The transition towards a regenerative built environment faces a key challenge; the gap between discourse and implementation. Proponents of regenerative practices identify that the global construction section contributes almost 40% to global emissions and the need for immediate action. However, no system is changed through research or data; transformation requires social and political will to be enacted. As such it is critical to understand social perception as a key component of the transition beyond sustainable discourse and towards the implementation of regenerative solutions.
This paper presents the outcomes of ReBuilt; a three-year research project led by Bauhaus Earth with Kota Kita and the Bamboo Village trust, that explores transition pathways towards a regenerative built environment in four global regions including Bali. Research was conducted to understand the perception of nature-based materials within Denpasar's construction sector. Findings draw upon a mixed methodology that includes a multi-stakeholder workshops, social perception survey and semi-structured interviews with local stakeholders and communities to understand insights of nature-based materials for construction in Denpasar. Research participants were selected across government, private sector, users and local communities to provide a holistic overview of the field.
While nature-based materials are present in Denpasar’s local vernacular tradition and tourism industry, their use in contemporary construction practices is limited. This challenge is heightened by Denpasar’s increasing urbanisation and greenfield development using mainly carbon-intensive materials, impacting local ecologies and communities. To understand how a just transition may occur, our research looks to examine the current use of nature-based materials for construction and identify the mindsets that govern use. These findings provide a critical baseline for practitioners and policymakers, revealing that the uptake of nature-based materials is hindered by social and economic barriers, including price disparity, perceptions of maintenance and durability, and a lack of awareness of the ecological costs and benefits.