BackgroundPakistan stands as the third largest brick producer in the world after China and India; producing over 70 billion bricks annually.[1] <https://worldbankgroup-my.sharepoint.com/personal/ylang_worldbank_org/Documents/Pakistan/Sindh/P180008%20SFEHRP/Good%20Bricks/ToR%20-%20Sustainable%20Bricks%20for%20SFEHRP%20Consultancy%20-%20Final%20Draft%20-%20Clean.docx#_ftn1> With approximately 20;000 bricks kilns nationwide;[2] <https://worldbankgroup-my.sharepoint.com/personal/ylang_worldbank_org/Documents/Pakistan/Sindh/P180008%20SFEHRP/Good%20Bricks/ToR%20-%20Sustainable%20Bricks%20for%20SFEHRP%20Consultancy%20-%20Final%20Draft%20-%20Clean.docx#_ftn2> these kilns predominantly rely on local coal; consuming approximately 2.5 million tonnes during FY2023-24. This accounts for 25% of the total locally produced coal;[3] <https://worldbankgroup-my.sharepoint.com/personal/ylang_worldbank_org/Documents/Pakistan/Sindh/P180008%20SFEHRP/Good%20Bricks/ToR%20-%20Sustainable%20Bricks%20for%20SFEHRP%20Consultancy%20-%20Final%20Draft%20-%20Clean.docx#_ftn3> and 7% of Pakistan’s industrial process GHG emissions.[4] <https://worldbankgroup-my.sharepoint.com/personal/ylang_worldbank_org/Documents/Pakistan/Sindh/P180008%20SFEHRP/Good%20Bricks/ToR%20-%20Sustainable%20Bricks%20for%20SFEHRP%20Consultancy%20-%20Final%20Draft%20-%20Clean.docx#_ftn4> In addition to coal; various types of biomasses (rice husk; firewood; and cow dung etc.); plastic; waste oil; worn-out tires and other materials are used for firing the bricks.[5] <https://worldbankgroup-my.sharepoint.com/personal/ylang_worldbank_org/Documents/Pakistan/Sindh/P180008%20SFEHRP/Good%20Bricks/ToR%20-%20Sustainable%20Bricks%20for%20SFEHRP%20Consultancy%20-%20Final%20Draft%20-%20Clean.docx#_ftn5> This results in substantial black carbon emissions that contribute significantly to environmental degradation and health hazards. Despite the environmental impact; the majority of kilns continue to use traditional Fixed Chimney Bull Trench Kilns (FCBTK) and Moving Chimney Bull Trench Kilns (MCBTK); with around 40% of kilns adopting cleaner technologies like Zig-Zag Kilns; which can reduce the coal consumption by 20%.[6] <https://worldbankgroup-my.sharepoint.com/personal/ylang_worldbank_org/Documents/Pakistan/Sindh/P180008%20SFEHRP/Good%20Bricks/ToR%20-%20Sustainable%20Bricks%20for%20SFEHRP%20Consultancy%20-%20Final%20Draft%20-%20Clean.docx#_ftn6> However; the Pakistan Energy Outlook Report 2021-2030 forecasts a 50% increase in coal demand by 2030 in both the cement and brick kiln industries; exacerbating these environmental challenges. The environmental impact of Pakistan’s brick kiln sector is particularly severe; with emissions exacerbating regional air quality issues and affecting climate-sensitive areas such as the Himalayas. With 90% of brick kilns located in Punjab and Sindh; the need to transition to cleaner production methods is underscored by seasonal smog episodes during winter and air pollutants leading to adverse effects on human health. Traditional firing methods in these kilns are not only environmentally detrimental but also inefficient in terms of operational costs and time. For instance; traditional firing methods typically require 30 days for manufacturing; involve on average over 200 workers; and operate only six months a year due to seasonal constraints.The imperative to shift towards sustainable construction materials in Pakistan aligns with World Bank’s Pakistan Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR); and also national efforts to enhance climate resilience and resource efficiency. The World Bank-supported Sindh Flood Emergency Housing Reconstruction Project (SFEHRP; P180008) aims to support reconstruction of 2.0 million houses post 2022 floods in the province to multi-hazard resilient standard. A key element is to support reconstruction of kutcha houses into pucca houses to enhance resilience to future climate disasters. Traditionally; kiln-fired bricks have been a staple in rural Sindh for constructing pukka houses; despite their high carbon footprint. The project aims to explore the potential to shift away from such bricks into affordable; multi-hazard-resilient; and eco-friendly alternatives. To begin with; in partnership with UNIDO and InnoCSR; the project has initiated the pilot of the Good Bricks System—a non-fired brick technology for 20 houses; reducing manufacturing time by 75% to just 7 days; requiring minimal labor (15-20 people); and boasting significantly lower carbon emissions. The need for this assessment on alternative bricks (AB) in Sindh is crucial in evaluating and recommending viable alternatives to traditional kiln-fired bricks (including Good Bricks mentioned above); with aims to mitigate environmental impact; improve resource efficiency; and support the country’s climate resilience efforts. 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