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American Journal of  Environmental
Economics (AJEE) 

Market Feasibility and Strategies for the Environment-Friendly Bricks in Bangladesh: A 
Learning from the Southern Part of  Bangladesh

Md. Abu Shahen1*

Volume 3 Issue 1, Year 2024
ISSN: 2833-7905 (Online)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54536/ajee.v3i1.2763
https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajee

Article Information ABSTRACT

Received: June 01, 2024

Accepted: June 30, 2024

Published: July 03, 2024

This paper tried to assess the market feasibility and potential strategies for environmentally 
friendly bricks in southern Bangladesh. To assess the feasibility, the researcher used 
a mixed-methods approach. A total of  120 respondents were interviewed, including 
customers, entrepreneurs, wholesalers, masons, and laborers. The paper found that 85% 
of  respondents were familiar with eco-friendly products, with 85% prioritizing them when 
buying. They prioritize product quality and price, with bricks being the most expensive. Most 
respondents believed eco-friendly construction materials were sustainable, cost-effective, and 
environmentally friendly. However, sales of  burnt bricks decreased compared to the previous 
year, with 30% selling 40000 pieces of  bricks last year. This paper also found a growing interest 
in using environmentally friendly building materials, with hollow blocks being more popular. 
Most enterprises invested on average 225,000 BDT, with an average monthly income of  
17,800 BDT. Most respondents had eight male workers, with 80% not having female workers. 
Moreover, the study found some market management problems, including lower prices, low 
capital, and lack of  digital marketing issues.

Keywords

Brick, Eco-Friendly, 
Sustainable, Marketing

1 University of  Rajshahi, Bangladesh
* Corresponding author’s e-mail: shahen.sw@gmail.com

INTRODUCTION
The major problem that the world is facing today is 
environmental pollution. In the construction industry, 
mainly, producing ordinary Portland cement will cause 
the emission of  pollutants, which results in environmental 
pollution. The emission of  carbon dioxide during the 
production of  ordinary Portland cement is tremendous 
because the production of  one ton of  Portland cement 
emits approximately one ton of  CO2 into the atmosphere. 
One of  the biggest threats to the world is climate change, 
which is the result of  greenhouse gas emissions into 
the atmosphere, primarily CO2. The world’s condition 
is rapidly deteriorating, and if  people don’t start taking 
eco-friendly actions, it will grow much worse. Buildings 
and other structures use up to 40% of  all energy. The 
number could only be decreased by making the buildings 
eco-structures or by utilizing a greening concept. Eco-
structuring, which benefits people, the community, the 
environment, and the builder, increases sustainability. 
A structure must be tailored to the local conditions, 
environment, culture, and community in order to 
consume fewer resources. Eco-friendly building materials 
help to enhance the environment by using 35% less 
energy, 35% less CO2 emissions, 70% less waste output, 
and 40% less water. Because eco-structuring protects the 
environment, people, and economic development, it is 
the area of  architecture that concerns architects today the 
most.
As the world’s population continues to grow, so does 
the need for housing. According to ESCAP/RIPEM/
CIB, 25% of  the world’s population has no fixed abode, 
while 50% of  the urban population lives in slums. A 
quote from the UN Commission on Human Settlements 

further buttresses this point: In the last few decades, 
shelter conditions have been worsening and housing 
demand has risen; therefore, the urgency to provide an 
immediate practical solution has become more acute. 
Given this perceived problem, many developing countries 
are formulating and implementing national shelter 
strategies based on the Global Strategy for Shelter. The 
central premise of  the Global Strategy is the adoption 
of  an enabling approach whereby the full potential 
and resources of  the actors in the shelter production 
and improvement process are mobilized, but the final 
decision on how to house themselves is left to the 
people concerned. The strategy acknowledges building 
materials as one of  the principal physical resources in the 
production and improvement of  shelter. It also identifies 
several priority action areas to support local production 
and use of  indigenous building materials; these include the 
promotion of  technological innovations, the introduction 
of  appropriate technologies, and local capacity building in 
small-scale enterprises. To this end, earth has been used 
as a cheap building material for thousands of  years in all 
parts of  the world. Its relatively new product is sand Crete 
blocks, but the high cost of  sharp river sand and cement 
has made its use prohibitive. Bricks have not helped to 
provide a suitable alternative, as the increasing processing 
cost and the attendant high laying cost as compared to 
blocks have made brick a less viable alternative material.
Recently, cement-stabilized laterite hollow blocks molded 
at a compactifying pressure of  13.76 N/mm2 with 7% 
cement content have been found to have suitable strength 
and durability and are 40% cheaper than equivalent-
quality sand-crate hollow blocks. There is therefore a 
need to explore further into this area of  stabilization of  



