NAIROBI, Kenya – The buildings and construction sector is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, accounting for a staggering 37 percent of global emissions, according to the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP).
Additionally, over 34pc of the world’s energy consumption occurs in buildings. This consumption results from the energy needed to support housing, business, and other functions within these structures.
Recognizing the significant environmental impact of construction, there is a pressing need for effective solutions to mitigate these effects.
One promising approach is the adoption of green building practices, a transformative method that aims to reduce the ecological footprint of buildings significantly.
This shift involves a holistic consideration of the construction process, the materials used, and the overall environmental impact of buildings.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has pioneered a solution known as EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiency).
EDGE is an innovation designed to mainstream resource-efficient buildings in emerging markets. It serves as a free software tool, a green building standard, and an international certification system.
EDGE allows developers and builders to quickly identify the most cost-effective strategies for reducing energy use, water use, and embodied carbon in materials.
EDGE Experts assist developers and project teams in integrating these strategies into project designs to ensure resource efficiency in line with EDGE standards.
The strategies are then verified by an EDGE Auditor and certified by Green Building Certification Inc.
To meet the EDGE standard, a project must achieve a minimum projected reduction of 20pc in energy use, water use, and embodied carbon in materials compared to a standard local building.
This benchmark sets a clear and attainable goal for developers committed to sustainability.
Laser Property Services (LASER) has embraced EDGE Expert Services to help developers and project teams meet the rising demand for sustainable building solutions.
This adoption aligns with LASER’s sustainability agenda and underscores the company’s commitment to promoting green building practices in the real estate sector.
Green building technology offers more than just reduced energy consumption. Studies indicate that green buildings contribute to enhanced health and well-being among occupants, increased productivity, higher asking rents, and elevated building values.
Additionally, green buildings often experience higher occupancy rates and improved resource efficiency.
Moreover, green building practices are recognized as crucial in addressing climate change.
By reducing greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel burning and land use changes, green buildings help mitigate the environmental impact of construction activities.
