In a significant leap towards sustainable development in Cameroon, the construction landscape is undergoing a transformative shift. Douala Grand Mall, the nation’s inaugural destination retail mall, is poised to become the first certified green building in Cameroon, having received pre-certification from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) EDGE. This groundbreaking project is spearheaded by Actis, a prominent growth market investor, and local partner Craft Development.
Douala Grand Mall, strategically located in the heart of Cameroon’s largest city, near Bonapriso, is set to encompass 18,000 square meters of retail and leisure space. Positioned in close proximity to the International Airport, with a catchment area of 4 million inhabitants, the mall ensures accessibility for all socio-economic groups, marking a pivotal development for the nation.
Actis, renowned for its institutional commitment to ‘Green-by-Design‘ across its real estate portfolio, brings a wealth of experience to Cameroon’s construction industry. The mall is designed to be approximately 30% more energy-efficient and 50% more water-efficient than comparable buildings in the market. Innovative measures include the use of reflective paint and tiles on the roof, along with the installation of faucet aerators and water-efficient bathroom fixtures.
This commitment to sustainability extends beyond Douala Grand Mall. Actis has previously achieved accolades for Garden City in Nairobi, awarded Best Green Building in Sub-Saharan Africa by Africa Property Investment in 2017. The impact of Actis and IFC’s joint commitment to a ‘Green-by-Design’ philosophy is evident in their successful track record of sustainable developments across Africa.
In tandem with Douala Grand Mall’s green initiatives, EcoBuild, an innovative program focused on sustainable housing and circular economy principles, is making strides in the reconstruction efforts of Bafut. In the aftermath of conflict, EcoBuild collaborates with Better World and African Way Partners to design natural homes, promoting ecotourism and a circular economy in the region.
The collaboration between Actis and IFC signifies a concerted effort to propel Cameroon’s building construction industry towards a lower carbon and more resource-efficient trajectory. As Douala Grand Mall sets the precedent as Cameroon’s first certified green building, and EcoBuild champions sustainable housing solutions, the nation is on the brink of a sustainable development era, embracing green buildings and environmentally conscious design practices.
Source: Jpycelyn Marigold – African Property Magazine