Transfer of Earth-Based Technologies - Governance … of Earth-Based Technologies The Earth Institute - Auroville, Tamil Nadu TRANSPARENCY AND Governance Knowledge Centre Promoted

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March 2011

Governance Knowledge CentrePromoted by Department of Administrative Reforms and Public GrievancesMinistry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of Indiahttp://indiagovernance.gov.in/

Researched and Documented by

OneWorld Foundation India

Transfer of Earth-Based TechnologiesThe Earth Institute - Auroville, Tamil Nadu

TRANSPARENCY AND

Governance Knowledge CentrePromoted by Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions

Government of India

Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................

BACKGROUND ................................

WORKING DESIGN ................................

METHODOLOGY ................................

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

LESSONS LEARNED ................................

APPENDIX A: INTERVIEW QUESTIONNAIRE

RANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

owledge Centre Promoted by Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances


Researched and documented by


Environmental Sustainability

Transfer of Earth

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QUESTIONNAIRE ................................................................

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Case Study Environmental Sustainability

er of Earth- Based Technologies

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Government of India

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Earth Institute, Aurovill

which was founded through a grant given by the Housing and Urban Development

Corporation Ltd. (HUDCO), Government of India. The non

in 2004 as a world class training and research centre for transfer of earth

The Auroville Earth Institute is part of a world network as a partner of CRATerre (The

International Centre for Earth Construction), ABC Terra

It is also the Asian representative of the UNESCO Chair, ‘Earthen Architect

Cultures and Sustainable Development’. Through this position, the institute aims to effectively

disseminate technical knowledge of earthen architecture to higher education institutions in the

three focus areas: environment and heritage, h

Today, the institute offers training courses in sustainable architecture

making and appropriate design through arches and domes. The aim of the training is to impart

knowledge upon those who have a basic understanding of architecture for the global

promotion of environmentally friendly, cost effective and low maintenance technologies.

To date, the Earth Institute has trained over 6,700 people from 67 countries (about 550 per year).

It has also been given two international and 11 Indian awards for its excellence in building and

architecture.

BACKGROUND From 1989 to 2004, the Auroville Building Centre/Earth Unit conducted research to promote

alternative building techniques. The Aurov

and has since dedicated its work to research and development, and training of sustainable and

cost effective earth-based architecture.

The institute particularly focuses on Compressed Stabilised Earth Blocks (CSEB), a form of

earthen ‘brick’ that came into existence in the 1950s and was somewhat popularised in the

1980s. The block is comprised of cement or lime plaster, depending on the s

example, cement will mix better with sandy soils, while lime is more appropriate for clay soil.

1 Auroville is a township located in the district of Viluppuram, Tamil Nadu, just outside of Puducherry. It was founded in

1968 by Mirra Alfassa, who is referred to by Aurovillians as ‘Mother’. The aim of the township is to promote human unity.

Today, Auroville is comprised of 4000 inhabitants from over 40 countries.







Transfer of Earth

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Earth Institute, Aurovill1 was borne out of the Auroville Building Centre (Earth Unit)


Corporation Ltd. (HUDCO), Government of India. The non-profit organisation began its wor

in 2004 as a world class training and research centre for transfer of earth-based technologies.


International Centre for Earth Construction), ABC Terra- Brazil, and a number of Indian NGOs.

It is also the Asian representative of the UNESCO Chair, ‘Earthen Architect



three focus areas: environment and heritage, human settlements, and economy and production.

Today, the institute offers training courses in sustainable architecture –


ose who have a basic understanding of architecture for the global




From 1989 to 2004, the Auroville Building Centre/Earth Unit conducted research to promote

alternative building techniques. The Auroville Earth Institute evolved out of the building centre


based architecture.



1980s. The block is comprised of cement or lime plaster, depending on the s


Auroville is a township located in the district of Viluppuram, Tamil Nadu, just outside of Puducherry. It was founded in


Today, Auroville is comprised of 4000 inhabitants from over 40 countries.

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was borne out of the Auroville Building Centre (Earth Unit)


profit organisation began its work

based technologies.


Brazil, and a number of Indian NGOs.

