By Lerato Kumalo
The construction industry’s role in exacerbating climate change by adding to global warming and intensifying carbon emissions is undeniable. This issue is compounded by the ongoing urbanization driven by an ever-growing global population.
The escalating global population is giving impetus to the construction sector, magnifying its impact on economies and the environment alike.
Research reveals that in 2021, the buildings and construction sector accounted for around 37% of energy- and process-related CO2 emissions and over 34% of energy demand globally. The industry is accountable for almost half of all worldwide material extraction, and according to the World Economic Forum, is responsible for nearly one-third of all waste generated globally, more than two-thirds of which is discarded without further recovery and reuse.
Delving deeper into the root causes of emissions within the industry, it becomes apparent that energy-intensive production processes for materials such as cement, steel, and glass, coupled with the transportation of these resources to construction sites, is a significant contributor. Notably, concrete production alone is responsible for over 8% of global CO2 emissions, surpassing those from the aviation industry.
The 2022 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction estimates that the building and construction sector of Africa is worth USD 5.4 billion and is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 6.4% by 2024.
According to the Zambia construction market research report from Global Data, the Zambian construction market size was $5.1 billion in 2022. The market is projected to achieve an AAGR of more than 3% during 2024-2027, supported by investments in the transport infrastructure, energy, mining, and manufacturing sectors.
One major factor driving the growth of the construction industry in Zambia is the government’s commitment to infrastructure development. The government has prioritised the construction of public buildings such as hospitals, schools, and government buildings, and has allocated significant funding to these projects. In addition, Zambia’s increasing urbanization has created a need for more housing, commercial, and industrial facilities, leading to the development of many new construction projects.
However the increase in the bad environment has captured the world’s attention and it’s been one of the most discussed subjects locally, nationally and globally. After further research in identifying the most polluting sectors of the environment in Zambia, it was discovered that due to low industrialisation the construction industry even in other developing countries is one of the heavy contributors towards unsustainable development, and its impact on both the economy and the environment is huge.
In contrast to developed countries, Zambia, like most African countries, does not have environment legislation dedicated to the construction industry.
The environmental protection legislation in Zambia is designed to cover all aspects of environmental sustainability across all sectors. There are no environmental legislation which are specific to the type of proposed infrastructure projects as the case is in most developed countries
In contrast, environmental legislation in Zambia pertaining to infrastructure projects only covers the impact the proposed infrastructure would have on the flora and fauna of the environment but does not seem to consider issues of GHG emissions and the carbon-footprint of the final development.
Although Zambia’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions remained consistent with their first National Determined Contributions (NDC) – pledging, with limited international support, to reduce emissions by 25% by 2030, or by 47% with substantial international support.
The updated NDC shows progression by broadening the scope of sectors and elaborating the adaptation component including the preparation of a National Adaptation Plan.
The upcoming COP28 conference, to be hosted in the UAE between 30 November and 12 December this year, is expected to be a defining juncture for steering the industry’s course toward environmental responsibility.
Adam Ralph, UAE Country Manager at Turner & Townsend, succinctly notes, that decarbonization is no longer an option but an urgent business imperative necessitating a transformative shift within the industry. Recent findings by Turner & Townsend concerning the Middle East’s construction industry, spotlight mounting pressure to prioritize sustainability and strive toward net-zero objectives. The impending COP28 conference promises to catalyse these changes within the Gulf region.
Global consensus dictates the imperative to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, a goal essential for honouring the Paris Agreement’s mission of restricting temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
It is reassuring that while we acknowledge the devastating impact the construction industry has on climate change, glimpses of hope emerge through the adoption of sustainable building practices.
These “green” methodologies encompass energy-efficient designs, integration of renewable energy sources, and the use of sustainable or recycled materials, all aimed at shrinking the sector’s environmental footprint.
It is for these reasons that Novare recently announced a significant investment in rooftop photovoltaic (PV) panels as an eco-friendly and renewable energy source to curb carbon emissions across our African property portfolio and strengthen our sustainability drive.
This move aligns with the broader sustainability strategy for our property portfolio, which also includes ultimately obtaining Edge certification for all our properties, particularly following the successful award of this prestigious green building certification for the Novare Great North Mall and Standard Chartered head office buildings in Lusaka, Zambia.
This also forms an integral part of our sustainability strategy, aiming to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the property portfolio across sub-Saharan Africa, and contribute to the global drive for Net-Zero emissions and ultimately working towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
However, to meet this objective, it is not the construction industry’s responsibility alone but a collaborative effort from all industry stakeholders. Policymakers at all levels must implement effective tools for emission reduction while promoting sustainable and resilient development. Industry and finance leaders must invest in innovative solutions for rapid decarbonization. And civil society engagement is also vital for driving essential change.
