Optimizing Affordable Housing: A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Bamboo-Based Construction and Reinforced Concrete for Sustainability and Cost Efficiency

The Philippines faces a significant housing crisis, with an estimated backlog of 6.5 million units. With this, the study employs a case study approach evaluating the potential of Cement Bamboo Frame Technology (CBFT) as a sustainable solution for affordable social housing; a comparative analysis was employed by integrating Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Carbon Footprint Analysis (CFA), and Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) to assess the environmental and economic viability of CBFT housing against traditional Reinforced Concrete (RC) construction methods. The study’s findings underscore the potential of alternative methods in reducing environmental impact, with CBFT demonstrating a 6,445 kg CO2e (45.94%) reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, along with significant improvements in various other impact categories compared to traditional housing. Furthermore, the total life cycle cost of CBFT housing is 29.64% lower than traditional housing, emphasizing its capability for economic advantages in resource-constrained settings. The implications of this study extend towards sustainable housing developers of the country, providing evidence-based data enhancing quality and safety to the development of low-income communities. The study offers a viable alternative pathway for addressing the country’s dual challenges of sustainable and affordable housing.