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local laterite since laterite possesses sufficient cohesion 
and, when improved by the addition of  a suitable binder 
agent and given adequate compaction, gives rise to blocks 
cheaper than sand Crete blocks. Moreover, the purpose 
of  this paper is to explore the nature of  promoting eco-
friendly building materials and educate people about 
them. Another purpose of  this paper is to discuss how to 
increase product sales by promoting or marketing the use 
of  environmentally friendly products.

Eco-friendly Construction Materials are Feasible
It is crucial to consider various aspects highlighted in the 
literature to evaluate the market feasibility of  eco-friendly 
construction materials. Studies have demonstrated that the 
construction industry has been exploring the utilization 
of  eco-friendly materials such as recycled aggregates 
from construction and demolition waste (Reis et al., 2021). 
These materials have been successfully applied in projects 
involving concrete, mortar, eco-friendly concrete blocks, 
and geopolymer synthesis, showcasing their versatility and 
potential in sustainable construction practices. However, 
researchers have utilized the theory of  planned behavior 
to predict the construction of  eco-friendly houses, 
highlighting the importance of  adopting eco-friendly 
architecture as a solution to environmental challenges (K 
& Sia, 2022). Government regulations and incentives in 
regions like Europe have bolstered the development of  
green composites and the integration of  new eco-friendly 
materials, indicating a growing trend toward sustainability 
in construction (Vázquez-Neez et al., 2021). Moreover, 
identified challenges in increasing the use of  eco-friendly 
construction materials include the lack of  centralized 
information on these materials, making it challenging 
for stakeholders to access comprehensive data on types, 
prices, standards, and environmental impacts (Wang et al., 
2019). Government policies, rather than market demands, 
have influenced the technology roadmap for eco-friendly 
building materials, highlighting the role of  governmental 
initiatives in driving innovation in this sector (Shim et al., 
2019).
Research has also concentrated on developing decision 
support models for eco-friendly material selection, 
aiming to enhance decision-making processes for 
building owners and designers, particularly in regions like 
Vietnam (Pham et al., 2020). Moreover, Moon et al. (2020) 
have emphasized the significance of  government roles 
in promoting eco-friendly construction technologies and 
products, indicating a collaborative effort to encourage 
sustainable practices in the construction industry. 
Regulatory support, technological advancements, 
consumer attitudes, and government interprecisely 
precisely shape eco-friendly construction materials market 
feasibility. The construction industry can transition 
towards more sustainable practices by leveraging recycled 
aggregates, green composites, and innovative materials 
like geopolymers. Government initiatives, decision 
support models, and consumer behavior studies play 
crucial roles in shaping the market landscape for eco-
friendly construction materials.

