Exploring the Potential of Bamboo in Temperate Climates : Opportunities for Regional Integration and Sustainable, Circular Construction Practices

To meet its 2050 goals for a circular, carbon-neutral economy, Europe must renovate its building stock using low carbon materials. Although wood is a key biobased building material, growing demand is placing unsustainable
pressure on forest ecosystems. Bamboo, with its high productivity and wood-like properties, offers strong potential as a
complementary resource, particularly for insulation applications where such properties are already valued.
Despite widespread use in construction across Asia, Africa, and South America, bamboo remains underused in Europe
due to uncertainties about its cultivation in temperate climates. This research investigates its potential for local
production and application, with Wallonia, the southern region of Belgium, as a case study. By highlighting mechanical
and hygrothermal similarities between bamboo and wood, the study positions bamboo as a strategic opportunity to
expand and diversify biobased insulation materials in temperate regions.
The PhD research has two main objectives: (1) assess the adaptability of selected bamboo species to temperate
climates, and (2) evaluate their potential for use in sustainable and circular renovation. The methodology follows four
phases: (1) species adaptability assessment (environmental mapping, ecological analysis); (2) thermal and
hygrothermal characterization of selected plant species for insulation applications, utilizing all plant parts in various
forms (flakes, granules, and composites); (3) architectural case studies analysis (construction techniques and
reversibility of implementation); and (4) environmental impact assessment (life cycle and circularity analyses).
Preliminary results identify three promising species (Phyllostachys edulis, P. iridescens, and P. makinoi) selected for
their morphological suitability and adaptability. Northwest Wallonia shows favourable growing conditions. However,
further research is needed to address knowledge gaps regarding their impact on local biodiversity and morphological
variation in non-native environments.
Current work includes species-specific data sheets and a standardized protocol (based on ISO 19624) to assess
construction-relevant traits and support the responsible integration of bamboo into sustainable building practices.