Kenya’s commitment to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 32 percent by 2030, as part of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), underscores the significant role of the building and construction sector, which is responsible for around 15 percent of the nation’s emissions.
While strides have been made, the sector must undergo a transformation to become low-carbon, sustainable, and environmentally resilient. To effectively contribute to these goals, the sector must adopt a combination of strategies, policies, and technologies.
Kenya has made notable progress by setting green building codes that promote sustainable construction, such as energy-efficient designs and eco-friendly materials.
However, these codes need to be widely adopted across the sector to make a real difference. One key step is to mandate green building certifications for all new commercial and residential developments.
By making adherence to green standards compulsory, Kenya can ensure that new projects align with low-carbon, energy-efficient practices.
Additionally, incentivizing compliance through financial measures such as tax rebates, reduced building permit fees, or access to green loans could help offset the costs of meeting these standards, making it financially feasible for developers.
In addition to new buildings, retrofitting Kenya’s existing building stock is critical. Many older buildings are energy-inefficient, contributing heavily to emissions. Upgrading these buildings with energy-efficient technologies can lower energy consumption by 30-50 percent.
Key actions to drive this transformation include government-subsidised retrofits and the introduction of low-interest loans to support building owners in making energy-efficient upgrades. Partnering with local financial institutions to develop green financing packages will help property owners afford the upfront costs of retrofitting, thus encouraging widespread adoption.
In terms of materials, t here is need to encourage use of Low-Carbon Materials. Materials like cement and steel are responsible for a significant portion of the building sector’s carbon emissions. To reduce this impact, promoting the use of local, sustainable materials—such as bamboo, recycled concrete, and timber—can both reduce emissions and support Kenya’s local economy.
Offering tax breaks or incentives to suppliers of low-carbon materials can further encourage the adoption of these sustainable alternatives across the construction industry.
It’s worthy noting that buildings, both in their construction and operation, are major consumers of energy, often sourced from fossil fuels. To reduce dependence on non-renewable energy, Kenya must expand the use of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal.
One crucial step would be to require all new buildings to integrate solar power, with residential buildings implementing solar water heating systems and commercial projects using solar panels for electricity.
Additionally, the government could offer renewable energy incentives, such as rebates or subsidies, to make the adoption of these systems more financially viable for developers.
The construction industry generates significant waste, much of which ends up in landfills, contributing to emissions.
To mitigate this, Kenya can establish waste management mandates requiring construction companies to recycle a certain percentage of materials like concrete, glass, and metal. On-site waste sorting and reduction initiatives would also encourage better recycling practices, ensuring that valuable resources are reused, reducing landfill contributions and associated emissions.
Incorporating energy-efficient design principles can significantly reduce the energy required to operate buildings, which in turn lowers emissions.
For instance, passive design strategies, such as maximizing natural light, ventilation, and solar heating, can reduce the need for artificial lighting, heating, and cooling. Encouraging the use of high-performance building envelopes, with improved insulation, windows, and shading devices, can also ensure that buildings maintain temperature efficiently, reducing reliance on energy-intensive heating and cooling systems.
Achieving these ambitious goals requires collaboration among all stakeholders. Government agencies, such as the Ministry of Housing, the National Construction Authority, and the Kenya Green Building Society (KGBS), play a critical role in policy implementation, compliance enforcement, and funding.
The private sector, including developers, contractors, and suppliers, must invest in and adopt sustainable practices and technologies. Financial institutions have a crucial role in creating tailored financing products to support green building and retrofitting projects.
Additionally, community organizations can raise awareness and advocate for the benefits of green buildings, helping to foster public support for sustainable construction.
Towards 2030: Achieving the 32 percent emissions reduction
With the right policies, technologies, and collaborative efforts, Kenya can significantly reduce emissions from its building sector. This transformation will not only help the country meet its climate goals but will also drive economic development and resilience. By focusing on sustainable building practices, Kenya can ensure a greener, more resilient future for generations to come.
Beyond emissions reduction, the benefits of sustainable construction include lower operating costs, increased investment, and healthier living and working environments for communities. Achieving the 32 percent emissions reduction target by 2030 is attainable, and by adopting these strategies today, Kenya can build a more sustainable and resilient tomorrow.