Strategies for Eco-friendly Construction Materials 
Recent research findings suggest the implementation of  
various strategies to promote eco-friendly construction 
materials. Researchers have identified using recycled 
aggregates from construction and demolition waste 
as a technically feasible and environmentally friendly 
approach (Reis et al., 2021). Additionally, incorporating 
eco-friendly materials like geopolymers, which repurpose 
waste into construction materials, can significantly 
contribute to sustainable construction practices (Frangieh 
et al., 2022). Furthermore, the use of  plastic waste in 
fiber-reinforced concrete has shown promise in creating 
eco-friendly concrete for construction applications 
(Suksiripattanapong et al., 2022). In terms of  decision-
making processes, studies have highlighted the importance 
of  personal norms and attitudes in driving eco-friendly 
choices (Han, 2014; Sia & Jose, 2019). Researchers have 
applied the Theory of  Planned Behavior to predict the 
construction of  eco-friendly houses, highlighting the 
influence of  personal norms on behavior (K & Sia, 2022). 
Moreover, the development of  decision support models 
for eco-friendly material selection can aid in choosing the 
best construction strategies (Pham et al., 2020). 
Factors such as sustainability, carbon reduction, and waste 
management must be considered to increase the adoption 
of  eco-friendly construction materials. Sustainable road 
pavements using eco-friendly cementitious materials have 
shown promise in reducing carbon emissions during 
construction (Amakye et al., 2022). Additionally, the 
development of  green composites and the integration 
of  new regulations to facilitate the use of  eco-
friendly materials can further promote sustainability in 
construction practices (Vázquez-Núñez et al., 2021). 
Shortly, by leveraging recycled aggregates, eco-friendly 
materials like geopolymer, and sustainable practices in 
material selection, the construction industry can make 
significant strides towards eco-friendly construction. 
Incorporating personal norms, attitudes, and decision 
support models can further enhance the adoption 
of  sustainable construction materials, contributing 
to a greener and more environmentally conscious 
construction sector.

Bangladesh Context 
To evaluate the market feasibility and strategies for 
introducing environmentally friendly bricks in Bangladesh, 
it is crucial to consider various aspects such as consumer 
behavior, market orientation, and policy frameworks. 
Bangladesh boasts a significant brick production industry, 
with over 7,000 brick kilns producing nearly 23 billion 
bricks annually (Peris et al., 2020). Understanding consumer 
behavior towards eco-friendly products, as highlighted 
in studies on environmentally concerned consumer 
behavior in different regions, can guide marketing 
strategies for promoting environmentally friendly bricks 
(Kautish & Dash, 2017). Moreover, the presence of  the 
Green Banking Policy in Bangladesh emphasizes the 
importance of  sustainable financial practices, which can 
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(Iqbal et al., 2021). In terms of  market segmentation and 
consumer perception, studies like “Green Segmentation: 
An Application to the Portuguese Consumer Market” 
shed light on consumer awareness of  environmental 
issues and the translation of  concerns into behavior 
(Paço & Raposo, 2009). Additionally, research on factors 
influencing the buying intention of  organic products in 
Bangladesh emphasizes the significance of  consumer 
trust in influencing purchase decisions (Sumi & Kabir, 
2018). This underscores the importance of  building trust 
and credibility when introducing environmentally friendly 
bricks to the market.
From a product development perspective, exploring 
sustainable building materials like compressed stabilized 
earth blocks (CSEBs) can offer viable alternatives 
for eco-friendly construction practices (Sapna, 2023). 
Furthermore, utilizing industrial waste materials for 
non-fired brick production, as discussed in studies on 
non-fired building blocks using industrial wastes, can 
contribute to a cleaner environment and a sustainable 
society (Islam et al., 2022). Policy initiatives such as 
green banking and local strategies for climate resilience, 
as highlighted in “Green Banking for Environmental 
Management: A Paradigm Shift” and “Local Strategies 
to Build Climate Resilient Communities in Bangladesh,” 
respectively, provide a supportive environment for 
promoting eco-friendly initiatives (Tara et al., 2015; 
Amir, 2021). These policies can complement market 
strategies and consumer preferences, creating a conducive 
ecosystem for the adoption of  environmentally friendly 
bricks in Bangladesh. A comprehensive approach that 
considers consumer behavior, market orientation, policy 
frameworks, and sustainable product development is 
crucial for successfully introducing environmentally 
friendly bricks in Bangladesh. By aligning market strategies 
with environmental goals and leveraging existing policies 
and consumer trends, businesses can capitalize on the 
growing demand for sustainable construction materials in 
the country.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
This article tried to assess the market feasibility and 
potential strategies for environmentally friendly bricks in 
the southern part of  Bangladesh. However, the market 
survey team developed an appropriate methodology 
(most preferably, a mixed-method approach) to meet the 
objectives of  the assignment. The methodology included 
a statistically reliable and acceptable sampling method 
and estimation, an appropriate study method, and so on. 
The methodology and relevant instruments and tools 
were adjusted and finalized in consultation with the 
research team. However, the researchers used innovative 
ideas where needed in the scope of  the assignment. The 
following methodology and research tools were applied, 
but were not limited to, during the study: a) A survey of  the 
targeted respondents; b) Interviews with key stakeholders; 
c) FGD with the customers, entrepreneurs, whole-
sellers, masons, and labor. A total of  120 respondents 

