As the world grapples with the accelerating challenges of climate change, resource depletion, and urbanisation, the construction industry stands at a crossroads. Traditional building methods have often prioritised short-term gains, with little regard for their long-term environmental impact. However, the rise of green building and sustainable architecture has introduced a paradigm shift, emphasising environmentally responsible construction practices that can mitigate the effects of climate change, conserve resources, and improve the well-being of building occupants.
These principles are not just theoretical; they are already being realised in cities around the world, including at the Eastgate Mall in Harare, which stands as a testament to how sustainable design can be seamlessly integrated into urban environments.
The adoption of sustainable architecture is increasingly seen as a business imperative. For companies, embracing green building practices is not just about reducing the carbon footprint. It is about futureproofing their operations, reducing operational costs, and improving corporate reputation. As governments, investors, and consumers become more environmentally conscious, businesses are under mounting pressure to adopt more sustainable practices. Green buildings, with their focus on energy efficiency, water conservation, and resource optimisation, offer a viable solution to this challenge.
For companies looking to stay competitive, investing in sustainable design and construction is not just a responsible choice. It is a strategic move. Further, one of the driving forces behind the rise of green buildings is the growing awareness of the environmental impact of traditional construction methods.
The construction industry is one of the largest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for roughly 39% of total emissions worldwide, according to the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction. This figure includes emissions from the construction process itself and the operation of buildings once they are completed.
As the world moves toward carbon neutrality, building with sustainability in mind is no longer a choice, it is a necessity. Energy efficiency is a cornerstone of green building design. From solar panels to high-performance insulation, modern technologies have made it easier than ever to reduce a building’s energy consumption. Many green buildings now feature smart technologies such as automated lighting systems, motion sensors, and energy-efficient systems that adjust based on real-time data, ensuring that energy is only used when needed.
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These innovations, combined with passive design strategies like strategic building orientation and natural ventilation, help create buildings that not only use less energy but also reduce dependence on non-renewable resources.
A good example of green building in action is the Eastgate Mall in Harare, which incorporates a range of innovative sustainability features. Its natural ventilation system mimics the cooling mechanisms of termite mounds.
The structure uses passive cooling techniques that significantly reduce the need for air conditioning, which is a major energy consumer in most buildings. Instead of relying on energy-intensive mechanical systems, Eastgate Mall’s design takes advantage of the natural airflow created by the building’s ventilation shafts and strategically placed windows. This passive cooling system allows the mall to maintain a comfortable internal temperature year-round, with minimal energy use.
In addition to its energy-efficient design, Eastgate Mall also uses locally sourced materials, further reducing its environmental footprint. Local materials not only reduce carbon emissions associated with transportation, but also help support the local economy.
The integration of natural materials into the building’s structure further enhances its environmental performance, creating a space that blends seamlessly into its surroundings while minimising resource use. The success of Eastgate Mall demonstrates that green building is not just a theoretical concept, but it is a tangible solution that can be applied to properties.
Green buildings also highlight the growing trend of biophilic design, which seeks to connect occupants with nature through the built environment. The biophilic design concept has been shown to reduce stress, increase productivity, and improve overall well-being.
At Eastgate Mall, elements of nature are incorporated into the design - from the use of natural lighting to the inclusion of green spaces and gardens.
These spaces not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the building but also contribute to the health and comfort of its occupants. With more companies prioritising the health and well-being of their employees, biophilic design is becoming an increasingly important aspect of green building practices.
Moreover, financial benefits of green building are another compelling reason for companies to adopt sustainable practices. Green buildings typically have lower operating costs due to their energy-efficient systems and water-saving technologies. According to the US Green Building Council , buildings with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification typically experience up to 30% lower energy costs compared to traditional buildings.
Additionally, the energy-efficient designs found in green buildings can help mitigate the impact of rising utility prices, ensuring that companies can continue to operate profitably in the long term.
Investing in green building practices can also enhance a company’s reputation and marketability.
Consumers, investors, and employees are increasingly choosing businesses that prioritise sustainability. In fact, a 2020 study by Nielsen found that 66% of global consumers are willing to pay more for products and services from companies that are committed to sustainability. In a world where corporate responsibility is increasingly scrutinised, having a sustainable building can significantly improve a company’s image, attract environmentally conscious customers, and even boost employee morale.
For real estate developers, incorporating green building features can make properties more attractive to tenants, leading to higher occupancy rates and increased rental income.
More so, the shift toward sustainable architecture also aligns with broader global goals, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG 11, for example, calls for the creation of sustainable cities and communities, while SDG 13 emphasises the urgent need for climate action.
Green building practices directly contribute to the achievement of these goals by reducing energy consumption, minimising waste, and enhancing the resilience of cities to the impacts of climate change. In this way, adopting sustainable architecture is good for business and the planet.
The integration of smart technologies into green buildings is another key trend driving innovation in sustainable construction. These technologies, which include sensors, automation systems, and advanced energy management tools, allow buildings to operate more efficiently by optimising energy use and reducing waste.
For example, many new buildings incorporate smart meters that track energy consumption in real time, providing valuable data to building managers and occupants. This data can be used to make informed decisions about energy use, further reducing the building’s environmental impact.
In addition, Internet of Things (IoT) devices can monitor air quality, lighting levels, and occupancy patterns, enabling buildings to adjust their systems automatically to maintain a comfortable environment while minimising energy consumption.
The concept of net-zero buildings or buildings that produce as much energy as they consume, is gaining momentum in the construction industry.
These buildings are designed to minimise energy consumption through highly efficient insulation, low-energy windows, and renewable energy sources like solar panels.
They are also equipped with energy storage systems, such as batteries, to store excess energy generated during the day for use at night.
As the technology behind net-zero buildings continues to improve, these structures are expected to become more common, helping to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the built environment.
The demand for sustainable buildings is not limited to new construction. Retrofitting existing buildings to improve their energy efficiency and reduce their environmental impact is becoming increasingly important.
This involves upgrading older buildings with modern energy-efficient systems, such as high-performance windows, insulation, and heating and cooling systems. This process can significantly reduce a building’s carbon emissions, extending its lifespan and improving its overall performance.
For businesses operating in older buildings, retrofitting offers a cost-effective way to align with sustainability goals without the need for costly new construction projects.
Looking ahead, the future of sustainable architecture is bright. As governments and businesses continue to prioritise environmental responsibility, the demand for green buildings will only increase.
However, the benefits of sustainable architecture go far beyond environmental impact.
They also create healthier, more efficient, and more resilient spaces for people to live and work.
The success of buildings like Eastgate Mall demonstrates that sustainable design can be both practical and aesthetically pleasing, offering a model for other developers to follow. For companies, adopting green building practices is not just an investment in the future.
It is an investment in a more sustainable, prosperous, and equitable world.
Bingura is a climate and sustainability consultant with the Institute of Sustainability Africa, an independent multi-disciplinary sustainability think-tank with 14 years’ experience in “advancing sustainability initiatives for Africa”. These weekly New Horizon articles, published in the Zimbabwe Independent, are coordinated by Lovemore Kadenge, an independent consultant, managing consultant of Zawale Consultants (Pvt) Ltd, past president of the Zimbabwe Economics Society and past president of the Chartered Governance & Accountancy Institute in Zimbabwe (CGI Zimbabwe). — kadenge.zes@gmail.com or mobile: +263 772 382 852.