Transformative Approach to Combat Climate Change through Eco-Housing
in Bosnia and Herzegovina", serial No. 22330233
1.3.2024
31.8.2025
PROJECT RELEVANCE AND CONTEXT
Summary
The huge effect of construction industry and households on climate change is addressed by
promoting eco-housing. Practical skills of craftsmen and public awareness on low-emission natural
materials and passive standard are built based on exchange of experience, initiation and
strengthening of partnerships in V4 and West Balkan for sustainable impact to local communities in
Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Main issue and current situation addressed
Construction industry and households have a considerable effect on climate change and pollution.
This problem strongly appears in Bosnia and Herzegovina where air pollution is at critical stage.
According to the recent report published by the World Green Building Council 1 , buildings and
construction sector are currently responsible for 39% of global energy related carbon emissions. The
current conventional construction approach, methods and technologies ignore the significant
environmental impact of high embodied energy of the building materials, have a poor thermal
performance and result in high operational household energy consumption, which contributes to the
greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
Low-emission natural building materials like straw and clay are abundant and locally available almost
everywhere, used in construction they do not generate waste, hence, have a very low ecological
footprint. The passive standard method is known for about thirty years. So, the knowledge and the
materials for building eco-houses are available, they just have to be used more and good practices
transferred to other regions.
In West Europe thousands of houses are built of straw, also apartment buildings or schools. In V4
countries there are hundreds of family eco-houses built by enthusiasts, supported by civic
associations, which educate both the public and the craftsmen. However, expertise and experience
are limited in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and this obstacle will be directly addressed through this
project.
Solution
Professionals in construction and the whole society should be informed and understand the
importance of pattern changes in building industry and change of our living habits to overcome the
irrationality of the current conventional construction. This will be achieved by practical
demonstration and improving skills, based on exchange of experience.
The practical demonstration will involve the design of a tiny house and practical trainings workshops
on methods and technologies during its construction for the partner from Bosnia and Hercegovina,
under the leadership of the experts from V4 countries. By an online campaign the broader public will
be reached and local communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina will be equipped to pursue eco-housing
projects.