It is also the Asian representative of the UNESCO Chair, ‘Earthen Architecture, Constructive



uman settlements, and economy and production.

use of earth for block


ose who have a basic understanding of architecture for the global




From 1989 to 2004, the Auroville Building Centre/Earth Unit conducted research to promote

ille Earth Institute evolved out of the building centre




1980s. The block is comprised of cement or lime plaster, depending on the soil type; for


Auroville is a township located in the district of Viluppuram, Tamil Nadu, just outside of Puducherry. It was founded in


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Government of India

Once the earthen inputs are combined, the mixture is put into a manually operated

compression machine. Today, the AURAM Press 3000 is the machine

there are over 300 presses of this type used throughout India, and over 130 in 22 other

countries.

Auroville, Tamil Nadu

The use of natural inputs combined with manual labour for block compression generates an

approximate cost breakdown of 60:40

appropriate model for high labour supply areas, which many developing countries, especially

India, possess.

There are a number of advantages to using CSEBs, informally known as ‘e

a typical brick, a CSEB does not require bur

machine, acts as a stabiliser through which the block is formed; this is followed by one day of

covering the block, and the following two days of drying it out in the sun. By avoiding a

burning process, CSEB formation is significantly more environmentally friendly, polluting 12.5

times less emissions than conventional bricks. Conventional bricks are said to use 50 tons of

wood for every 100,000 bricks made. The second advantage to CSEBs is the cost. Input

these blocks are 15 to 20 percent cheaper than for the raw materials used in other bricks. E

blocks are contextually appropriate in areas with high numbers of unskilled labour because

they are manually produced through simple methods. This then also

community with new and sustainable livelihoods. CSEBs are also larger than the conventional

brick, therefore can be a quicker way of construction. Lastly, there is evidence to support the

superior thermo-regulatory ability of e

best in temperate climates, e

snowfall, high percentage of humidity or high level of heat.







Transfer of Earth


compression machine. Today, the AURAM Press 3000 is the machine most frequently used;


Auroville, Tamil Nadu – ‘Realisation’


approximate cost breakdown of 60:40 - labour to other building costs. As a result, th


There are a number of advantages to using CSEBs, informally known as ‘e

a typical brick, a CSEB does not require burning of wood, coal or any other materials. The press



CSEB formation is significantly more environmentally friendly, polluting 12.5


wood for every 100,000 bricks made. The second advantage to CSEBs is the cost. Input

these blocks are 15 to 20 percent cheaper than for the raw materials used in other bricks. E


they are manually produced through simple methods. This then also



regulatory ability of e-blocks; they are able to absorb moisture, and although

best in temperate climates, e-blocks also work well in extreme weather i.e. high amount of

snowfall, high percentage of humidity or high level of heat.

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most frequently used;



labour to other building costs. As a result, this is an


There are a number of advantages to using CSEBs, informally known as ‘e-blocks’. First, unlike

ning of wood, coal or any other materials. The press



CSEB formation is significantly more environmentally friendly, polluting 12.5


wood for every 100,000 bricks made. The second advantage to CSEBs is the cost. Inputs for

these blocks are 15 to 20 percent cheaper than for the raw materials used in other bricks. E-


they are manually produced through simple methods. This then also provides the local



hey are able to absorb moisture, and although

blocks also work well in extreme weather i.e. high amount of

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Government of India

To date, the Earth Institute has trained over 6,700 people from 67 countries.

OBJECTIVE • Research and Development (R&D)

technologies; develop tools for production of earthen architecture

• Training – Impart technical know

building

• Promote Livelihoods

sustainable livelihoods

• Ensure natural resource conservation

technologies

WORKING DESIGN The Earth Institute promotes the use of sustainable architectural technologies through research

and development, and training. A systematic procedure is followed: first, creation of awareness

about technologies and their purpose; second, educating those in

how to utilise them; third, using the techniques for the livelihood promotion; and fourth,

ensuring that the livelihoods surrounding these technologies promote natural resource

conservation.

Research and development is an on

knowledge has helped to develop and perfect the CSEB technology and the mechanical and

non-mechanical tools used for block generation. Dissemination of the technical know

earth-based construction to higher education institutions focuses on three areas: environment

and heritage, human settlements, and economy and production.







