Paro-Thimphu, Bhutan

Exploring nature-based construction in Bhutan

Bhutan is a landlocked, mountainous country in the Himalayas. Nearly 70 per cent of the country is classified as forest. As of 2022, it has a population of 770,276 people and one of the lowest population densities in the world. Most of the population resides in rural areas, relying on forestry, low-intensity agriculture, and pastoral activities to meet their basic needs. However, Bhutan has one of the fastest urbanisation rates in the world, which is placing increased demands on infrastructure in urban areas and ecosystems. The country follows a policy of sustainable development, realised through its 'Gross National Happiness' metrics, which are favourable to low-emission development pathways.  

Construction and hydropower are two of the key drivers of the nation’s economy. Although access to renewable energy supports Bhutan's carbon-negative status, ongoing demand in the construction sector and the use of conventional building materials could significantly increase the country’s greenhouse gas emissions in the coming years. The ReBuilt Project aims to advance Bhutan's traditional use of natural materials in construction while exploring regional value chains to initiate the transition towards a more circular and regenerative construction sector. Additionally, there is a pressing need to grow the economy and create skilled employment for Bhutan’s large youth population. Developing a nature-based construction industry could therefore address not only environmental goals but also social and economic priorities.

Coupling Urban Growth and Nature-Based Construction in Bhutan’s Carbon-Negative Future

Over the past two decades, Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, has experienced significant  growth, now representing about 15 per cent of the country's total population. This rapid urbanisation — the fastest in Southeast Asia — has placed increasing pressure on land, housing, infrastructure, and public services. The city's development plan projects continued growth, with the population expected to increase by tens of thousands over the next 25 years, potentially reshaping Thimphu's future.

The Thimphu-Paro region exemplifies the challenge of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. While Bhutan remains carbon-negative due to its vast forests, ongoing urbanisation and conventional building practices, including the use of cement, iron, and steel, risk undermining this status. The construction sector, which currently relies heavily on mineral-based and emissions-intensive materials, significantly contributes to Bhutan’s carbon footprint. Embracing regional value chains, sustainably managed natural resources, and integrating nature-based, locally sourced materials in construction could foster transition pathways towards a regenerative built environment.

Bhutan's abundant natural resources, traditional low-carbon building practices, and strong government commitment to carbon-negative development provide a solid foundation for regenerative construction. There is significant potential to use local materials such as timber, bamboo, hemp, and earth in construction, reducing reliance on imports and lowering carbon emissions. To realise this potential, it is critical to encourage the use of nature-based building materials, promote reuse and recycling, and develop building codes, invest in local supply chains, and provide capacity bulding. ReBuilt plans to create opportunities for local changemakers to actively shape their sustainable future and provide knowledge, skills, and resources. Bhutan’s transition to a regenerative built environment is well supported by existing cultural, environmental and policy frameworks.

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