Request for Proposal : CO2 Study

Terms of Reference

1. Background and objectives

Habitat for Humanity Nepal is an international non-governmental organization that is driven by the vision that everyone deserves a decent place to live. In Nepal, it addresses housing needs of low-income families through our partnership with homeowners, duty bearers, civil society, financial institutions, academia and relevant stakeholders. The organization serves people, families and communities that are at the bottom of the pyramid, by promoting greener, affordable and disaster resilient solutions and technologies for safe housing construction, advocating for land tenure security and joint land titles, and empowering communities at the risk of climate related disasters to apply local knowledge and practices for nature-based solutions. Through decent and adequate housing, it supports families to build strength, stability and self-reliance.

Climate change, caused by the excessive emission of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) by anthropogenic activities, is one of the biggest threats across the globe. Nepal has very minimal contribution to GHGs emissions but is ranked as one of the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change. Frequencies and intensity of climate-induced disasters are increasing amplifying loss of lives and properties in Nepal. 

In Nepal, construction industry has been identified as one of the major contributors of GHGs emission in line with the global emission level. Out of the total CO2 emission by construction sector, 37% is emitted by burnt brick factories. In addition, the steel production and steelmaking industries have significant emissions that are related to housing construction. The alternative options to replace these conventional construction materials have significant opportunity to reduce emissions. As a sustainable, eco-friendly and low carbon approach for housing, Habitat Nepal is promoting Cement Bamboo Framework Technology (CBFT) where bamboo and cement are used together to make it durable and sustainable building material. Those buildings are resilient to disasters such as flood and earthquake and rely on environment friendly, cost effective and locally available materials. 

Habitat Nepal believes that CBFT is low-carbon technology in compared to the conventional methods. For the generation of the evidence and the scientific validation, Habitat Nepal is planning to conduct research on Assessment of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Cement Bamboo Frame Technology (CBFT) Houses Construction and Comparison with Conventional Technologies widely practiced.

This RFP has been published to solicit proposals from qualified consultancy firms, research institutes, and experts to conduct the proposed research.

2. OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of this research is to determine the GHGs emissions associated with housing construction using CBFT and conventional technologies including RCC frame structure and load bearing masonry buildings like CSEB masonry, stone masonry, brick masonry, brick masonry with rat trap bond, HCB and block masonry. The goal is to identify ways to achieve net zero emissions in sustainable, affordable and safer houses construction.

3. SCOPE OF THE RESEARCH

The assignment would include an in-depth analysis of greenhouse gases emission and their impact on community housing projects. Specific activities of the assignment include:

• Literature review on the emission of the construction sectors and the practices of low carbon on it.
• Identify key sources of the emissions in the CBFT housing construction processes and compare it with other conventional technologies including RCC frame structure and load bearing masonry buildings like CSEB masonry, stone masonry, brick masonry, brick masonry with rat trap bond, HCB and block masonry. 
• Determine the emission from the bamboo value chains used for CFBT (covering plantation, harvesting, processing, transportation, construction, and disposal).
• Explore and recommend the innovative strategies and best practices to minimize carbon emissions and environmental impacts across both value chains of bamboo and CBFT.
• Coordinate and collaborate with stakeholders to gather data and insights.
• Possibilities of scaling CBFT technologies.
• Prepare and disseminate the detailed report.

Timeline and activities:

4. DELIVERABLES

The consultant is responsible for conducting the overall research as per the scope mentioned and responsible for the following deliveries: 

• An inception report detailing the methodology, work plan and research strategies.
• A draft report presenting findings, including robust evidence on carbon emissions of different housing typologies.
• Final report with detailed information as per the scope of the research, with evidence-based recommendations.
• A standard table of the CO2 calculation in excel sheet incorporating the materials used, formulas and procedure to calculate the CO2 emission of houses in future.
• A summary presentation for the Habitat Nepal and stakeholders.

5. SPECIFIC INPUTS FROM HABITAT NEPAL

Habitat Nepal will fund for the research and provide following inputs:

• Provide detailed procedure and processes of CBFT technologies including the calculation of the bamboo required. 
• Joint field visit to the CBFT housing project sites and provide relevant reports.
• Information on the list and quantities of the construction materials used for the CBFT houses construction.
• Facilitate to coordinate with private bamboo actors and treatment centers, and stakeholders.
• Consultation meeting with people in the value chain that can positively contribute to the assignment

6. QUERIES ON TOR

In case of any confusion or clarification in this TOR, the firm/individual can send their issues at info@habitatnepal.org or call at +977-1 5421182, 5454976.

7. PAYMENT

The assignment fee will be paid in two installments:

Note: Please be informed that Habitat Nepal will withhold applicable Tax Deduction at Source, or TDS.

8. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

A proposal with clear timeline, budget and methodology of assignment.

• CV of experts involved.
• Copy of PAN/VAT Certificate.
• Copy of Company Registration Certificate
• Latest Tax Clearance
• As required by Habitat Nepal’s Safeguarding Standards, all contractors/ companies/ firms and individual consultants need to submit criminal background check (Police Report) to be eligible for assignments.

9. TO APPLY

Interested individuals/firms should submit their Technical and Financial Proposal (inclusive of all applicable taxes) including testimonials/certificates to procurement@habitatnepal.org. Please write “GHG Emission Study Proposal” in the subject line of the email and submit the proposal no later than 03 February 2025.

10. Ethical Standards and Intellectual Property

In accordance with its foundational mission principles, Habitat for Humanity is committed to the highest ethical standards and opposes all forms of discrimination, exploitation, and abuse. We intend to create and maintain a work and living environment that is safe, productive, and respectful for our colleagues and for all we serve. We require that all staff and representatives (consultants, contractors, vendors/suppliers, interns, volunteers, agents, and implementing partner organizations) take seriously their ethical responsibilities to Safeguarding (Child Protection, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation Harassment, and Abuse) our intended beneficiaries, their communities (especially children), and all those with whom we work. Abiding with the organization, the consultancy service has responsibilities to maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation, and abuse, safeguards the rights.