Transfer of Earth


Research and Development (R&D) – Conduct cutting-edge research on earth

technologies; develop tools for production of earthen architecture

echnical know-how on a wide audience to popularise earthen

Promote Livelihoods – Encourage the skills learned through training be used for

sustainable livelihoods

Ensure natural resource conservation- Use environmentally friendly earthen

WORKING DESIGN The Earth Institute promotes the use of sustainable architectural technologies through research


about technologies and their purpose; second, educating those interested in the techniques in



Research and development is an ongoing process that has evolved over time. The production of


mechanical tools used for block generation. Dissemination of the technical know

uction to higher education institutions focuses on three areas: environment

and heritage, human settlements, and economy and production.

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edge research on earth-based

how on a wide audience to popularise earthen

Encourage the skills learned through training be used for

Use environmentally friendly earthen

The Earth Institute promotes the use of sustainable architectural technologies through research


terested in the techniques in



going process that has evolved over time. The production of


mechanical tools used for block generation. Dissemination of the technical know-how on

uction to higher education institutions focuses on three areas: environment

TRANSPARENCY AND



Government of India

Worker pouring water into earth mixture (left); Mixing water into soil mix (upper right);

mixture into AURAM press 3000 (lower right)







Transfer of Earth

Worker pouring water into earth mixture (left); Mixing water into soil mix (upper right);

mixture into AURAM press 3000 (lower right)

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Worker pouring water into earth mixture (left); Mixing water into soil mix (upper right); Pouring

TRANSPARENCY AND



Government of India

Worker fills block space in press with mixture (top); Manual compression of

CSEB (bottom)

Training through the Earth Institute is provided through two week courses in: earthen

technology (CSEBs), and sustainable design (arches and domes). Attendees are expected to

have basic knowledge of architecture techn

one week to the basics and a second week to masonry. The arches and domes class teaches one







Transfer of Earth

Worker fills block space in press with mixture (top); Manual compression of



have basic knowledge of architecture techniques prior to joining. The CSEB course dedicates


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Worker fills block space in press with mixture (top); Manual compression of block (centre); Finished



prior to joining. The CSEB course dedicates


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Government of India

week of stability calculations and one week of building design. Trainees are asked to complete

surveys at the end of the course and indicate their satisfaction and learning levels. To enhance

this feedback mechanism, the Earth Institute plans to integrate a one year follow

system with all trainees.

Training Course Fees

* All fees are in rupees per week. Fees are inclusive of accommodation and food.

Outside of the short-term training programmes, the Earth Institute hopes to roll

diploma programmes for which they have already designed plan details. A vocational training

centre would cater to both technicians and offer a Masters degree for

Proposed Diplomas:

• Post diploma: Earth architecture (For architects /engineers)

• Diploma: Bare foot earth architect (For SME entrepreneurs)

• Diploma: Master mason earth builder (For unskilled workers)

METHODOLOGY The Governance Knowledge

earth-based technology transfer as a best practice in public service delivery based on a number

of factors. First, the institute has been successful in promoting the technique across the g

Second, the Earth Institute has helped to develop an environmentally friendly, contextually

appropriate, and cost effective technology for infrastructure development. Third, they have

found a way to leverage this expertise for the enhancement of live

conservation of natural resources.

Secondary research was conducted in New Delhi from online sources, namely the Earth

Institute’s comprehensive website. The research team then travelled to Auroville, where they

STUDENTS TECHNICIANS

4000 6500







Transfer of Earth


of the course and indicate their satisfaction and learning levels. To enhance

this feedback mechanism, the Earth Institute plans to integrate a one year follow

* All fees are in rupees per week. Fees are inclusive of accommodation and food.

term training programmes, the Earth Institute hopes to roll


centre would cater to both technicians and offer a Masters degree for engineers.

Post diploma: Earth architecture (For architects /engineers)

Diploma: Bare foot earth architect (For SME entrepreneurs)

Diploma: Master mason earth builder (For unskilled workers)

Centre research team identified the Earth Institute’s promotion of

based technology transfer as a best practice in public service delivery based on a number

of factors. First, the institute has been successful in promoting the technique across the g



found a way to leverage this expertise for the enhancement of livelihoods and towards the

conservation of natural resources.



TECHNICIANS ARCHITECTS

6500 8000

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of the course and indicate their satisfaction and learning levels. To enhance

this feedback mechanism, the Earth Institute plans to integrate a one year follow-up email

term training programmes, the Earth Institute hopes to roll-out one-year


engineers.

