Bamboo is emerging as a sustainable and versatile material in contemporary architecture. Its rapid growth, sensual design, strength, and renewability make it an ideal choice for eco-conscious design. It can made to scale for large community projects but it can also be used in homes.

Bamboo, often referred to as the “green steel” of the future, is quickly gaining popularity as a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials. With its fast growth cycle, minimal environmental footprint, and impressive strength, bamboo is emerging as a game-changing material for the construction industry. Not only is it an eco-friendly choice, but its versatility allows it to be used in everything from flooring to scaffolding, and even entire buildings.

As we continue to search for ways to reduce our carbon footprint, bamboo presents an invaluable opportunity to build greener, more sustainable homes and structures.

Here are five firms from around the world that are redefining bamboo architecture, each bringing unique approaches that could set new standards in the field.

1. Ibuku – Bali, Indonesia

Founded by Elora Hardy, from Canada, Ibuku is renowned for its eco-friendly bamboo structures that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design. Their work includes the Green Village near Ubud, a community of bamboo homes that harmonize with the natural environment. Ibuku’s designs have been featured in Architectural Digest for their innovative use of bamboo in creating sustainable living spaces.​

Pros: Sustainable, aesthetically unique, and deeply connected to local culture.
Cons: High labor intensity and maintenance requirements.​

2. Penda – Beijing, China & Vienna, Austria

Penda is an architecture and design studio that has explored the potential of bamboo in modular construction. Their project “One with Birds” envisioned a hotel made from bamboo tents and towers, inspired by Native American tepees. The firm has also proposed the idea of a bamboo city, aiming to build a sustainable urban environment using bamboo modules.​

Pros: Innovative, scalable, and environmentally friendly.
Cons: Challenges in large-scale implementation and durability in diverse climates.​

3. Kengo Kuma & Associates – Tokyo, Japan

Renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma has integrated bamboo into urban architecture. His project “Alberni by Kengo Kuma” in Vancouver features a bamboo forest at its base, creating a serene urban oasis. This incorporation of bamboo into a high-rise building exemplifies Kuma’s philosophy of blending nature with architecture.​

Pros: Elegant, culturally resonant, and enhances urban biodiversity.
Cons: Potential challenges in structural integration and long-term maintenance.​

4. Bamboo U – Bali, Indonesia

Like Bill and Athena Steen, who founded the Canelo Project to teach strawbale building in Arizona, Bamboo U is an educational initiative based in Bali that trains architects and builders in bamboo construction techniques. Their workshops and projects, such as the River House at Sayan, demonstrate the potential of bamboo in creating sustainable architecture. Bamboo U’s approach emphasizes hands-on learning and community involvement.​

Pros: Educational, community-focused, and promotes sustainable building practices.
Cons: Limited project scale and potential challenges in widespread adoption.​

5. Chiang Mai Life Architects – Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai Life Architects is a design and construction firm in Thailand specializing in bamboo structures. (Read about our family trip to Chiang Mai here). Their projects range from residential homes to community centers, all emphasizing sustainability and natural aesthetics. The firm utilizes bamboo’s flexibility and strength to create structures that are both functional and environmentally responsible.​

Pros: Locally sourced materials, cost-effective, and adaptable designs.
Cons: Limited recognition outside Southeast Asia and potential scalability issues.​

As Elora Hardy, founder of Ibuku, states, “Bamboo is the material of the future because it speaks to sustainability, affordability, and a new sensual way of thinking about our relationship with nature.”

And it just feels right.

​Doing more research on bamboo? We have you covered:

Why Bamboo is the Eco-Friendly Building Material of the Future

How Bamboo Forests Are Helping to Combat Climate Change

The Sustainable Power of Bamboo: A Solution to Global Problems

The Environmental Impact of Bamboo Plantations: What You Need to Know

Bamboo as a Biodegradable Plastic Alternative: A Game Changer

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When it comes to travel and holidays many people today focus on sustainability. This has become a new norm for travellers who care about the planet and want to make sure that they can reduce their carbon footprint. Various countries today are equally committed to this cause and want to provide travellers with better sustainable options.

Southeast Asia offers a wide range of beautiful landscapes, vibrant cultures, and unparalleled hospitality. However, many countries have risen to the occasion blending eco-conscious practices with luxury and charm. Today you will find a variety of destinations in Southeast Asia that offer eco-resorts and other sustainable practices for eco-conscious travelers. 

