Nextblock Autoclaved promotes sustainable building in Bangladesh

The Eco-Friendly Green Bricks Ltd, a joint venture of Tilottoma Group and Shanghai Chaoheng Investment Co, has been producing ACC blocks under the Nextblock Autoclaved brand to promote environmentally friendly construction materials in Bangladesh.

Following World Environment Day, The Ministry of Housing and Public Works’ autonomous organisation Housing and Building Research Institute (HBRI) and Bangladesh’s first-ever environmentally friendly AAC block manufacturer ‘Nextblock Autoclaved’ have signed an MOU to conduct research and develop guidelines on modern AAC to enhance the standard of the building and construction sector in Bangladesh.

The press meeting commenced with an engaging introductory Audio-Visual (AV) presentation of Bangladesh’s pioneering environmentally friendly AAC block (Nextblock Autoclaved) manufacturing facility. Subsequently, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) took place, symbolizing a collaborative effort between HBRI and Nextblock Autoclaved, represented by HBRI Director General Ashraful Alam and Nextblock Autoclaved Managing Director Shahriar Sajjad. This significant partnership aims to propel the nation’s construction industry to unprecedented levels while simultaneously addressing climate-related concerns.

According to the MOU, ‘Nextblock Autoclaved’ has handed over a Tk 1 lakh cheque to HBRI’s Director General Mohammad Ashraful Alam to support HBRI’s research activities for exploring development opportunities and proper usage of eco-friendly AAC block-Nextblock Autoclaved.

Nextblock Autoclaved Chairman Joarder Nowsher Ali and Chief Executive Officer Mohammad Emran were in attendance, as were HBRI principal research officer Nafizur Rahman and Principal Research Engineer- Mohammad Parvez Khadem.

Managing Director Shahriar Sajjad said “Nextblock Autoclaved develops AAC blocks to promote green construction manufacturing techniques. It plays a significant role against soil erosion and ensures no harmful gas emissions in production. To create a sustainable future, we must consider our planet and the environment.”

Nextblock Autoclaved CEO Mohammad Emran said, “AAC is fire resistant for roughly 4.5 hours at 1,250° Celsius owing to the porous structure. This is also soundproof (up to 38dB).” He also added that “Due to the AAC’s improved thermal efficiency, it is at least 5 degrees Celsius cooler in hot summer”

Nextblocks (AAC) weigh roughly 40 per cent less than conventional bricks. The lightweight nature of the material reduces transportation costs, and labour costs, and enhances the likelihood of surviving earthquakes.

When planning a project, using Nextblocks (AAC) can cut the cost of building by 20 per cent. One block is equivalent to seven red bricks, it weighs only 7.5–9.5 kg, or about one-third the weight of regular brick. Furthermore, using AAC materials during construction also results in a reduction in the amount of foundation cost needed.