Based on the bilateral programme agreement signed on the 10th February between HMG and SDC, the Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln (VSBK) technology transfer process to Nepal was initiated by SKAT Consulting Switzerland, in association with Development Alternatives, India. The programme is designed in such a way that it gives brick entrepreneurs access to services in various fields in order to establish and run their VSBK business successfully. At the same time, the shift to VSBK technology shift will be used as an agent of change in the social structure of the brick industry, thereby aiming to share benefits of the technology transfer to workers in addition to entrepreneurs and neighborhoods.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Martin Kaercher, programme manager of VSBK /Skat Consulting, said that the two VSBKs in Imadol, Lalitpur, have shown a hope for Kathmandu Valley people to enjoy again in a better quality air. Initial energy and environment monitoring of these two pilot VSBKs in Imadol, Lalitpur revealed that emission of suspended particulate matter (SPM), a principal pollutant present in harmful black smoke, was found to be more than 80% less than the present Bull’s Trench Kiln (BTK-Chimney Bhatta). The monitoring results also showed potential for higher energy efficiency with 30% less energy consumption compare to the BTKs. Both the figures of pollution control and energy efficiency have potential to improve further in future once the brick making practice is optimized. These kilns are constructed under commercial conditions, financed by the two pilot entrepreneurs proving the economic viability of the technology.

The VSBK technology transfer programme has organized the launch with the intention to inform the wider public about this environment-friendly technology. In addition, the VSBK programme has assumed a larger responsibility to make informed choices and alternatives available to brick entrepreneurs. The VSBK programme, on behalf of the entire environment –sensitive community and VSBK entrepreneurs, has the long term aim to motivate people to be socially responsibility by buying bricks from a cleaner production system. Overall the VSBK programme aims to promote green technology and be accountable to the public.

Energy and Environment monitoring agencies (IEM and ENPHO) have been commissioned to monitor the performance of the

VSBK. Local metal workshops have been capacitated to locally produce all required VSBK technology parts in Nepal. Design know-how is transferred to programme engineers, who will sustain support and further development of VSBK technology in Nepal.

Mr. Robi Groeli of SDC-Nepal spoke at the launch and lighlighted the significance of VSBK being available at a time when production licenses were withdrawn from brick manufacturers on account of high pollution from conventional kilns. He suggested that his Majesty’s Government promote VSBK as the industry standard.

Dr. Arun Kumar of Development Alternatives, who has been looking after the VSBK projects in India since it was transferred there in 1996 told the gathered audience of donor agency, government and industry representatives about critical elements in the technology transfer process explaining how VSBK has been disseminated in India after its initial transfer from China.