With Experience Travel Group you can tour some of the leading destinations in Southeast Asia that follow sustainability practices and offer you the best eco-friendly accommodations. 

Bali, Indonesia

One of the top destinations leading sustainability practices in Southeast Asia is Bali, Indonesia. Hence, if you are an eco-conscious traveller you would want to look out for the best eco-resorts in Bali that can offer you amazing holiday experiences. 

Bali’s natural beauty and spiritual culture ensure that you can make the most of the moments even when you are staying in these eco-friendly accommodations. Various luxury and affordable hotels and resorts in Bali make use of renewable materials and support local artisans to thrive in the local economy. 

Also, travellers can look out for a range of outdoor activities like trekking Mount Agung in Bali which ensures you can focus on environment-friendly activities. Bali is also committed to banning single-use plastics and has introduced concepts like zero-waste restaurants that help keep the environment clean.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

When you are thinking of holidays in Southeast Asia, Thailand is one of the top choices known for its pristine beaches and sumptuous cuisine. However, Thailand’s Chiang Mai has now become a hub for sustainable tourism. 

This small town known for its serene temples and vibrant markets has attracted travellers from around the world for its sustainability practices. There are plenty of things to do in Chiang Mai that would keep you busy and offer the best experiences. 

The city heavily promotes eco-friendly initiatives that also prioritize animal welfare. With a lot of focus on organic cafes, diners and support for local artisans, Chiang Mai is one of the leading cities in Thailand that is making genuine efforts to reduce its environmental footprint. 

Luang Prabang, Laos

Over the years, Laos has become one of the popular destinations in Southeast Asia for those who want to relax and unwind. With its laidback vibe and serene temples, Luang Prabang has become one of the top spots for sustainable tourism in Southeast Asia. 

Nestled between lush mountains and the Mekong River, Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage site attracting travellers from all over the world. However, the city has made further strides by introducing more eco-friendly lodges that make use of renewable and natural materials. 

This blends perfectly with the natural landscape the city has to offer. Visitors can enjoy various walking tours, bicycle tours and even sustainable river cruises that allow them to explore the natural landscape of the city. The city has also been striving to promote local artisans through vibrant night markets.

Singapore

If you are looking for a luxurious urban escape, Singapore is a great choice, especially in the Southeast Asia region. The city-state is known for its cutting-edge architecture that blends itself into the lush green landscape. 

Although Singapore is a bustling metropolis it is also a model for sustainable urban living and has green spaces like Gardens by the Bay and Marina Barrage that are made with the environment in mind. Apart from these, various must-see attractions in Singapore run on solar energy. 

While you are in Singapore you can choose to stay at various eco-certified hotels, you can enjoy dining experiences that prioritize locally sourced ingredients and allow you to enjoy all the luxuries without harming Mother Nature. 

Hoi An, Vietnam

Vietnam has quickly become one of the popular destinations in Southeast Asia. While the charming lantern-lit streets of Hoi An offer a sustainable touch to this place, there are many ways in which Hoi An promotes eco-tourism attracting more tourists from all over the world. 

As more environment-conscious travellers travel to Hoi An, the popularity of this place has been increasing. To promote sustainable tourism, Hoi An is pushing initiatives like organic farming tours, bicycle tours, and walking tours. 

Various hotels and resorts today make use of renewable and natural materials that attract eco-friendly travellers. Also, these resorts promote workshops on traditional crafts that support local livelihoods.

Ubud, Indonesia

Known as Bali’s cultural heart, Ubud is ideal for those who love lush greenery and a quiet environment. Overlooking the rice fields, visitors can stay in bamboo villas and resorts that replicate nature’s designs. 

Visitors can also interact with local artisans at sustainable markets and indulge in organic meals made from locally sourced ingredients. The town is also known for its eco-friendly cafes where travellers can unwind and make the most of their time. With plenty of nature and sustainable practices, Ubud is a holistic destination in Southeast Asia.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

With its rich history and plenty of ancient sites to discover, Cambodia is a hot favourite with history buffs and those who prefer eco-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia. With plenty of eco-friendly lodges in Phnom Penh, travellers can make the most of their holidays in Cambodia. 

