Initial firing in a VSBK

Brick is the major construction material used in India. The Indian brick industry is an unorganised sector with majority of the brick kiln units located as clusters in rural and peri-urban areas. Estimated to produce 140 billion bricks from about 100 000 brick kiln units, brick industry consumes more than 20 million tonnes of coal as well as huge quantity of biomass fuels. It is also a labour intensive industry providing employment to 8-10 million (80 to 100 lakh) workers in various stages of brick production (moulding, loading of bricks in the kiln, firing, and unloading).

Diagnostic studies and project strategy
The diagnostic studies in brick kilns carried out during 1995 indicated high specific energy consumption and high level of pollution in the brick industry. There was large scope for energy efficiency improvements through adoption of energy efficient and environment friendly technologies and BOP (best operating practises).

A VSBK site

With techno-social integration becoming core of the project intervention, TERI started focusing on dissemination of VSBK (vertical shaft brick kiln) to promote sustainable livelihood options among small brick makers. Through various training programs and awareness seminars, it is also involved in creating awareness and developing skills among various stakeholders (firemen, supervisors, and brick kiln owners) on BOP in BTKs (bull’s trench kilns) with close involvement of local brick industry associations.