|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Ghana has taken a major step forward in its fight against climate change with the launch of the “Roadmap to Decarbonise the Building and Construction Sector,” a plan aimed at reducing carbon emissions across the entire construction value chain.
The initiative was introduced on Thursday in Accra, where government officials, industry leaders, and international partners gathered to discuss the country’s strategy for sustainable development in one of its most critical sectors.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Prince Hamid Armah, Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Works and Housing, highlighted the significance of the roadmap as a blueprint for transformation. “This roadmap is not just a document; it is a blueprint for meaningful change,” Dr. Armah said.
“It sets clear goals and identifies priority areas for intervention, with demonstration projects that signal our commitment to embedding sustainability into every phase of the building lifecycle – from design through construction to maintenance,” he added.
The construction industry, globally, accounts for a staggering 37% of energy-related carbon emissions, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). In Ghana, where urbanization is rapidly accelerating, addressing the environmental footprint of the built environment has become an urgent priority. Ghana’s urban population has surged to 58%, driving the demand for construction materials and infrastructure. As such, the roadmap seeks to implement energy-efficient systems, promote the use of green building materials, and advance sustainable urban planning practices.
The launch of the roadmap follows the 2023 “Transforming the Built Environment through Sustainable Materials” programme, which laid the groundwork for this comprehensive strategy. Dr. Armah expressed his gratitude to Ghana’s partners, including UN-Habitat and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), for their collaboration. “Your support has been crucial in developing this roadmap, which seeks to reduce emissions throughout the entire construction value chain, advancing our shared sustainability goals,” he noted.
As Ghana’s economic growth fuels demand for new buildings and infrastructure, the roadmap outlines key strategies to reduce environmental impacts. These include utilising innovative technologies, fostering stakeholder collaboration, and designing resilient structures that can withstand the effects of climate change.
“The time to act is now,” Dr. Armah urged the audience. “As Ghana’s population grows and economic development accelerates, our built environment expands, necessitating urgent and coordinated action.”
Ghana’s leadership in tackling climate change extends beyond national boundaries, reflecting global trends in sustainable development. The country’s strong partnerships with international organizations and its proactive approach to environmental stewardship position it as a leader in the region’s climate agenda. The launch of this roadmap comes as world leaders continue to push for greater accountability in reducing carbon footprints and promoting sustainability.
Dr. Armah pointed out that the construction sector is a significant contributor to resource consumption, with 40% of global energy use and 30% of raw material extraction linked to the industry. “These statistics highlight the urgent need for us to mitigate the environmental impact of the construction industry,” he said.
The roadmap’s unveiling also emphasized the broader impact of sustainable construction on communities. “Our built environment deeply influences our quality of life and represents our values and culture. Let us ensure that it also reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability and to the future of our planet,” Dr. Armah stated.
Ghana’s bold initiative follows in the footsteps of other nations pushing for decarbonization in industries that have traditionally contributed heavily to environmental degradation. The roadmap aims to pave the way for cleaner, greener, and more resilient infrastructure, ensuring that the country’s development does not come at the cost of environmental health.
The launch event saw the participation of key stakeholders from the government, private sector, and civil society, all of whom are expected to play a pivotal role in the roadmap’s implementation. As Dr. Armah concluded, “Together, we can create a greener, more sustainable Ghana—one that embodies our values, respects our environment, and ensures prosperity for all.”
Global impact and local commitment
Ghana’s decarbonisation roadmap reflects the broader international commitment to the Paris Agreement’s climate targets. The country’s approach aligns with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat the adverse effects of climate change, particularly in sectors like construction that have been slow to adopt green practices.
As the roadmap moves from paper to practice, its success will rely heavily on cooperation among diverse stakeholders. Dr. Armah’s call for collaboration—between government entities, the private sector, financial institutions, and civil society—underscored the importance of a unified approach. “Our success depends on the collaboration of all stakeholders,” he remarked.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, Ghana’s decarbonization roadmap offers a promising model for other developing nations looking to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility. The roadmap is set to drive innovation, inspire partnerships, and foster a future where sustainable development is at the forefront of national priorities.
Email Daily Mail GH: stories@dailymailgh.com or
Whatsapp: +233(0)509928122