Centre research team identified the Earth Institute’s promotion of

based technology transfer as a best practice in public service delivery based on a number

of factors. First, the institute has been successful in promoting the technique across the globe.



lihoods and towards the



TRANSPARENCY AND



Government of India

conducted a semi-structured interview with the Head Architect. Primary research helped to fill

gaps and ensure depth in understanding.

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

Auroville Earth Institute

UNESCO

CRATerre (The International Centre for Earth Construction)

HUDCO

LESSONS LEARNED Despite a number of challenges faced in the promotion of earthen

based technologies, the Auroville Earth Institute continues to stand

as a best practice in infrastructure development, livelihood

creation and environmental protection.

Determined pursuit of goals

As is often the case when change is pursued, resistance to a shift

from conventional architecture has been great. The Earth Institute

has used an effective approach to changing mindsets

use of examples, both histo

building in the world lies in Luxor, Egypt. This building was made of earthen materials and

remains intact today. There are similar examples of ancient monasteries and other structures

which have experienced extreme w

earthquakes, yet have survived over the centuries while the buildings surrounding them that

were not constructed through earthen materials have fallen.

Today, the Earth Institute shows that not only a

their durability, but that they should be considered for mainstreaming due to a number of other

advantages. By developing the AURAM Press 3000 to develop CSEBs and utilising this in an

overabundant labour market, a tropical climate, with poor village communities, the Earth

Institute provides additional evidence for the use of earthen architecture. In addition to

employment of unskilled labour and association of minimal costs and superior thermo

regulation in infrastructure, the use of CSEBs can promote livelihoods and protect the

environment in a sustainable manner, as shown through the Earth Institute’s action

research.







Transfer of Earth

tructured interview with the Head Architect. Primary research helped to fill

gaps and ensure depth in understanding.

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

CRATerre (The International Centre for Earth Construction)

LESSONS LEARNED Despite a number of challenges faced in the promotion of earthen



creation and environmental protection.

Determined pursuit of goals



has used an effective approach to changing mindsets

use of examples, both historical and current. For one, the oldest



which have experienced extreme weather and natural conditions, including snowfall and


were not constructed through earthen materials have fallen.

Today, the Earth Institute shows that not only are earth-based technologies sustainable due to



et, a tropical climate, with poor village communities, the Earth


employment of unskilled labour and association of minimal costs and superior thermo

frastructure, the use of CSEBs can promote livelihoods and protect the

environment in a sustainable manner, as shown through the Earth Institute’s action

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tructured interview with the Head Architect. Primary research helped to fill

Despite a number of challenges faced in the promotion of earthen-





has used an effective approach to changing mindsets – this is the

rical and current. For one, the oldest



eather and natural conditions, including snowfall and


based technologies sustainable due to



et, a tropical climate, with poor village communities, the Earth


employment of unskilled labour and association of minimal costs and superior thermo-

frastructure, the use of CSEBs can promote livelihoods and protect the

environment in a sustainable manner, as shown through the Earth Institute’s action-based

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Government of India

To further promote the understanding and use of these technologies, the institute ha

a one-year master’s course for which they continue to seek approval.

Making a ‘niche’ practice, a ‘popular’ practice

Although this is an area under which the Earth Institute continues to progress, it has made a

commendable amount of headway i

however, is how they have contributed to the understanding of the significance of upscaling

through outreach on a wider scale.

Niche markets, including green architects, businesses and citizenry, are the lifeline through

which CSEB technology has thrived. The Earth Institute recognises that this is too small of an

audience for such a powerful practice, therefore they work to disse

written and oral practices to a greater number of people.

Integrated and convergent strategies

The Auroville Earth Institute model takes a holistic approach towards infrastructure

development. Architecture –

services including housing and business infrastructure. Although focused on architecture, the

institute has not only brought about effective ways of delivering these crucial public services, it

has also linked related development goals of environmental protection and livelihood

generation to its mission.

The research and training centre, through its integrated developmental approach, encourages

‘sustainable practice’ throughout its efforts; at the core, is the use

directly linking the Institute’s goals to the essence of sustainability.

Research was carried out by the OneWorld Foundation, Governance Knowledge Centre (GKC) team.

