Green building initiatives in Tanzania, spearheaded by the Tanzania Green Building Council (TZGBC), have played a pivotal role in advancing sustainable construction practices in the country. Noteworthy projects, such as NHC Place and Kigamboni housing estate, showcase the commitment to environmental responsibility, energy efficiency, and community engagement.
NHC Place: Pioneering Zero Incremental Cost Green Building
NHC Place stands out as Tanzania’s inaugural zero incremental cost green building, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices without additional financial burden. The project developed by the National Housing Corporation employed a green value engineering approach, integrating various green elements seamlessly. Even in the site selection phase, priority was given to already developed land, preserving undeveloped areas.
The construction of NHC Place prioritized energy efficiency, incorporating thoroughly researched systems and equipment to minimize energy consumption. The building features a dedicated refuse chute for recyclable waste and the use of water-efficient plants on-site. These initiatives contribute to a reduced environmental footprint and align with global green building standards.
Kigamboni Housing Estate: Building a Resilient, Sustainable Community
Kigamboni housing estate, located in Dar Es Salaam, emphasizes the creation of a resilient and sustainable community. The project developed by Green A Consultants focused on reducing energy dependence through careful design considerations such as orientation, ventilation, insulation, solar shading, and optimal use of daylight. These measures collectively regulate building temperature, mitigating the need for excessive artificial heating, cooling, and lighting.
The project also prioritized social responsibility by minimizing the use of toxic materials and incorporating low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) paint to ensure a healthy living environment. Moreover, Kigamboni embraced community involvement, with local residents actively participating in the construction process, fostering skill development and a sense of ownership.
Green Star SA Application to Tanzania: Adapting Global Standards Locally
The Green Star SA rating tools, including Office, Retail Centre, Multi Unit Residential, Public, and Education Building, have been assessed for relevance in the Tanzanian context. The application considers the unique aspects of Tanzanian construction, including project delivery, building codes and standards, eligibility requirements, and environmental weightings.
The construction sector in Tanzania falls under the purview of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, with various key institutions overseeing different aspects of construction. The National Construction Industry Policy, approved in 2003, sets objectives to enhance the capacity and competitiveness of local construction enterprises while promoting environmentally friendly practices.
However, challenges such as outdated building regulations and weak enforcement have been identified. The Tanzanian Bureau of Standards has published standards relevant to the construction industry, but there is a recognized need for updates and stronger implementation.
Tanzania’s green building initiatives demonstrate a commitment to sustainable development, energy efficiency, and community engagement.
The adoption of international standards, such as the Green Star SA rating tools, reflects a global perspective tailored to local contexts. As the country progresses, addressing challenges in building regulations and standards enforcement will be crucial for sustaining the momentum toward greener construction practices.
Source: African Property Magazine – Joycely Marigold