The construction industry is one of the most prominent consumers of natural resources and minerals. Due to the growing concerns over global warming and the finite nature of natural resources, sustainable construction in Kenya has become a debated topic with construction firms being reassured to reduce their environmental impact. so how exactly does one transition to sustainable construction in Kenya?
What is sustainable construction in Kenya?
Sustainable construction refers to the usage of renewable and recyclable materials in building construction projects to reduce energy consumption and toxic waste. The main goal of this initiative is to reduce the construction industry’s impact on the environment by utilizing sustainable construction procedures, energy efficiency, and harnessing green technology
Benefits of sustainable construction in Kenya
Sustainable construction in Kenya is beneficial not just to the environment but also to individuals and communities. some of the proven benefits include:
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Promotes cost efficiency
Although the initial upfront costs of building such structures may be higher, the efficient layouts save the building owners down the line as the reduced maintenance and operational costs mean huge savings.
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Decreased material costs
– Sustainable construction building methods use eco-friendly materials without compromising quality and structural integrity. Most of these materials are recycled and reused. This, therefore, means reduced cost of purchasing construction materials
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Promotes healthier living
Sustainable construction promotes healthy living, and our surroundings significantly impact our physical, mental, and emotional health. Occupants residing in sustainable buildings have experienced a noticeable improvement in their health and overall quality of life.
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Reduces waste
Pollution and depletion of natural resources are at an all-time high and global warming has remained a steadfast concern due to its increasing effects. With sustainable technological advancements, we can the effects of climate change. Relying on renewable resources and methods helps reduce waste and promote a cleaner environment.
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Enhanced building performance
sustainable construction practices can lead to the development of better-performing buildings that consume less energy water and other resources while generating less pollution.
Techniques of sustainable construction in Kenya
Here are some of the techniques to make construction more sustainable:
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Use sustainable building materials
One of the techniques is to use sustainable building materials in the construction of structures to help reduce the environmental impact of construction, save energy reduce pollution, and conserve resources.
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Use construction technology
The use of construction technology like 3D printing and BIM software can help build more sustainably by improving construction efficiency, reducing waste, and saving energy.
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Implement sustainable construction practices
There are various sustainable construction practices that can be implemented on construction projects for example using green roofs, solar panels, and greywater systems
Barriers to implementing sustainable construction in Kenya.
The transition to sustainable construction does not happen overnight, implementation of these techniques faces some challenges which include:
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Cost
Sustainable construction practices can be more expensive upfront but can be cost-effective in the long run. contractors are always under pressure to reduce costs but sustainable construction comes at a higher price than the demand.
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Building code requirements
These requirements are the major barriers to the adoption of sustainable construction practices because they are often outdated and do not reflect the latest advances in sustainable techniques.
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Inexperience
Another barrier is inexperience. It is difficult to find contractors who are willing to adopt new construction methods since they are not familiar with sustainable practices
Conclusion
Energy efficiency remains to be the number one priority of sustainable buildings, and sustainable construction in Kenya. Structures that obtain energy from natural resources like wind and sun are favorable to our environment. with the ever-increasing expectations of sustainability, the minimum bar is rising for everyone in the construction sector.