The city has also been promoting local workshops and activities that support local communities. Visitors can also enjoy cultural tours that focus on Khmer traditions, dine at restaurants that train underprivileged youth and shop at various markets that support local sustainable products. Travelers can also explore various parts of the city with walking and bicycle tours. 

Koh Samui, Thailand

While Koh Samui is known as a luxury destination in Thailand it also attracts travelers who prefer sustainable tourism. The island has been promoting green initiatives like the use of renewable energy and materials in various resorts and hotels. 

This attracts people from various corners of the globe who prefer eco-friendly tourism. Travelers can participate in various coral restoration projects, and ethical diving practices and enjoy locally-sourced cuisine. 

With a growing demand for sustainable tourism and destinations, Koh Samui has become one of the top choices in Southeast Asia.

Siargao, Philippines

If you are a surfing enthusiast, Siargao in the Philippines is a haven for eco-tourism. The island has been promoting sustainable tourism via various green initiatives like waste reduction and the protection of natural resources. 

The island has also been promoting hotels and resorts that make use of renewable energy and materials. Various projects include mangrove reforestation and farm-to-table meals for travelers making it one of the destinations in Southeast Asia for sustainable tourism.

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The Walmart Foundation has provided the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) a four-year grant that will significantly boost its work in Indonesia. The grant will support a landscape initiative in southern Aceh Province: a key region for forests and biodiversity and for smallholder farming communities.

Aceh is home to the highly biodiverse Leuser Ecosystem, frequently referred to as the “Last Place on Earth.” It is indeed the last place on Earth where orangutans, tigers, elephants, and rhinoceros are found to coexist.

The grant will enable WCS to support the Government of Indonesia in protecting and restoring this valuable forest and peatland landscape and improving the livelihoods of rural communities living at the forest edge.

Aceh Province has 3.5 million hectares of forest, which play a key role for biodiversity and in mitigating climate change but are threatened by the expansion of agricultural and industrial activities. Meanwhile, communities bordering important forest areas often experience poverty and have limited options for sustainable livelihoods.

These challenges play out in southern Aceh where the province’s last remaining intact peatland ecosystem—Rawa Singkil Wildlife Reserve—meets Gunung Leuser National Park, which makes up part of Southeast Asia’s largest intact rainforest. This area is also the only place where Sumatran elephant, orangutan, tiger, and rhino co-exist in the wild.

“Specifically, the grant will enable WCS to strengthen support for the government and a multi-stakeholder collaboration to translate national and provincial plans and conservation targets to the local level, supporting livelihoods and ecosystem integrity at scale,” said Joe Walston, Executive Vice President for WCS Global. “We are grateful for the Walmart Foundation’s commitment to help advance an inclusive multi-stakeholder platform for the landscape, ensuring the most vulnerable are part of developing sound management plans for the region.”

Field-based ‘SMART’ patrols and conservation area management plans will enhance the protection of key areas, including the Rawa Singkil Wildlife Reserve and other management units that serve as crucial habitat and wildlife corridors for endangered species.

Capacity building with 500 smallholder oil palm farmers will improve on-farm productivity and, along with broader community engagement and support for Forest Farmer Groups, will help to foster improved and more sustainable livelihoods, and reduce encroachment pressures facing the forest.

Related: how palm oil is destroying rainforests 

Said Julie Gehrki, VP and Chief Operating Officer, Walmart Foundation: “The rainforests and peatland ecosystems of southern Aceh are critically important for wildlife, people, and palm oil production. These are critical contributors to our global ecosystem and supply chain and we look forward to seeing how this work helps advance a more sustainable and inclusive landscape approach in the region.

“We’ve made a commitment to help protect, restore, or more sustainable manage at least 50 million acres of land by 2030—and the conservation efforts catalyzed by this work can act as an important contributor.”

::Walmart Foundation

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Saudi-listed ACWA Power, the world’s largest private water desalination company, leader in energy transition and first mover into green hydrogen, is set to develop in the largest green hydrogen facility in Indonesia with PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), Indonesia’s state-owned electricity provider and PT Pupuk Indonesia, a state-owned fertiliser and chemical producer.

The announcement was made on the sidelines COP28 underway in Dubai. ACWA Power CEO Marco Arcelli signed the agreement with PLN’s CEO Darmawan Prasodjo and Rahmad Pribadi – CEO of Pupuk Indonesia Holding Company.

