EDGE Buildings’ Post

Reconnecting with Nigeria: Creating Resilient & Inclusive Urban Spaces in the Heart of Africa Last week at the World Green Building Council Global Leadership Summit, we initiated crucial discussions on urban resilience among other topics. As Africans face climate-driven urbanization, integrating green infrastructure, affordable housing, accessible transportation, and community engagement is essential. This holistic approach addresses both environmental challenges and health considerations in urban development. Why aren't we adapting more swiftly? Let's explore actionable solutions to ensure our urban spaces are resilient and inclusive as referenced by Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC) Adaptation hub ! #UrbanResilience #InclusiveDevelopment #SustainableCities #ClimateResponsiveDesign #UrbanPlanning #FutureCitiesAfrica #FutureCitiesSummit2024 #AGBSummit2024 #green buildings

The #Lesotho Urban Agenda aims to elevate the standing of urbanization within the Lesotho Strategic Development Plan and foster a sustainable and competitive urban development system that will contribute to Lesotho’s economic, social and environmentally sustainable development. Africa recently had its first urban forum in Addis Ababa, #Ethiopia; a country whose pace at delivering a model urban setting is remarkable. While we shared Lesotho's progress and outlook for the future with participating states and partners, we remain optimistic and open to learning and sharing lessons and experiences. The Government of Lesotho is committed to developing the spatial and regulatory frameworks including urban planning and design instruments that support sustainable management of land, appropriate compactness, density and mixed uses through infill or urban extension strategies in order to achieve urban resilience, inclusion and sustainability.   The Kingdom is also committed to promoting the safe, inclusive and accessible green public spaces and road infrastructure network in an effort to contribute to the social and economic development of our city through the Maseru City Council initiatives, lighting the city, upgrading of urban road networks, and the Maseru City Urban Monitoring Framework.   We are passionate about the use and generation of renewable and affordable energy and energy efficient buildings and construction methods that contribute to the minimization of greenhouse gas emissions and black carbon pollution to promote environmentally sustainable and resilient urban development. 🇱🇸 #TheLesothoWeWant #ExperienceElevation #AfricaUrbanization

Just One Week to Close of Early Bird Registration! Kenya stands at the forefront of urban innovation and sustainable development. As an emerging market and one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, the opportunities in the Kenyan real estate sector are boundless. This year's theme, "Building Tomorrow: Real Estate as a Catalyst for Sustainable Urban Futures," is more relevant than ever as Kenya rapidly emerges as a leading economy in Africa. With urbanization on the rise, this conference is a pivotal moment for anyone involved in the real estate sector. Conference Highlights: 1.   Cities in Kenya by 2030 and Beyond 2.   Urban Planning, Infrastructure, and Smart Cities 3.   Real Estate Finance and Asset Management 4.   Building Design and Sustainability 5.   Construction Technologies and Management Register today and secure your spot at a discounted rate before the early bird window closes on July 31st! Link: https://lnkd.in/dGzBgrEK

KGB Conference in Nairobi Focuses on Sustainable Housing and Smart Cities The Kenya Green Building Society (KGB) is hosting a conference in Nairobi centered on sustainable housing and smart cities. This event brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss innovative solutions for urban development in Kenya and across Africa. The conference addresses the pressing need for sustainable urban growth in the face of rapid urbanization. Kenya, like many African countries, is experiencing a surge in urban populations, necessitating the development of smart, sustainable cities that can accommodate this growth while minimizing environmental impact. Sustainable housing is a key focus of the conference, reflecting the growing demand for affordable, eco-friendly living spaces. This aligns with broader initiatives across Africa to address housing deficits and improve living conditions for urban residents. The event explores various approaches to sustainable housing, including innovative construction methods and green building practices. #SustainableHousing #SmartCities #UrbanDevelopment #GreenBuilding #AfricanUrbanization

Adopting sustainable and efficient mode of urban mobility is worth attempting now for a country like Uganda. for the new regional cities, the gist of urban planning in the context of engineering for the right choice of infrastructure needs to be prioritized. create more #SafeCyclingLanes

This week was incredibly fulfilling as I led preparations for the Close Out of the Ghana Urban Mobility and Accessibility Project (GUMAP). The discussions at the forum covered several critical issues, including: 1. Prioritizing Sustainable Urban Mobility and Accessibility in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA); 2. A Strategy for Sustainable Urban Mobility in GAMA: Synthesis of studies and surveys conducted under GUMAP; 3. Reflecting on GUMAP's role in improving mobility and accessibility in GAMA; 4. Reflections on repositioning GAPTE: lessons on a transjurisdictional approach to public transport planning and management; and 5. Decarbonizing the Transport Sector: Sustainable transportation options Dr. Evan Aggrey-Darkoh, the Head of Civil Service, chaired the event. Attendees included Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah (MP), Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development; Simone Haeberli, Head of Cooperation and Deputy Head of Mission of the Swiss Embassy; Hon. Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover, Greater Accra Regional Minister; Hon. Abdulai Abanga (MP) and Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah(Esq., MP), Deputy Ministers for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development. The theme speaker was Prof. Michael Poku-Boansi, Deputy Director, School of Graduate Studies, KNUST. You can access the Compilation of Summaries of Project Reports and the Complete Report via the following link: [Compilation of Summaries of Project Reports] - as attached. [Complete Report](https://lnkd.in/efsFvjpu) The outcomes and recommendations from GUMAP are expected to significantly influence the mobility and accessibility situation in GAMA and other urban areas.

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

As Nigeria's cities continue to grow and urbanize, it's time to rethink the way we design and build our spaces. Green building practices aren't just luxury, or for our conversations from seminars to conferences and while those are important too, we must see that they're a necessity for a truly sustainable future. We must embrace eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and innovative designs that prioritize both form and function, and we must do so quickly. To create a built environment that not only reduces carbon emissions but also provides healthier, more affordable, spaces for all Nigerians in the face of rapid urbanization and housing emergencies.

We're proud to announce that the Amref International University (AMIU) in Nairobi has achieved IFC EDGE Buildings Preliminary Design certification, making it the first higher educational institution in the region to receive a green building rating. Green buildings in educational facilities are more than just an eco-friendly trend - they are essential for creating healthier, more productive learning environments. Here's why: 🔹 Enhanced Learning Environments: Studies have shown that students in green buildings experience improved cognitive function, increased attendance, and higher overall academic performance due to better indoor air quality, natural lighting and thermal comfort. 🔹 Long-Term Financial Savings: Green buildings reduce energy and water consumption through efficient systems and renewable energy sources, resulting in significant cost savings over time. These savings can be redirected to enhance educational programs and resources. 🔹 Environmental Leadership: Educational institutions play a pivotal role in shaping future generations. By embracing sustainable practices, they instill a sense of environmental responsibility and awareness in students, preparing them to be leaders in sustainability. 🔹 Community and Global Impact: Sustainable buildings reduce the environmental footprint, conserve resources and promote healthier communities. They contribute to the global effort against climate change, showcasing a commitment to a greener, healthier planet. We are thrilled to see Amref International University (AMIU) leading the way in sustainable education. This achievement underscores the importance of integrating green building practices in educational facilities across Africa. Together, we can build a sustainable future for our students and our planet. 🌍🏫 Beglin Woods #GreenBuilding #SustainableDevelopment #AfricaGreenBuildings Kenya Green Building Society Linda Diana Amrish Shah

I love this shift that is happening in spatial planning! By prioritizing sustainability in urban development, we not only mitigate environmental impacts but also enhance our quality of life.