Real estate developers urged to adopt green building technologies

The Chief Executive Officer of Ghanaian design-build firm, Spektra Global, Mr William Evans Halm, has urged real estate developers in the country to adopt green-building methods in their constructions.

That, he said, would ensure safety of lives and the environment.

Speaking at the International Building Construction and Property Exhibition in Accra, he also called for the government’s intervention in ensuring that architects and contractors attached new sustainable construction mechanisms regarding building environmentally friendly houses.

He maintained that green building structures were energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

He said sustainable building was a step in the right direction towards conserving global energy.
Sustainable building focuses on creating structures that are environmentally friendly and ensures efficient resource use in construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and deconstruction.

Through it, advocates of green building seek to preserve resources such as energy and water, reduce greenhouse gas emission and minimise waste.

Overall, the idea of sustainable buildings is to reduce the negative impact of a building on its environment and improve the quality of life for users.

According to a World Green Building Council Report, savings in a sustainable building could be very significant: from 25 to 35 per cent energy savings, and up to 39 per cent water savings compared to a conventional building.

Green buildings help improve the quality of life by enhancing occupants' health, well-being and comfort through better energy and lighting management.

Incentives for architects

Mr Halm also urged the government to provide incentives for architects and contractors who embrace green building architecture in the country.

He said that could be in the form of tax incentives to individuals and institutions to enhance commitment towards building sustainable and eco-friendly infrastructure.

He also noted that various MMDAs could collaborate with the Ghana Green Council, where developers with certificate from the council, or an Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) certification would be given waivers on their building permits.

On cost, he said, the initial cost that came with building sustainably was a bit more expensive but the long-term cost was cheaper.

"The running cost and long-term benefits such as energy and water savings and maintenance make it cheaper than other forms of buildings."

"So, it is more about conscientising people and the benefits it brings to the developer because the architects and the engineers are already fired up about sustainability."

Mr Halm said it was becoming imperative and wise for banks to finance sustainable buildings because they were the ones that were getting rented or bought.