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There is no promising way to calculate the health of a country. The best one can do is to rely on metrics such as environmental factors, average life expectancy, and other signifiers to list one country on top of the other. It is the only way to determine the healthiest countries in the world. Other factors such as happiness and satisfaction with one’s life come into play.

It is not only about how developed a country is or what an average person’s annual income is either. Other factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking habits, obesity rates, and many other factors can also contribute to a country’s position in the list of healthiest countries across the world.

Keep reading to find out more about the healthiest countries in the world.

India

If you are looking for a meat-free ideal, you cannot overlook India, the most vegetarian country in the world. According to research, more than 40% of percent of people in India stick to a strictly vegetarian diet. Healthy vegetables are an unhindered part of every Indian kitchen.

Despite the high poverty rates, the country has one of the largest agricultural yields. The obesity rates in the country are on the rise. Yet, it remains to be one of the healthiest and most resilient countries in the world. This country can move above the list with better healthcare in the rural areas.

Switzerland

There is no competition when it comes to the highest life expectancy. Switzerland remains to be the country with the highest life expectancy. With a clean environment, exceptional health policies, and financial bliss, people of every age live a prosperous and healthy life.

In addition to a prosperous and comfortable life, Switzerland is also known to be the country with the lowest mortality rate. Looking at all factors, such as a healthy lifestyle and access to fresh food, it is not hard to see why people in Switzerland live a long, comfortable, and healthy life.

Indonesia

Thanks to tons of research and case studies, the disadvantages of alcohol consumption are not unknown to people anymore. Understanding the potential harm alcohol causes, it is fair to assume that Indonesia, a country with the lowest rate of alcohol consumption, will make it to the list of healthiest countries.

Indonesia is a Muslim-majority country with a strict ban on alcohol consumption. People who consume alcohol in Indonesia are frowned upon. In addition, the excessive taxes on alcohol also help in deterring people from purchasing and consuming alcohol.

Hungary

Vaccinations have made healthcare easier and more accessible for millions of people worldwide. While people have different points of view about vaccinations, Hungary remains the country with the highest vaccination rate, with more than 99.9% of children vaccinated against children. The benefits of reliance on vaccination have contributed to strengthening their overall health.

Experts agree that improving the healthcare system of Hungry can bring it to the top of the list. As the country’s vaccination efforts continue to strengthen, they may gain a lot of benefits from expert healthcare providers and dedicated nurses.

Iceland

Smoking is very detrimental to your health. It is a truth that has been established for decades. Keeping this in consideration, think about a country to advertise about banning tobacco on mass media. Yes, Iceland also has the honor of banning all promotions on tobacco products. This is a very positive forward.

Although Iceland is one of the most high-income countries in the world, entertaining smoking as a habit can be a challenge to your budget. Hence, it is fair to say that smokers must think twice before visiting or moving to Iceland.

With the highest cigarette prices in Europe to keep people away from the deadly habit, many people are unable to afford this life-threatening hobby. In short, Icelanders care about health, happiness and wealth. They also value renewable energy, keeping the skies clean and the carbon emissions low. 

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A tiny house was built using recycled baby diapers and concrete showing this novel recycled material mix can replace up to 40% of the sand used in concrete without reducing its strength, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Kitakyushu in Japan.

The team published a study in Scientific Reports about their findings and say that it could be used to create low-cost housing for low-income countries.

A small, tiny house was built in Indonesia to demonstrate how the material works, using a concrete mix which diverts 1.7 cubic metres of diaper waste from going to landfill. Plastic bottles, tires, essentially Earthships (how to build one here) made from waste –– are all ways to divert garbage from going to landfill. This latest idea integrates a common household nuisance – diapers.

The downside to the new building material is that diapers decrease compressive strength in the building, so columns and beams would require a smaller proportion of the diaper waste than do architectural elements, such as walls.

As for being a practical solution, unfortunately, “there’s no supporting system in the municipal waste management to separate diapers”, notes civil engineer Siswanti Zuraida, who led the project in Indonesia.

Municipalities in countries like Canada have the ability to separate diaper waste from compost and other household waste so trying further pilots in Canada might be worthwhile.  

