Online Reporter
Africa Moyo
Deputy National Editor
AS public hearings continue on the Climate Change Management Bill, some environmental advocates are raising alarm over the omission of the built environment’s 40 percent contribution to the phenomenon.
Parliament is conducting public hearings on the Bill, which was gazetted in September and approved by Cabinet earlier in the year.
Running from October 20 to 27, the hearings are an important step towards establishing a dedicated legal framework to guide the country’s response to climate change.
The Green Building Council of Zimbabwe has since called for urgent amendments to the Bill, saying buildings account for approximately 40 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, with 30 percent stemming from operational energy use and 10 percent from the embodied carbon in construction materials.
The hearings have attracted public attention as Zimbabwe grapples with the harsh realities of climate change, evident in the increasing frequency of cyclones and droughts.
Climate change advocates argue that the built environment, while essential for urban development, is a major contributor to climate change and must be addressed in climate legislation.
In its contribution, the Green Building Council of Zimbabwe said the indisputable fact behind all this is that climate change is real, and the built environment, necessary as it is, unfortunately, is a significant contributor.
“Interestingly, all building materials come from the environment and impact the environment: bricks, cement, roof covering, trusses, glazing, steel or aluminium, paint and many more.
“The scenario is desperate, and the solution is to simultaneously work on climate mitigation and adaptation.”
Without statutory incorporation of green building standards, voluntary efforts may not yield significant results, as human nature always gravitates towards more accessible options, said the Green Building Council.
The call to integrate green building practices into the Climate Change Management Bill comes amid growing environmental concerns, after the country has been battered by floods, at times erratic rains and scorching heat.
It is argued that Zimbabwe’s urban development should embrace sustainable practices to reduce carbon emissions, enhance energy efficiency and foster healthier living environments.
Added the Council: “Green building is a beacon of environmental sustainability, advocating for responsible practices throughout the life cycle. “Relevant policies are needed to bring sustainability to the built environment, making green building standards mandatory in our 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.
While the green building concept sounds foreign, it can be localised to be relevant through contextualising the situation and expectations, and statutory incorporation is naturally the best form of ensuring defined climate adaptation and mitigation measures.
The importance of addressing the built environment in any climate legislation cannot be overstated. As urban populations continue to grow, the demand for buildings will increase, making sustainable building practices critical for future development.
Buildings not only consume a substantial share of energy, but also significantly affect occupants’ health and well-being through aspects such as indoor air quality, natural light, and thermal comfort.
In addition, buildings are vulnerable to climate-related disasters, such as floods and heatwaves, making resilience and adaptation essential components of any climate policy.
The Green Building Council argues that by addressing the built environment in the Climate Change Management Bill, policymakers can take meaningful steps towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing climate resilience and supporting sustainable development.
To effectively address the built environment’s contributions to climate change, the Green Buildings Council has proposed several key elements to be incorporated into the Climate Change Management Bill.
These include strengthening building codes to require net-zero buildings and promoting energy-efficient technologies, and offering financial incentives such as tax credits and low-interest loans to encourage the adoption of sustainable building practices.
Provisions for climate resilience in construction, such as flood-resistant designs and stormwater management systems, are also recommended.
Funding infrastructure projects that prioritise walking, cycling and public transportation, along with green spaces and urban forests, is another key element. Promoting sustainable materials and practices that encourage recycling and reuse is essential, as is investing in training programmes focused on sustainable building practices and renewable energy.
Ensuring that climate provisions prioritise affordable housing and environmental justice for vulnerable communities is also crucial, while allocating funds for innovation in building technologies and materials science will drive progress.
Establishing clear metrics for monitoring progress and ensuring accountability will help track the effectiveness of these measures.