(customers, entrepreneurs, whole sellers, masons, and 
labors) were interviewed with an interview schedule. A 
total of  four key informants were interviewed to fulfil the 
research objectives. Moreover, two FGD sessions with 
the respondents were conducted in the research area. It 
is worth mentioning that to analyses the quantitative data, 
the researcher used SPSS version 22 software.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 
Scenario of  Bricks Production
Burnt bricks are mainly produced throughout the 
country, as they have done in Bagerhat, and most of  the 
time, the producers and the associates do not properly 
maintain the rules and regulations while producing 
and marketing. One of  the key informants, Md. 
Kamarujjaman Sarkar, Deputy Director, DOE, Bagerhat, 
stated, “The Bangladesh government has some rules and 
regulations regarding brick production. But not a single 
brick production company maintains those policies over 
Bangladesh and here as well.” Md. Sarkar also quoted 
some of  the rules and regulations, e.g., no individual can 
cut earth from ponds, canals, marshes, creeks, lakes, rivers, 
wetlands, sandbars, or other areas without permission 
from appropriate authorities; wood cannot be used to fuel 
brick kilns; coal containing excess amounts of  Sulphur, 
ash, mercury, or other such materials cannot be used for 
brick burning fuel; and bricks and brick-making materials 
cannot be transported to and from the brickfield by road 
without the permission of  a local government engineering 
department, Upazila authorities, union authorities, or 
village authorities. However, almost all the key informants 
claimed that “the owners of  brick production factories 
do not maintain the rules and regulations properly, which 
are needed to be maintained.” along with Executive 
Engineer, PWD, Bagerhat, claimed, “Those who produce 
bricks do not give enough importance to the environment 
while producing bricks. They do whatever they need 
to do to conduct their business.” Besides this, there is 
no authority to look into the mismanagement of  this 
sector. According to another key informant Chairman 
of  Bagerhat Sadar, “No government office or offices are 
made responsible for following up on this sight. Actually, 
this sector remains unsupervised by the government.”

Bricks Production and Environmental Pollution 
Brick kilns are recognized as one of  the largest stationary 
sources of  black carbon, which, along with iron and steel 
production, contributes to 20% of  total black carbon 
emissions. “Definitely, the conventional brick production 
system causes harm to the environment. The vast majority 
of  kilns use outdated, energy-intensive technologies that 
are highly polluting. This leads to harmful impacts on 
health, agricultural yields, and global warming,” stated 
Nirmol Kumar Kundu, Upazila Engineer, LGD, Bagerhat 
Sadar. Bricks are made for construction. But the country’s 
brick kilns are churning out the basic ingredients for 
construction in a way that is doing more harm than 
good. Md.Abu Jafar Siddik, Executive Engineer, PWD, 



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Bagerhat, claimed, “The bricks field owners have been 
burning bricks with firewood. As a result, many trees 
like keora, ‘chaila’, sundari, mehgini, bain, etc. are being 
felled indiscriminately. The dishonest brick field owners 
collect the firewood from different forests with the help 
of  their agents, which is destroying the ecosystem.” 
Another informant, Md.Mohitur Rahman, Chairmen, 
Bagerhat Sadar, stated, “As a huge amount of  soil is used 
for brick production and topsoil is being cut, it spoils the 
productivity of  the soil for agricultural use in extreme 
cases.” All the key informants claimed that “brick kilns 
cause serious environmental pollution like air pollution, 
soil pollution, deforestation, etc.”