The Japanese researchers in this study were trying to solve two environmental problems together: disposable diapers used both for babies and an increasing elderly population in countries like Japan are a growing source of non-recyclable waste, and cement production is responsible for almost 7% of global greenhouse-gas emissions, while consuming 50 billion tonnes of sand each year.

The diaper-concrete house in Indonesia demonstrates how this type of waste could be used for building housing in lower and middle-income communities. But better ideas using vernacular building techniques are out there: trailblazers like Bill and Athena Steen in Arizona have shown in an endless number of projects in Mexico that local, vernacular architecture can replace concrete altogether, and provide passive air conditioning and heating. Their solution uses natural strawbale building, adobe and earthen plaster that breathes.

The late and alternative builder Nader Khalili from Iran used superadobe methods (basically sand in bags, skipping concrete altogether), to build homes that nurture the human psyche, with caverns made to be soft and organic (like people), without modern sharp, square edges.

And Egypt’s Hassan Fathy nurtured the vernacular with his development of New Gourna for Egypt’s poor. As we see in Saudi Arabia it wasn’t that long ago when kings lived in mud houses – see the House of Saud’s ancestral mud house. 

But modern architects love concrete; they are addicted to it, despite its toll on the planet. Indonesia, home to creative bamboo architects that gave birth to the Bali Green School, can surely come up with a better idea than more concrete. 

Siswanti Zuraida, a civil engineer at the University of Kitakyushu, began putting the project together while lecturing at the Bandung Science Technology Institute near Jakarta. Populations in Indonesia’s low- and middle-income brackets are growing, along with more babies, more diapers and more demands for low-cost housing.

“It’s all about the resource availability,” says Zuraida. “With the growth of the population, the diaper waste will also grow. It’s challenging, so we thought that this would be a part of our contribution to recycling this waste.”

Single-use diapers are made from wood pulp, cotton and super-absorbent polymers, small amounts of which have been shown to improve the mechanical properties of concrete. With funding from a Jakarta-based waste-management company called Awina, Zuraida set out to determine how much sand could be swapped for shredded nappies to create useful concrete and mortar.

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A small island with a big history

While the name for most people doesn’t ring a bell, history tells us the sultanate of Tidore used to be a force to reckon with. Though only 600 square miles wide – now home to approximately 50,000 people – it was a major regional, political and economic power in the pre-colonial area. Founded in 1409, the sultanate once ruled large parts of eastern Indonesia, including Halmahera, Buru, Ambon and New Guinea. Largely funded by the spice trade, it was locked in a fierce battle for control over it with its neighbor Ternate. Dutch interference during the colonial period significantly weakened the kingdom’s control and the sultanate was abolished after Indonesia’s independence. But in 1999, the sultanate was re-established and the sultan returned to power.

Chance encounter

Nowadays, there is not much left to remind of the grand ambitions of the tiny kingdom, except for some remainders of Dutch and Portuguese fortresses that attest to the historical significance of the island. I first visited Tidore on a day-trip from Ternate – about fifteen minutes by boat – and fell in love with the mellow and friendly atmosphere. Although the sights weren’t particularly special, strolling through the small villages with colorfully painted and well-kept houses was a joy. Near the  market, I was stopped by a local man, who invited me to his family home for a cup of traditional coffee. I ended up spending a wonderful afternoon with mister Ipin, his wife Nadira and their daughter Ira. Nadira made the tastiest coffee – flavored with local spices and nuts – and mister Ipin turned out to be a passionate teacher of Tidore’s culture and history. The family ran a small homestay and I left feeling sorry I couldn’t stay longer, but promising I would be back.

Becoming a part of the family

A few months later my phone went off: I received a text message from mister Ipin, inviting me to the annual Tidore Festival. At the time I was living in Manado, in Sulawesi, located a short flight or overnight boat ride from Ternate. Not really knowing what to expect, but driven by the good memories of my former visit, I made my way back to the Moluccas. I was given a room at the home of pak Ipin’s father- and sister-in-law, who took me in as if I was a family member. This was a real homestay: not the kind that acts as a small guesthouse, but the kind where you actually become part of the family for the duration of your stay. I shared my meals with the family and whenever they had the opportunity they would come and hang out with me, or take me on trips around the island.