Documentation was created by Knowledge and Research Coordinator, Nicole Anand.

For further information, please contact Naimur Rahman, Director, OWFI







Transfer of Earth

To further promote the understanding and use of these technologies, the institute ha

year master’s course for which they continue to seek approval.

Making a ‘niche’ practice, a ‘popular’ practice


commendable amount of headway in popularising earthen architecture. Most importantly,


through outreach on a wider scale.



audience for such a powerful practice, therefore they work to disseminate knowledge through

written and oral practices to a greater number of people.

Integrated and convergent strategies


– the design and erection of buildings – constitutes key public



ted development goals of environmental protection and livelihood


‘sustainable practice’ throughout its efforts; at the core, is the use of ‘earth’ for development,

directly linking the Institute’s goals to the essence of sustainability.



For further information, please contact Naimur Rahman, Director, OWFI at

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To further promote the understanding and use of these technologies, the institute has designed


n popularising earthen architecture. Most importantly,




minate knowledge through


constitutes key public



ted development goals of environmental protection and livelihood


of ‘earth’ for development,



at [email protected]

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Government of India

APPENDIX A: INTERVIEW

1. Can you explain the origins of the Auroville Earth Institute

Auroville Building Centre / Earth Unit, but then became the current institute in 2004

explain the transition?

a. What was HUDCO’s role then and now?

b. What is the institute’s relationship with UNESCO?

2. According to our research, the Earth Institute majorly conducts research and development of

earth based technologies. Then dissemination of the materials is

seminars, workshops, manuals and documents. Can you explain each of these r & d efforts in

further detail – how often are courses held? For whom are they held? Is there a fee to attend? If

so, how much is it?

a. How are people made aware of the technology transfer courses offered?

b. Our research says that the most promoted technology today is Compressed Stabilised Earth

Blocks (CSEB), can you describe this technology in detail

are they made from? Why are they desirable for house construction?

c. Can you describe the diploma programmes

3. A major goal of the institute is to enable people to create and build for themselves their own

habitat, while using raw earth as a building material for sustainable and cost effective

development. To ensure this, is there a monitoring mechanism or some

to follow up with those who have been trained or attended workshops? If so, what is the

process?

4. Can you describe the major challenges, if any, that the institute has faced in achieving its

goals? How have these been overcome?







Transfer of Earth

A: INTERVIEW QUESTIONNAIRE

1. Can you explain the origins of the Auroville Earth Institute- Originally, in 1989, it was the

Auroville Building Centre / Earth Unit, but then became the current institute in 2004

a. What was HUDCO’s role then and now?

b. What is the institute’s relationship with UNESCO?


earth based technologies. Then dissemination of the materials is done through training courses,


how often are courses held? For whom are they held? Is there a fee to attend? If

ple made aware of the technology transfer courses offered?


Blocks (CSEB), can you describe this technology in detail – how are the blocks made and what

ade from? Why are they desirable for house construction?

c. Can you describe the diploma programmes- how they function, what they teach etc.?



development. To ensure this, is there a monitoring mechanism or some sort of process in place



goals? How have these been overcome?

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Originally, in 1989, it was the

Auroville Building Centre / Earth Unit, but then became the current institute in 2004 – can you


done through training courses,


how often are courses held? For whom are they held? Is there a fee to attend? If

ple made aware of the technology transfer courses offered?


how are the blocks made and what

how they function, what they teach etc.?



sort of process in place



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Government of India

5. Why is the use of earth-based technologies important to development (environmental etc.)?

How has the institute impacted the communities it has serviced (i.e. in terms of skill building,

number of earth-based building constructed, number of workshops

6. What is the current penetration level of activities? Are there plans to upscale in the future

and if so, what do these plans consist of?

7. What makes the Earth Institute’s programmes unique and/or







Transfer of Earth

based technologies important to development (environmental etc.)?


based building constructed, number of workshops attendees etc.)?


and if so, what do these plans consist of?

7. What makes the Earth Institute’s programmes unique and/or effective?

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based technologies important to development (environmental etc.)?


attendees etc.)?


Documents

Transfer of Earth-Based Technologies - Governance … of Earth-Based Technologies The Earth Institute - Auroville, Tamil Nadu TRANSPARENCY AND Governance Knowledge Centre Promoted