Opinions about Environmentally Friendly Building 
Materials
Bangladesh now makes environment-friendly materials 
for building multi-stored structures. Eco-friendly 
building materials are built with consideration for the 
natural environment. They are designed and constructed 
to conserve natural resources, produce less waste and 
emissions, and utilize sustainable materials that have 
been ethically sourced. Md. Kamarujjaman Sarkar, 
Deputy Director, DOE, Bagerhat, stated, “To reduce the 
intensity of  harm to the environment by these factories, 
eco-friendly construction materials can be an alternative 
to this.” Eco-friendly, all-natural products ensure safety 
from all dangerous chemicals and allow families to avoid 
risky additives that can cause harm. Using eco-friendly 
products improves quality of  life regarding mortality, 
age, diseases, and illnesses. They ensure the safety of  
families and the planet as well. Md.Abu Jafar Siddik, 
Executive Engineer, PWD, Bagerhat, stated, “Eco-
friendly products promote green living that helps to 
conserve energy and also prevent air, water, and noise 
pollution.” However, more or less all the key informants 
claimed that “eco-friendly construction materials can 
be an alternative to conventional bricks, which will not 
pollute the environment to that extent. They also claimed 
these materials were largely earthquake-resistant, which 
will help reduce environmental pollution as well as cut 
construction costs.”

Possibility of  Creating a market for Eco Bricks
All the key informants opined that there is a huge 
opportunity to create a market for eco-friendly 
construction materials. The government of  Bangladesh 
has announced the use of  100% eco-friendly building 
materials in every government project by 2025. However, 
the informants mentioned some of  the ways to create a 
market for eco-friendly construction materials.

• If  quality can be ensured, a market for eco-bricks 
or hollow blocks, like conventional bricks, will be 
automatically created.

• To create a market, the general public should be 
informed about these materials, made aware of  the 
environment, and convinced of  the importance of  these 
eco-friendly construction materials.

• If  every government project makes it mandatory to 
use eco-friendly construction materials, it will be easy to 
reach the market.

• If  the price of  these items is made comparatively 
reasonable compared to normal bricks, it will help create 
a market, and definitely a vast promotion is required.

• Bangladeshi and multinational companies are needed 
to produce environment-friendly building materials.
More or less all the informants opined that they were 
interested in using eco-friendly construction materials, 
but the quality and price of  the materials were the most 
influential factors in their use, according to them. All 
of  them made similar statements. “If  these eco-friendly 
construction materials are quality products, then we will 
prioritize them. As the government has already made a 
policy to use 30% EFCM in government projects, we 
definitely have to use it.” Moreover, the research team 
is talking with the customers who already use hollow 
or solid blocks. Talking to them, the research team also 
got to know that customer satisfaction is good; they also 
said that people don’t want to buy because it is a new 
product and there is no competitive market. Along with 
this, the research team also interviewed brunt brick labor 
and EFCM manufacturing labor. The main benefits of  
manufacturing hollow blocks are labor safety and better 
mental health. The brunt of  brick labor is facing many 
health problems. They said then they worked in the 
brunt brick, and black smoke entered their noses and 
mouths. Also, many problems arise in their bodies due to 
the heat of  the brick kiln. Meanwhile, the laborers who 
manufacture EFCM products do not face this kind of  
problem. They are making the bricks in the machine.

Cost analysis between Two Types of  Bricks 
For Hollow Block (1 Month)

Cost Indicators Total (Bangladeshi 
Currency)

Labor Cost (1 month) 15000
Electricity (1 month) 1000
Rent (1 month) 2000
Guard (1 month) 3000
Raw materials (total 1-month production raw materials)
Fine Sand (246 bale) 7380
Coarse sand (246 bale) 7380
Dust (246 bale) 6150
Nuri stone (246 bale) 12300
Cement (246 bale) 131760
Total Cost 185970

With this material, the total Hollow block production is 
5400 pcs
Cost of  production 1 piece = 185970 /5400
=35 taka per piece production.
Selling price of  1 piece = 50 taka 



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Total selling price = 5400*50
=270,000
Benefits =270,000 – 185970
=84030
Per piece benefits =15.56 taka
For Solid block (1 Month) 
Total Solid block production is 22140 pcs with the same 
materials. 
Cost of  production 1 piece = 185970 /22140

= 9 taka per piece production.
Selling price of  1 piece = 12 taka 
Total selling price = 22140*12
=265,680
Benefits =265,680 – 185970
=79,710 taka
Per piece benefits =3.60 taka 
Benefit difference is 15.56-3.60 =11.96 taka 
We all want the structures we construct to be long-lasting. 

