Productivity and Sustainability in Mongolian Woodworking

Advancements in woodworking practices enhance sustainability and operational efficiency. Investment in new machinery facilitated an increase in processing capacity and production of finished high quality products such as the traditional Mongol Ger.

Mongolia has a rich tradition in woodworking craftsmanship, exemplified by the creation of the beautiful internal wooden skeleton of the traditional ‘Ger’. However, the craft faces challenges due to outdated equipment used in many small enterprises. Janchiv, a committed wood artisan, recognized this issue in his own workshop and sought to modernize his production line to enhance both output and sustainability.With the support of the GEFF team, he explored various options for upgrading his equipment. Their analysis highlighted a key opportunity: investing in new woodworking machinery could significantly boost production while reducing energy consumption and emissions.

Determined to realize his vision of catapulting his craft into the 21^st century, Janchiv secured a USD 19,136 GEFF loan from Khan Bank. This investment enabled him to purchase advanced woodworking equipment, including a panel saw, a high-speed planer, and a CNC wood-cutting machine.

The results were remarkable. Janchiv’s productivity surged by 83%, accompanied by an annual energy savings of 156 MWh and a reduction in CO₂ emissions by 71 tonnes of CO₂ per year. This modernization not only enhanced his operational efficiency but also contributed to a lower environmental impact, demonstrating the potential for sustainability in traditional craftsmanship.

The Green Economy Financing Facility (GEFF) in Mongolia, developed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), is made possible through the vital support of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the government of Japan.