Barry Lewis’ Post

Building Africa's Future: The Rise of Sustainable Construction Africa is currently experiencing a construction boom, with rapid urbanization and infrastructure development driving the demand for new buildings and infrastructure. However, this growth comes with significant environmental challenges, including resource depletion, pollution, and habitat destruction. In response, construction projects across the continent are increasingly turning to sustainable materials and practices to address these issues while also promoting economic development. One of the key trends in African construction is the use of sustainable materials sourced locally. Bamboo, for example, is gaining popularity as a building material due to its rapid growth, strength, and versatility. In countries like Ethiopia and Ghana, bamboo is being used to construct everything from houses to bridges, providing affordable and eco-friendly solutions. Another innovative material making waves in African construction is compressed earth blocks (CEBs). Made from locally available soil, CEBs offer a low-cost alternative to traditional bricks while significantly reducing carbon emissions associated with transportation. Projects in countries like Kenya and Tanzania are showcasing the potential of CEBs to create durable and energy-efficient buildings. Furthermore, materials like CEBs have a lower carbon footprint compared to conventional building materials such as fired bricks or concrete blocks. This is because they require less energy to produce and transport, making them an environmentally friendly choice for construction projects. Beyond their environmental benefits, sustainable construction practices are also driving economic development across Africa. By utilizing locally sourced materials, construction projects create opportunities for small-scale producers and entrepreneurs, stimulating local economies and creating jobs. Additionally, the adoption of sustainable building practices attracts investment and international partnerships, further boosting economic growth. Initiatives like green building certifications and sustainable infrastructure projects position African countries as leaders in sustainable development, attracting attention and investment from global markets. In conclusion, the use of sustainable materials in construction projects across Africa represents a promising step towards addressing environmental challenges while promoting economic development. By harnessing the power of locally sourced materials and innovative building techniques, African countries are not only building for the present but also laying the foundation for https://lnkd.in/d3sw4szs #sustainablecomstruction #Constructioncompanies #construction #africa #Westafrica #northafrica #centralAfrica #Eastafrica #Tayma #building

Yesterday at the 7th International Construction Conference & Exhibition It was an honor to meet and shake hands with Hon. Jacob Hara , the Minister of Transport and Public Works, as he departed the event organized by the National Construction Industry Council. During his address, he highlighted the crucial need for locally produced construction materials, a point that resonates deeply with me as a real estate professional. By focusing on local production, we can reduce building costs, increase the supply of housing, and help tackle the housing crisis that Malawi is currently facing. This approach not only makes economic sense but also supports sustainable development within our communities. #ConstructionConference #RealEstate #SustainableDevelopment #LocalMaterials #HousingCrisis #BuildingEconomy #Malawi

During a recent trip through the Scottish Highlands, I was struck by the contrast between their narrow, winding roads and the wide, multi-lane highways common in Ghana. This sparked a question: Are we building roads that truly serve our needs, or are we blindly following a "wider is better" philosophy? In Ghana, we often see expansive highways in urban centers, seemingly built for traffic volumes far exceeding current reality. Meanwhile, many rural communities lack even basic paved roads. This disparity highlights a critical need to re-evaluate our approach. Evidence suggests that narrower roads, tailored to specific needs and traffic conditions, can be safer and more cost-effective. Studies show that reducing road width can decrease construction costs by 30-40%, freeing up resources to connect underserved areas. Furthermore, narrower roads, when paired with appropriate design speeds, often lead to fewer accidents. Countries like the UK and the Netherlands demonstrate the benefits of this approach. Their roads are designed for functionality, with widths and speeds optimized for local conditions. They prioritize pedestrian safety and efficient traffic flow, rather than simply maximizing road size. Ghana can learn from these examples. By adopting a "value management" approach, we can build roads that are: Cost-effective: Utilizing narrower roads where appropriate and sourcing local materials can significantly reduce expenses. Safe: Aligning road widths with appropriate design speeds and prioritizing proper intersection design can enhance safety for all road users. Context-specific: Road design should consider local needs, including population density, terrain, and economic activity. Rural roads, for instance, may require different specifications than urban highways. Sustainable: Incorporating local knowledge and materials can promote environmental responsibility and community ownership. This shift requires moving beyond the outdated notion that "wider is better." We need a smarter strategy that prioritizes functionality, safety, and long-term sustainability. Let's pave the way forward, not with wider roads, but with roads that are truly fit for purpose. #Ghana #infrastructure #roadsafety #sustainabledevelopment #valueengineering

Excellent article about the steps progressing energy transition benefitting all communities.

Recognizing the significance of sustainability in Nigeria's future, AGV Construction is committed to implementing sustainable practices across all its projects. We are acutely aware of the environmental and socio-economic implications of the infrastructures we contribute to, be it roads, buildings, or bridges. Our objective is to meet the requirements of both current and future generations. Consequently, we are dedicated to selecting suitable sustainable construction techniques. #hardwork #constructon #sustainability #AGV #constructionindustry #infrastructure #safetyfirst #constructionlife #SustainableConstruction #GreenBuilding #EcoFriendly #Sustainability #ClimateAction #BUILDINGTODAYSINFRASTRUCTUREFORTOMORROWSGENERATION

🌿🏡 At Greenbuild SA, we are proud to provide leading innovative building technologies to South Africa and abroad 🌱🏭 As we look to the future, it's clear that embracing these advancements is not just beneficial but necessary. Innovative technologies offer unparalleled opportunities to enhance sustainability, efficiency, and overall building performance. From energy-efficient materials to smart building systems, these technologies are revolutionizing the construction industry and shaping the cities of tomorrow. As we navigate towards a more sustainable future, it's clear that innovative building technologies will play a crucial role. At Greenbuild SA, we are committed to driving this change and helping our clients embrace these advancements. Together, we can build a more sustainable and resilient world for future generations. Start adopting the faster, more affordable, more sustainable ways to build, with Greenbuild SA. ☎ 079-528-1986 ✉ info@greenbuildsa.co.za 🌐 www.greenbuildsa.co.za #greenbuilding #greenbuild #affordable #faster #sustainable #build #construction #alternativebuilding #foamconcrete #offshutterfoamconcrete

With the current level of inflation within the country and the increasing demand for affordable housing, it's time to think more innovatively about construction. Consider adopting new methods with alternative building materials like Bamboo, Stabilized Compressed Earth Blocks made from laterite, Shipping Containers and Polystyrene. These alternatives to traditional materials can significantly lower construction costs, making housing more affordable and accessible for Nigerians. #realinitiative #sustainablecommunities #thrivingcommunities

Join the World Green Building Council webinars today as we spotlight a sustainability topic so often overlooked in the built environment sector - water. We face huge challenges worldwide in terms of equitable access, resilient supplies and the water x emissions interplay - and in today’s discussions we will explore the role of the built environment in tackling this growing crisis.

In 2018, South Africa’s Cape Town called worldwide attention to the water crisis by showing that it was heading towards Day Zero — the day when a city runs dry, forcing people to collect daily quotas of water. The fresh water crisis is one of the greatest humanitarian crises we face today. The #builtenvironment is responsible for 15% of fresh water use and is a key player in addressing the issue. Still, it is one of the most overlooked aspects of building, architecture and construction. 💻 Join our water webinar on 25 April (12:30 BST and 16:30 BST) and learn more about how the buildings and construction sector can tackle the global water crisis. Register here: https://bit.ly/3vP9s22 #BuildingTheTransition #BuildingToCOP BuildingToCOP29