Table 1: Comparison Between Burn Brick and Eco-block 
Indicator Brunt Brick Eco-Bricks
Strength Brunt bricks have a less compressive strength 

(1500 PSI).
Eco-block has a higher compressive strength 
(2400 PSI).

Price Price of  brunt brick is High (15\16). Price of  Eco bricks is less. Hollow block is 
(50) and solid block (12).

Stability Brunt bricks are not stable, workable, and 
long-lasting.

Eco-bricks are more stable, workable, and 
long-lasting.

Waterproof  capacity Eco-Bricks have better waterproofing 
capacities.

Eco-Bricks have better waterproofing 
capacities.

Temperature Less temperature holding capacity. High temperature holding capacity.
Environment Brunt bricks is harmful for environment. Eco-Bricks is environment friendly.

Source: HBRI report 2022

Individuals always desire to make material selections that 
are both extremely strong and most suited to their budget. 
Concrete and traditional red bricks are two materials 
that can be used as building blocks because of  their 
strength and durability. Red bricks and concrete blocks 
differ greatly from one another since they are made of  
totally different materials. Based on the characteristics of  
building block materials, the next section will describe the 
main distinctions between concrete blocks and red bricks.

Strength in Tension and Compression
An essential physical quality of  materials used as building 
blocks is compressive strength. Compared to red bricks, 
concrete blocks have a higher compressive strength. 
This is so that concrete blocks can withstand greater 
compressive pressure during manufacturing.

Construction Cost
The cost of  construction is at the top of  the priority list 
of  all property owners. People want to build the most 
durable structure at the lowest price possible. To build a 
house with hollow block construction, the cost is reduced 
a lot. The size of  hollow block is 400mm*200mm*115m, 
and brunt brick is 9.9 inches * 4.4 inches * 2.75 inches. So, 
the construction cost is automatically lower because one 
hollow block is equal to five bricks.

Stability
Red bricks are substantially heavier than concrete blocks. 
Hollow concrete blocks are more stable, workable, and 
long-lasting when compared to solid concrete blocks 

because of  their lesser weight. Moreover, hollow concrete 
blocks allow for layouts that are more earthquake-resistant 
than red bricks. In earthquake-prone areas, concrete 
blocks with higher compressive and tensile strengths are 
more stable.

Waterproof  Capacities
Another critical difference between concrete blocks and 
red brick is their waterproofing capabilities. Builders 
prefer using concrete blocks in high-moisture and muddy 
locations because concrete blocks can repel water much 
better than traditional red bricks. If  red bricks are exposed 
to damp weather, they can get damaged easily, and mold 
can form, compromising their quality.

Temperature Insulation
Between red bricks and concrete blocks, thermal 
conductivity is a clear distinction. In hollow blocks, there 
is some whole so that in hot temperatures, the block does 
not heat up, so the room stays cool.

Environmental Impact
Concrete blocks are manufactured using fly ash instead 
of  stone aggregates. Fly ash is a by-product of  thermal 
plants. Instead of  dumping fly ash into the earth, which 
can make the soil toxic, researchers have figured out how 
to use fly ash to make concrete blocks. It reduces costs 
and strengthens the concrete blocks internally. With 
the advancement of  technology, concrete blocks are 
now being produced with incredibly accurate machines 
that spit out identical-dimensional concrete blocks. So, 



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concrete blocks will always be cheaper than traditional 
red bricks. Red bricks are considered harmful to the 
environment as they have a higher carbon footprint than 
concrete blocks. The manufacturing process involves the 
excavation of  topsoil on Earth that can deplete minerals 
from nature. Furthermore, it creates a harmful impact on 
the environment while being manufactured at plants.

