As Head of Environmental Sustainability at the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), I have the opportunity to engage with construction professionals from around the world who are promoting sustainable practices in this sector.
Recently, I had an enlightening conversation with Dr. Cecilia Wandiga, Executive Director of the Center for Science, Technology and Innovation (CSTI) in Nairobi, Kenya, about some really exciting projects that she believes can put Kenya at the forefront of sustainable construction in Africa.
Her team is investigating the use of biochar, a charcoal-like substance made by heating organic matter without oxygen. Biochar can be used in the construction industry as an additive to improve building materials such as concrete and bricks, as well as for soil remineralization and carbon sequestration.
In Africa, there is a growing need to move towards sustainable construction practices to address issues such as biodiversity loss and resource scarcity and ensure a more sustainable and resilient built environment. However, there are several challenges that need to be addressed if Kenya is to truly be at the top table of Africa’s sustainable future.
Capacity development and green skills gap
As with the rest of Africa and the world, one of the most pressing issues facing Kenya’s construction industry is the skills gap, particularly in terms of sustainable construction practices.
Investing in education, training and knowledge sharing is essential to building local capacity for sustainable construction. For example, there is a great need for a properly trained workforce in green building techniques, energy efficiency, and the use of sustainable materials.
At CIOB, we have long encouraged the implementation of comprehensive green skills strategies across all aspects of the built environment. It is essential to incorporate sustainability into all roles, not just professions like environmentalists and ecologists.
I believe this approach means that all industry professionals contribute to environmental goals such as net zero, while also creating a culture of sustainability across the sector.
Disparity between urban and rural areas
Cecilia often talked about how the contrast between large cities such as Nairobi and rural areas in Kenya further complicates the sustainability landscape. For example, Nairobi is rapidly modernizing, but rural areas often lack access to advanced construction techniques and sustainable materials.
These materials often have to be imported, Cecilia said, which actually undermines sustainability objectives and undermines efforts to reduce carbon in projects, for example. For this reason, Dr. Wandiga and I both agree that we need to place greater emphasis on local materials (often the ones most suited to local conditions) and nature-based solutions.
climate change challenges
Kenya is particularly vulnerable to problems such as drought, floods and unpredictable weather patterns.
To keep everyone safe, developers working on buildings must consider local climate conditions, using materials and techniques that protect the building’s structure and reduce its impact on the environment.
Cecilia and I had a long discussion about the types of materials Kenya needs. For example, there is less of a need for concrete designed to withstand sub-zero temperatures, but there is a need for low-carbon concrete and sustainable wood.
financial constraints
Cecilia told me how the apparent lack of financing options is a major impediment to sustainable construction in Kenya. Many developers and contractors find it difficult to invest in sustainable materials and technologies due to high initial costs, especially when materials have to be imported from other parts of the world.
This requires innovative approaches, such as green finance taxonomies and customized financial products, to guide investments towards sustainable activities and help investors make informed decisions.
Another solution could be to create financial incentives to make sustainable construction more accessible. This could include green loans and tax incentives that significantly reduce the financial burden on construction companies committed to sustainable building.
Kenya needs innovative solutions
Dr. Wandiga’s leadership and CSTI’s research on biochar are prime examples of the innovative approaches needed to address some of the challenges mentioned above.
This was proposed as part of Kenya’s National Building Code as a suggestion on suitable materials to be used in construction, and Dr Wandiga’s team was asked to advise.
The research is still ongoing and at a very early stage, but what we already know is that Biochar’s structure can reduce thermal conductivity and improve insulation. It can improve the durability of concrete by enhancing hydration and physical filling, and it also acts as a carbon sink, capturing and storing CO2 from the atmosphere.
The conclusion is
Kenya’s construction industry faces significant challenges, but there are many opportunities to embrace sustainability. By addressing skills gaps, closing the urban-rural divide, and adopting climate-resilient design, all of this combined with access to adequate finance, Kenya can pave the way to a sustainable construction future.
Innovations such as CSTI’s Biochar research and Dr. Wandiga’s locally-based sustainable construction strategies highlight the potential of indigenous solutions to lead sustainable development. As she emphasizes, a science-led, community-centered, and values-based approach will be key.
To learn more about Dr. Wandiga’s work and perspective, I recommend watching this webinar that she and I attended last year.
Photo above: Dr. Wandiga and his team (Source: CIOB)
