Integrate renewable energy in construction, Works Minister urges developers
What you need to know:
- The 2019 report by the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction under the United Nations Environment Program indicated that the building and construction sector accounts for 39 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions and 36 percent of global energy use
Works and transport Minister Gen Edward Katumba Wamala has rallied developers to implement the energy-efficient measures that integrate renewable energy into construction practices.
While officiating at this years’ edition of the National Building Control Awards (NBCA) held in Kampala on December 4, Gen Katumba said that this will lower energy bills, reduce operational costs, and enhance innovation, ultimately increasing profitability and conserving the environment.
“We must rethink our strategies to reverse current trends. Uganda has updated its climate action plans and committed to reducing emissions by 24.7 percent by 2030. As stakeholders in the built environment, we have a critical role in helping the government achieve this target,” he said.
He added, “Prioritize low-carbon building materials, reuse existing materials, and enhance material efficiency and manufacturing practices to reduce embodied carbon significantly,”
The 2019 report by the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction under the United Nations Environment Program indicated that the building and construction sector accounts for 39 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions and 36 percent of global energy use.
In Africa, building-related activities contribute 32 percent of carbon emissions, with the building stock expected to double by 2050.
Gen Katumba said that environmental challenges including encroachments on water catchment areas, forest reserves, and increased greenhouse gas emissions during construction have for years been posed by rapid growth in the construction sector. These include
The 2024 NCBA was organised by the National Building Review Board (NBRB) with an aim of recognizing individuals and institutions that have consistently complied with building regulations by ensuring their projects are well-planned, safe, and environmentally sustainable.
It was held under the theme: Building for Sustainability, celebrated efforts toward reducing the carbon footprint in the construction industry and emphasized the need for harmony between development and environmental preservation.
Speaking at the event, Eng. Flavia Bwire, Executive Secretary of the NBRB reiterated the significance of sustainable building practices, noting that these efforts are essential to environmental stewardship.
“Sustainability in building is not just a trend but a necessity. We have the responsibility to make choices that protect and preserve our environment. Let us commit to constructing structures that respect our resources and contribute to a healthier, sustainable future,” she stated.
The awards recognized various contributors to sustainable building, including Building Contractors Award that was scooped by Excel Construction Company, Building Materials Manufacturers Award that went to Roofings Group, Building Control Officer Award won by Kira Municipality, Building Award taken by Children’s Surgical Hospital, Entebbe and Building Committee Award also scooped by Kira Municipality.
