Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo
Zimpapers Business Hub
The Green Building Council of Zimbabwe has called for the inclusion of the built environment in the Climate Change Bill, saying that buildings contribute about 40 percent of carbon emissions.
This comes as the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Environment, Climate and Wildlife, together with the Thematic Committee on Climate Change, has begun nationwide public hearings on the Climate Change Management Bill.
The Bill was recently gazetted following Cabinet’s approval of its principles in May.
A public notice on the hearings says, “The Joint Portfolio Committee on Environment, Climate and Wildlife and Thematic Committee on Climate Change will hold public hearings on the Climate Change Management Bill (H.B.5, 2025) from the 20th to the 27th of October 2025.”
Green Building Council of Zimbabwe chairperson Dr Mike Eric Juru said the Bill did not capture the built environment, yet it is the most significant contributor to climate change.
He said, “The Parliament is conducting public hearings in terms of the Climate Change Bill, buildings are in charge of 40 percent of carbon emissions, and the Bill unfortunately does not capture the built environment, yet it is the most significant contributor to climate change.”
In its submission titled Greening the Built Environment: A Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Strategy through Green Building Rating and Certification Green Building Council of Zimbabwe said green building was a beacon of environmental sustainability, advocating for responsible practices throughout the lifecycle.
The council said relevant policies are needed to bring sustainability to the built environment, making green building standards mandatory in the country, primarily through the Climate Change Management Bill.
“Green buildings seamlessly integrate energy-efficient technologies, sustainable materials, and innovative design strategies to minimise resource consumption, curb carbon footprint, and elevate occupant comfort and well-being,” reads the submission.
“While the green building concept sounds foreign, it can be localised to be relevant through contextualising our situation and expectations, and statutory incorporation is naturally the best form of ensuring defined climate adaptation and mitigation measures.”
The Climate Change Management Bill seeks to provide a comprehensive legal framework for addressing climate change in Zimbabwe. Among other measures, it provides for the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, including data collection and measurement in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.
It also proposes the establishment of a National Climate Fund to finance climate change projects and related activities.
Under the proposed law, both public and private institutions will be required to integrate climate change measures into their systems and plans.
Ministries, Government departments, and agencies will be mandated to appoint dedicated staff and focal officers responsible for mainstreaming climate change activities.
The Bill also seeks to facilitate the implementation of Zimbabwe’s international obligations related to climate change and ozone layer protection.
It emphasises the country’s fair contribution to global efforts to limit temperature increases to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
A key provision of the Bill is the creation of a carbon trading framework and a Zimbabwe Carbon Credit Registry.
A new body, the Zimbabwe Carbon Markets Authority, will be established within the Climate Change Management Department to register and monitor carbon trading projects.
In addition, the Minister responsible for Climate Change, in consultation with the Minister of Finance, will be empowered to provide incentives to individuals and entities advancing climate change adaptation and mitigation initiatives.
Another major provision of the Bill is its strong emphasis on community engagement and stakeholder consultation.
It requires all project applicants to develop detailed consultation plans outlining how they will engage communities, including those indirectly affected.
The Bill also promotes inclusivity by mandating the participation of women and vulnerable groups in climate-related decision-making processes, a move aimed at enhancing equity and transparency.
Furthermore, it introduces a formal grievance and redress mechanism, offering citizens a structured avenue to seek recourse for climate-related grievances.
Green Building Council of Zimbabwe advocates for a statutory-driven green building code that outlines a minimum specification for compliance and subsequent adoption of green building rating and certification systems to mitigate climate change and enhance adaptation in the built environment.
Green building, also known as sustainable building or eco-friendly building, refers to the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of buildings that minimise environmental impact and maximise resource efficiency throughout their lifecycle.
These aim to reduce energy and water consumption, waste, and pollution while providing healthy and comfortable indoor environments.
They often incorporate solar panels, green roofs, rainwater harvesting, and sustainable materials. The goal is to create environmentally responsible, resource-efficient, and sustainable buildings for future generations.
Building green is globally acceptable to promote sustainable design, construction, and operation practices that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance resilience, and support environmentally conscious development in the built environment.
