[Article] Evaluating Thermal Performance and Environmental Impact of Compressed Earth Blocks with Cocos and Canarium Aggregates

Low-carbon housing starts with materials, climate, and evidence. What if affordable housing in hot and humid climates could reduce carbon emissions, improve comfort, and reduce energy demand by using locally available materials?

This peer-reviewed study addresses that question using measured data, calibrated simulations, and life-cycle assessment, with real test cells built in Douala, Cameroon. What does this paper deliver?

This work combines:

-In-situ monitoring of two identical test cells (compressed earth vs hollow cement block),

-Dynamic building simulation using EnergyPlus (calibrated per ASHRAE 140),

-Adaptive thermal comfort assessment (ASHRAE 55),

-Life Cycle Assessment aligned with ISO 14040 and EN 15804.

The biosourced compressed earth blocks integrate Cocos nucifera and Canarium schweinfurthii aggregates, targeting low-income housing in hot and humid climates.Key findings that matter for practice and policy

1.Biosourced earth blocks achieved ≈96% comfort with AC and ≈44% under natural ventilation, outperforming hollow cement blocks.

2. Annual energy savings of ~100 kWh per test cell compared to conventional construction.

3. Cement accounts for >95% of embodied CO₂, regardless of scenario.

4. Plaster layers alone contribute ~40% of total GHG emissions.

5. Bio-aggregates contribute <1% of total impact, confirming their low-carbon potential.

6. Material choice, wall composition, and ventilation strategy matter more than technology add-ons.

7. Local bio-based materials can deliver measurable climate and comfort gains when tested rigorously.

Why this work is important ? This is not a lab-only study. It demonstrates how evidence-based low-tech solutions can:

-support UN SDGs 11 and 13,

-reduce dependency on carbon

-intensive cement,-improve thermal resilience in rapidly urbanizing regions.

It also shows that Global South contexts must be addressed through empirical data rather than assumptions. This work reflects a strong Africa–Europe research collaboration. With: Morino Ganou, Luc Courard, Ulrich Tatchum Defo, Dieunedort Ndapeu, Ebénézer Njeugna. Across: University of Liège, University of Douala and Sustainable Building Design Lab📌

Read the full paper: 📄 Ganou Koungang, B. M., Courard, L., Tatchum Defo, U., Ndapeu, D., Njeugna, E., & Attia, S. (2023). Evaluating Thermal Performance and Environmental Impact of Compressed Earth Blocks with Cocos and Canarium Aggregates: A Study in Douala, Cameroon. International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa, 67, 49-66. https://orbi.uliege.be/handle/2268/307353

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