines. In 2020, ACEN boldly pioneered the use of eco-bricks in its Alaminos Solar Farm and Palauig Solar Farm projects. Partnering with Green Antz, a social enterprise that transforms plastic waste collected by local communities into eco-bricks, ACEN built fences, guardhouses, and various facilities for the solar farms. The result? Over 20 tons of plastic waste diverted from landfills, and more than a 10% reduction in construction costs. That’s a win for business and the planet.

The eco-brick revolution is not confined to the Philippines. According to a study by HKTDC Research, green building is gaining momentum in other Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. These nations are adopting green building standards and incentives to encourage eco-friendly practices among developers and consumers. The study also highlights the potential for Hong Kong companies to contribute to the green building movement by providing energy-saving technologies and expert architectural services.

While it’s challenging to pinpoint the exact market size for green building in Southeast Asia due to varying definitions and criteria across countries, there are some promising indicators. For instance, the number of green-certified buildings has skyrocketed over the years. Indonesia’s Green Building Council certified 267 buildings in 2019, up from just 44 in 2014. Malaysia saw its Green Building Index registrations jump from 152 in 2010 to a whopping 1,024 in 2019. Thailand and Vietnam followed suit, with the Thai Green Building Institute certifying 216 buildings in 2019, up from 18 in 2012, and the Vietnam Green Building Council certifying 104 buildings in 2019, up from a mere 13 in 2013.

Eco-bricks for green buildings are no longer just a niche market; they’re a mainstream trend that’s making a real impact on our environment and our economy. By embracing eco-bricks, Southeast Asian countries can reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, cut carbon emissions, improve waste management, create jobs, and elevate their overall quality of life. It’s a future we can all get behind.