The sugarcane industry is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, driven by intensive farming practices and the widespread open burning of crop residue. India, the world’s second-largest sugarcane producer, plays a significant role in this output—particularly through the combustion of bagasse, the byproduct left after juice extraction. Located in Bardoli, Gujarat, the proposal centers on expanding a cooperative sugar factory to include a system that converts bagasse into a low-carbon building material for constructing seasonal housing for migrant workers who support the harvest annually. Once the harvest season ends and workers return to their hometowns, the adaptable structures transition into vibrant market spaces to serve the local community year-round. The project aims to address both environmental impact and labor dignity - reducing emissions from agricultural waste while creating healthier, more equitable spaces for the working community.