Market Demand for Hollow Block and Solid Blocks
From the market research and field observation data, we 
found that most people have knowledge about hollow 
blocks (48.6%) and solid blocks (20.5%). The research 
team found that 97.5 percent didn’t use eco-friendly 
construction materials before, while only 2.5% do. 
Talking with the small and big entrepreneurs research 
team, we heard that when they start doing this business, 
their sales are not so high. They are trying very hard to 
sell their eco-bricks, but people are not showing any kind 
of  interest, but now a day’s people are more aware than 
before. People come to visit their industry, and they show 
interest in buying eco-bricks in the future. Some of  the 
people have already started buying hollow or solid blocks 
for building their washrooms or cow shelters. They said 
that it is difficult to change people’s attitude towards burnt 
bricks, but slowly people understand, and market demand 
is increasing. Taking it from the entrepreneurs, we know 
that people are showing interest in buying hollow and solid 
blocks, and they gave us some reasons for the increase in 
market demand for hollow and solid blocks. The size of  
the hollow block is very large. Five bricks of  brunt bricks 
equal one hollow block. The size of  the hollow block is 
400mm *200mm * 115mm, and the solid block is 240mm 
* 115mm * 76mm. So, the bricks are bigger than brunt 
bricks. So, building a house with hollow or solid blocks 
is much cheaper than using bricks. The price of  brunt 
brick is 15 or 16 taka per piece, but the price of  solid and 
hollow blocks is between 50 and 12 takas. So, people who 
want to make a house at a cheap rate first consider hollow 
blocks and think about buying hollow blocks. Another 
major idea is to build demand for the block based on their 
load capacity. The load capacity of  hollow blocks is 2400, 
and that of  solid blocks is 1100. Another major substance 
for building demand for hollow block and solid block is 
time-consuming. If  a man can build a house with bricks 
within 3 months, then he can build a house with hollow 
or solid blocks in 2 months. For saving time and money, 
people prefer hollow blocks to solid blocks, and that’s 
why market demand has increased. The study discovered 
that the majority of  the respondents, 97.5%, opined that 
they will use environmentally friendly building materials, 
while only 2.5% of  respondents stated negatively that 
they believe these eco-friendly building materials are not 
sustainable. According to the findings of  the study, 99.2% 
of  the respondents would recommend their family and 
friends use these eco-friendly construction materials, 
while only 0.8% of  the respondents stated negatively. So, 
it can be said that the demand in the market is increasing 

rapidly, and people are now starting to show interest in 
buying hollow block and solid block.

Marketing Strategy of  Eco-friendly Construction 
Materials
For improving sales and markets, a value marketing strategy 
is very important for any product. It makes the customers 
aware of  your products or services, engages them, and 
helps them make a buying decision. Marketing can help 
businesses increase brand awareness, engagement, and 
sales with promotional campaigns. No matter what area 
a business focuses on, they can take advantage of  all the 
benefits marketing can offer and expand their reach. 
Marketing is a valuable tool for growing businesses, but 
to stay competitive and maximize return on investment 
(ROI), it’s important to approach marketing as a process 
and to use all the benefits it can provide.

Poster and Banner Distribution among People
After collecting the information, NGOs already know 
about people’s knowledge about EFCM products. In 
which areas people are not getting enough knowledge, 
NGOs need to promote themselves the most. After 
conducting the market survey, NGOs already know what 
the actual condition of  the market is and how much 
people know about this product. Now in those areas, 
NGOs need to emphasize promotional activities, and 
NGOs will distribute leaflets, posters, and banners in 
those places.

Communication with Developer Company and  
Contractor 
Those who work with constructors must communicate 
regularly to convince them to tell their clients about eco-
friendly concrete materials. Clients should not use normal 
bricks. Some gift or percentage on sale can be arranged 
for them so that they can increase the sales and use of  
these products and create a positive view about EFCM 
products.

Linkage with External Stakeholders
NGOs have already started communicating with external 
stakeholders. NGOs have already communicated with 
PWD engineers and upazila engineers of  LGD, and 
they assured us that if  the quality of  the blocks is good, 
they will use the EFCM products and hollow blocks in 
government projects. NGOs will interact with them more 
according to our marketing plan.

Product Certification and Standardization
Whereas the stakeholders said they are willingly interested 
in using the EFCM product for the government project, 
NGOs need to communicate with the stakeholders and 
convince them to maintain the quality of  the product. 
So that they can sell the EFCM products in government-
related projects.