Meeting the local community

I was also made part of all the community activities and events the family attended. One night, I joined them to a traditional ritual in honor of a deceased friend. As soon as I entered the house where the event was to take place, I was taken along to the kitchen area, where I joined a group of chattering women. Peeking from behind a curtain with some of the other women, I witnessed an elaborate ritual of men chanting and praying. Afterwards, there was a communal meal with plenty of friendly exchanges and jokes. It was an experience unlike any other: I felt accepted straight away. I was a white western female, visiting an intimate ritual within a traditional Muslim community, but I didn’t feel like an outsider for one second. That night, inspired by the kind hospitality of the local community, I felt convinced that people from around the world can truly connect, no matter how big their differences.

A memorable evening at the sultan’s palace

The Tidore Festival turned out to be an annual celebration of the sultanate’s anniversary, featuring a week-long program celebrating local culture through traditional rituals and events. For the most impressive ritual of them all, my host family and I headed to the sultan’s palace or kraton. As we entered the palace, a circle of men was forming in the main area. Soon, the men started to sing synchronized, rhythmic chants that filled the air. As in trance, one man after the other got up and made his way to the middle of the circle. The men in the center – two at a time – repeatedly stabbed themselves in the chest with large knives. I held my breath, but to my surprise and relief the knives hardly drew any blood. A participant afterwards told me that the small wounds only itched and would be healed the next day. Until today, I have no explanation for it, other than that I had an up-close encounter with something supernatural.

Thousands of candles and crazy bamboo

The peak event of the festival was preceded by an atmospheric evening program. While walking to the event location, we passed streets lined with burning candles. At a square, people gathered around a huge bamboo construction with hundreds of candles, which were being lighted by men with long bamboo poles. By the candlelight, young men engaged in traditional games, such as bambu gila or ‘crazy bamboo’, in which two groups of men try to keep hold of a bamboo stick, while a spirit is supposedly moving it left and right. It was a magical evening, and while mister Ipin drove us home on his motorbike, with little Ira falling asleep on my lap, I felt grateful to be part of this world so different from mine for a little while.

Early morning parades and traditional dances

The next morning, the whole island woke up early for the traditional parade to the sultan’s palace. From every corner of the island, groups of people dressed in traditional attire started before sunrise on a long walk to the kraton. In every village the parade passed, new people joined, so that the line of people grew bigger and bigger. I too joined the swelling numbers and let myself take along the stream of chattering, drumming, and singing people and waving flags. At a crossroads near the palace, parades coming from all four directions met, and the large crowd entered the palace. After flag carriers ritually brought in the flags, an elaborate show featuring local dance and music took place, and the sultan – who was unfortunately sick – even made a quick appearance.

What traveling is all about

I returned to Manado feeling overwhelmed and extremely touched by the hospitality and kindness I had encountered in Tidore. While making my way back to the harbor, I teared up just a little, and realized that encounters like this are the reason I love to travel and will always continue to do so. With the guidance of mister Ipin, one week in Tidore had taught me more about local culture than I would have learned traveling on my own in a year. I got to know a world guided by traditions and rituals, where the supernatural is real, and the mystical and the ordinary mingle. I also got to know people who opened their homes and their hearts to me, and experienced a connection that bridged all the gaps between us. To me, this is exactly what traveling is all about.

Follow my other Slow Travels here on Green Prophet

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Geothermal energy is also being tapped in Middle Eastern countries like Jordan, which recently completed the Middle East’s largest geothermal system. Besides Indonesia, another South Asian country, the Philippines, is expanding its geothermal energy “reserves” and presently creates around 27 percent of its total electricity from these sources.

In a recent CNN Eco Solutions program, Richard B. Tantoco, President and COO of Energy Development Corporation (EDC) , the country’s largest energy development company, said that the decision to exploit the country’s geothermal energy resources came out of necessity due to the increasing cost of oil and other fossil fuels.

“Oil became much more expensive in the 1970’s; and following the Yom Kipper War and Arab oil embargo it increased in price six times. As a result, we had to look for other energy sources and found that we had an ample supply of geothermal energy reserves,” said Tantoco.

The two main EDC geothermal plants in the Philippines are Bacman I and Bacman II. Both plants cover an area of 18,870 hectares (7,636.58 acres) and include the boundary of Legaspi City, Sorsogon City, Bacon District of Sorsogon City and the town of Manito Albay in the Bicol Region, South of Luzon.

