Bamboo as a Sustainable Resource for Low-Cost Housing Construction

El Bambú como Recurso Sustentable para Construcción de Viviendas de Bajo Costo

Abstract

The sustainable exploitation of guadúa forests has made it possible to provide, in some American countries, top quality raw materials for the construction of homes. In Asian countries it has been shown that the exploitation of bamboo allows for profitable industrial development, generating important sources of employment. Similarly, in American countries it has been proven that the sustainable exploitation of guadúa forests double benefits the families that are dedicated to such exploitation by allowing them decent housing and an economy that improves their family income. In Venezuela, the existing housing deficit is increasing with no solution in sight in the medium or long term. However, countries like Colombia have shown that the yields and productivity of construction with bamboo allow for the generation of good homes at low cost. However, it is necessary to influence the culture of the population to accept this type of housing and for the government to make or stimulate investments that allow businesses related to construction to have bamboo components in abundance to massify their application. Consequently, we can indicate that it is very feasible that Venezuela could advance a development plan for the exploitation of guadua for different industrial purposes, including the construction of appropriate low-cost housing for the most disadvantaged sectors of the population. The solidity of the bamboo production chain constitutes an excellent advantage for the beginning of the exploitation of some links of the same that require low investment to ensure the economy of the families that are dedicated to forestry and sustainable use of guaduales.