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Facebook Promotion and YouTube Promotion: NGOs 
have already started posting Facebook and YouTube 
content video clips and uploading them to the channels. 
NGOs are making videos of  entrepreneurs and their 
products and uploading them to the channels. NGOs are 
uploading new videos and content at regular intervals so 
that people’s interest builds and sales may increase.

Branding
NGOs have already created many slogans for branding 
and used those slogans in the posters. We are now trying 
to build a unique logo for the EFCM product. It will help 
to understand why this product is unique from other 
products and make people interested in buying these 
products.

Workshops
NGOs are trying to organize a workshop or event very 
soon where all kinds of  stakeholders and all types of  
people, including owners of  small and big entrepreneurs, 
will be present. By doing this, people will see the product 
and know about its use and benefits, which will help our 
marketing strategies.

Use of  Environment-friendly Blocks in the Future 
The study discovered that the majority of  the respondents, 
97.5%, opined that they will use environmentally friendly 
building materials, while only 2.5% of  respondents stated 
negatively that they believe these eco-friendly building 
materials are not sustainable.

Figure 1: Use EFCM in future

Recommend this Product to Friends or Family 
According to the study’s findings, 99.2% of  the 
respondents would recommend that their family and 
friends use these eco-friendly construction materials, 
while only 0.8% of  the respondents stated negatively. 
Hence, almost all customers would suggest to their family 
and friends that they use eco-friendly building materials.

Figure 2: Recommend this product to friends or family 

Figure 3: EFCM Scaling



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Am. J. Environ Econ. 3(1) 50-58, 2024

The graph 3 provides some indicators regarding eco-
friendly construction materials, including sustainability, 
cost-effectiveness, modern design, and environmental 
friendliness. However, the study revealed that half  of  the 
respondents firmly believe that eco-friendly construction 
materials are environmentally friendly, while 40% scaled 
it 9 out of  10. The majority of  the respondents believe 

that EFCMs are sustainable on a different scale, while 
16.7% firmly believe that EFCMs are sustainable. The 
study also revealed that in the case of  modern design, 
more than half  of  the respondents’ EFCM was 9 out 
of  10, suggesting that 56.7% of  the respondents find it 
to be modern design. However, a large number of  the 
respondents believe EFCM is cost-effective.

Figure 4: Steps are needed to create awareness about EFCM 

The graph 4 provides some suggestions for promoting 
eco-friendly construction materials among customers. 
However, the study revealed that the majority of  the 
respondents (16%) suggested raising public awareness 
through an awareness-raising campaign, and a similar 
portion (16%) opined promoting through posters and 
signboards, while a similar number of  the respondents 
(11.2%) suggested making and leaflet distribution, 
respectively. However, the rest of  the respondents 
suggested ensuring quality, convincing buyers, Masson, 
government intervepromotion promotion cases, etc., for 
creating a better market for eco-friendly construction 
materials.

CONCLUSION
Bangladesh faces significant difficulties in controlling 
urbanization, growth, and development. It is essential 
to construct new environmentally friendly projects and 
restore current environmentally friendly structures, which 
will also lower prices in order to battle climate change, 
lower energy costs, and lessen our reliance on fossil 
fuels. We must abide by the eco-structure for our well-
being in light of  an increasing population. Public-private 
partnerships can be used to achieve the objectives of  
eco-structure construction. If  we accept the future and 

the changes it will bring, we can strike a balance between 
our lives and the environment, ourselves, and our way 
of  living. Although Bangladesh will demographically 
become an urbanized nation in less than four decades, the 
shape of  urbanization in the future is still unclear. One 
tends to feel anxious when one considers political and 
cultural linkages, the threat of  climate change, and the 
crisis of  governance at the national and urban local levels. 
We hope that within a few decades, despite the serious 
urbanization issue we are currently confronting, we will 
raise our children in an eco-friendly metropolis.

Acknowledgment
The author is very grateful to all the respondents and 
associates who were very helpful in the data collection 
and preparing the manuscript for publication.

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