Geothermal in Jordan

Total electricity output of the two plants is 130MW. By contrast, the MENA geothermal plant in Jordan, said to be the largest of its kind in the Middle East, is producing around 1.7 MW.

MENA – Geothermal’s Largest System in The Middle East is Complete

Iceland’s Prez Promotes Geothermal at Masdar’s World Future Energy Summit

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A big congratulations to Ormat technologies of Yavne, Israel for signing a $254 million deal for providing geothermal energy in Indonesia! The first phase of the 330-megawatt Sarulla geothermal power station in Sumatra is due to begin operating in 2016.

Sumatra lies in one of the most geologically active parts of the Pacific ring of fire and is known for numerous active volcanoes. The nearby volcano of Krakatoa was responsible for the largest eruption in recorded history and Sumatra’s Toba volcano was responsible for earth’s largest volcanic eruption in the past two million years. 

It was about 5000 times more powerful than Mount Saint Helen’s 1980 eruption. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and the threat of tsunamis are unfortunate facts of life for the people of Indonesia.

Now for the good news, Indonesia has 40 percent of the world’s exploitable geothermal energy potential. It has been estimated that as much as 28 billion watts of geothermal energy potential is available there or the equivalent of 12 billion barrels of oil. It has been a long slow process tapping into this energy.

The government of Indonesia set rules for geothermal energy more than a decade ago and there has been some controversy about plans to tap into geothermal energy here. So currently only 1.2 billion geothermal watts are being exploited in Indonesia.

According to their press release, Ormat will deploy their modular geothermal generating technology in three phases, each consisting of 110 megawatts of generating capacity.

One important consideration for this project is Ormat’s technology which allows nearly 100% of the geothermal fluid to be recycled and which utilizes the extracted brine. This will both increase the efficiency of this geothermal project and reduce the emissions of unwanted volcanic gasses.

Ormat (NYSE: ORA), expects to complete financing and begin construction in one year. The Sarulla geothermal power project is among the world’s largest single-contract geothermal power plants and is an important step towards Indonesia’s planned ten billion watt geothermal expansion.

Photograph of boat and erupting Indonesian volcano by Byelikova Oksana via Shutterstock

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Illegal logging is not only killing the planet – it is supporting organised crime too

Back in 2010 we reported on the case of Moroccan activist Mohammed Attaoui who was facing imprisonment for his stance against illegal logging. Living in the Moroccan Atlas Mountains, Attaoui insisted that ‘mafia-style’ corruption was behind illegal logging which threatened the protected cedar of Morocco. Weeks after publishing his expose Attaoui was arrested on trumped-up charges and given a two year sentence. Now, a new report by the UN states that around 90% of all illegal logging in tropical countries in the Amazon basin, Central Africa and South East Asia may be supporting organised crime.

The UN report challenges the international figures which state that illegal logging is on the decline and insists that the illegal loggers have just got better at hiding their tracks. Common techniques used to hide stock include forging permits, hacking trade databases, hiding illegal timber amongst legal stock and concealing the true origin of the wood. With this in mind, the report estimates that illegal logging makes up 30% of the global timber trade and 50% – 90% of tropical deforestation can attributed to organised crime. This means that the illegal timber trade alone is estimated to net between $30 to $100 billion a year.

“What we’re shocked about is the sheer scale of timber that goes unaccounted for,” report author Christian Nelleman told New Scientist. And as the illegal trade is so lucrative, cartels are simply becoming more and more organised: “As long as the profits in illegal logging remain high and the risks of getting caught are very low, there is little incentive to abandon illegal practices,” adds the report.

UNEP released the report ‘Green Carbon: Black Trade’ in association with international police organization Interpol. In June, Interpol established a pilot programme called Law Enforcement Assistance for Forests (LEAF) which will attempt to coordinate the efforts of police and intelligence agencies to fight illegal timber internationally. The full report focuses on case studies in Indonesia, the Congo and Brazil where corrupted political systems have allowed illegal loggers to escape detention.

: Image of Logging activity at canal river in Indonesia via Shutterstock.com

For on the impacts of illegal logging and deforestation see:

The Lebanese Cedar Survival Past Tipping Point?

Jordanian Bank Buys 1/4 of A Congo Forest

Grandfather of Turkish Environmental Movement Receives Right Livelihood Award

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