Green buildings are a relatively new concept in Kenya, and Africa in general. For a sustainable African economy, these buildings are necessary because of their reduced climate impact. Green is not expensive and is for all building levels; from high-end to affordable. The highest potential for green buildings is in their design stage.

Amrish Shah joins us on this episode of the Africa Water and Energy Podcast to deliberate more on how green buildings will play a critical role in Africa’s future. Some of the highlights from this episode include:

* Why green buildings are important today* The differences between green buildings and other ordinary ones* Key steps to making new and existing buildings green* The challenges and solutions around implementing green buildings

Why are green buildings important today?

We’re currently experiencing a fast population growth rate on the African continent. According to the African Development Bank, since 2005, 20 countries in Africa are now among the top 50 most-improved world economies in business regulatory efficiency. By 2050, the African population is projected to reach 2.4 billion, and by 2030, urban populations will increase by an additional 350 million people.

This rate of change poses both challenges and opportunities. Whereas internet penetration and innovation is an upside, we stand to face sever consequences of climate change if our contribution does not take a sustainable trajectory. Unless growth is coupled with a shift to renewable resources, climate change will bring more food, health and economic insecurity to a continent that is already struggling with these issues.

Green buildings are especially important in Africa for their reduced electricity costs, saving precious water, and the healthier atmosphere they create to work and live in, and their reduced environmental impact. The science and data on green buildings is overwhelmingly comprehensive and available.

The current state of green buildings

Even as they appear to be new concepts, green buildings trace their roots back to the 1970s after the oil crisis. As the world was facing energy access challenges, organisations and nations sought to find ways of raising the efficiency standards of current buildings among other energy consumers like industry and residential spaces.

In Kenya, there are over 34 registered green building projects. Across Africa, there are 8 established green building councils. 

Differences between green buildings and other buildings

Some of the common differences include:

* They require less electricity to run* They consume less water* They address waste management issues* They use more local materials and materials with high environmental properties such as recycled materials, low hazardous chemicals and sustainably harvested wood for example.

How to ‘green’ new and existing buildings

For new buildings the important considerations are:

* Plan for green design in early design stages* Set green design goals for the project* Implement the green design strategies* Document and submit it for certification.

For existing buildings, making them green depends on the building project. Some of the general steps are:

* Conduct an energy and environmental audit of the project* Assess the areas that need to be addressed based on practicality and cost in line with certification requirements* Implement the changes* Certify if desired.