EWB-SWE strengthens its long-standing partnership with Build Up Nepal

Today, we are pleased to announce that we are deepening our collaboration with our long-standing partner, Build Up Nepal, through a new initiative aimed at scaling the production of affordable, safe and eco-friendly bricks in Nepal. The three-year initiative is made possible by a new partnership between Engineers Without Borders Sweden (EWB-SWE), Build Up Nepal, and the Australian Government, supported by Business Partnerships Platforms (BPP.) 

Nepal is located in one of the most seismically active regions of the world, a matter that is made worse by the fact that over half of all buildings in the country do not meet safe housing standards. Build Up Nepal was founded after the devastating 2015 earthquake in Nepal, which cost over 9,000 lives and is estimated to have wounded more than 15,000 people. 

The organization aims to empower rural entrepreneurs and communities to build safe, affordable homes and resilient incomes. One way they do this is by providing rural entrepreneurs with brick-making machines, training, and support to start and build micro-construction companies.

EWB-SWE began working with the organization back in 2016 and the collaboration between the two organizations has grown over time. For more information about EWB-SWE’s work with Build Up Nepal, check out the project page.

Empowering vulnerable groups through inclusive training in brick-making 

In 2020 Build Up Nepal supported 65 micro, small, and medium enterprises and 20 communities, creating 348 jobs and building 272 houses. Having proven their model, they now need support to refine their approach further and find efficiencies to scale. 

Within the framework of EWB-SWE and Build Up Nepal existing collaboration, the two organizations now launch a new initiative with the Australian Government, supported by BPP. The new initiative aims to scale Build Up Nepal's operations through active collaboration between the partners. 

COVID-19 prompted a reverse migration of Nepali migrant workers from around the world. The flow of remittances has stopped, and unemployment and under-employment is on the rise. Meanwhile, the brick industry in Nepal is booming, creating a unique opportunity to create jobs for low-income families and support a green recovery from COVID-19. In the new initiative, a particular focus will be placed on empowering women, youths, returning migrants, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

Climate-friendly construction

Build Up Nepal’s operating model improves the environmental impact of the construction industry in Nepal. No fuel or burning is required, and less cement usage means 39 percent less CO2 emissions. By strengthening local businesses, this initiative aims to replace five percent of carbon-intensive fired bricks with Build Up Nepal’s bricks by 2024, saving 10,305 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

“This vital partnership is perfectly in line with EWB-SWE’s operational and strategic goals. Over the next few years, we aim to deepen and expand our collaborations with our core partners, of which Build Up Nepal is one. I firmly believe that our organization can have a more positive and lasting impact in the communities where we work when we collaborate with others that complement our strengths and share our values – Build Up Nepal fits perfectly into this description,” says Caroline Bastholm, EWB-SWE Secretary-General.