As the Head of Environmental Sustainability at the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), I have the privilege of engaging with construction professionals worldwide who are championing sustainable practices in the sector.  

Recently, I had an enlightening conversation with Dr. Cecilia Wandiga, Executive Director of the Centre for Science and Technology Innovations (CSTI) in Nairobi, Kenya, about a truly exciting project which she believes could put Kenya at the forefront of sustainable construction in Africa. 

Her team is exploring the use of Biochar, a charcoal-like substance made from heating organic matter without oxygen, which can be used as an additive to improve building materials like concrete and bricks within the construction industry, as well as for soil remineralisation and carbon sequestration. 

There is a growing need to transition towards sustainable construction practices in Africa, addressing issues such as biodiversity loss, and resource scarcity, and ensuring a more sustainable and resilient built environment. But if Kenya is to truly position itself at the top table of Africa’s sustainable future, there are several challenges which need to be addressed. 

Capacity Building and the Green Skills Gap 

As with other areas across Africa, and globally too, one of the most pressing issues Kenya’s construction industry faces is the skills gap, particularly in terms of sustainable construction practices.
 
Investing in education, training, and knowledge sharing is crucial to build local capacity for sustainable construction. There's a critical need for a workforce which is properly trained in green building techniques, energy efficiency, and the use of sustainable materials for example.  

At CIOB, we have long encouraged comprehensive green skills strategies to be implemented across every aspect of the built environment. It is imperative sustainability is integrated into every role, not just specialised positions like environmentalists and ecologists. 

This approach, I believe, will mean all industry professionals contribute to environmental targets, such as net zero, while also creating a culture of sustainability across the sector. 

Urban-Rural Disparities 

Cecilia talked a lot about the contrast between major cities such as Nairobi and rural areas in Kenya which further complicates the sustainability landscape. While Nairobi, for example, is rapidly modernising, rural areas often lack access to advanced construction technologies and sustainable materials. 

These materials often need to be imported, Cecilia mentioned, which really defeats the purpose of sustainability, undermining efforts to reduce the embodied carbon in projects for example. This is why, Dr Wandiga and I both agree, there needs to be an increased focus on local materials (which are also often most suited to the local context) and nature-based solutions. 

Climate Challenges 

Kenya is particularly vulnerable to issues such as droughts, floods, and unpredictable weather patterns.  
To keep everyone safe, developers working on buildings must account for local climate conditions, using materials and techniques which protect the structure of the building and reduces their impact on the environment.  

Cecilia and I spoke at length about the types of materials which Kenya requires. For example, there is not much need for concrete designed to withstand sub-zero temperatures, but there is a need for low carbon concrete and sustainable timber. 

Financial Constraints 

Cecilia told me about how a distinct lack of financing options poses a significant barrier to sustainable construction in Kenya. Many developers and contractors find it challenging to invest in sustainable materials and technologies due to higher upfront costs – particularly if those materials need to be imported from other parts of the world. 

This calls for innovative approaches such as green finance taxonomies and tailored financial instruments to channel investment towards sustainable activities and help investors make informed decision.  

Another solution could be to create financial incentives which make sustainable construction more accessible. This could include green loans or tax incentives which would greatly reduce the financial burden on construction companies committed to building sustainably. 

Kenya needs innovative solutions 

Dr. Wandiga's leadership and CSTI's research into Biochar is a prime example of an innovative approach which is needed to tackle some of the challenges mentioned above. 

It has been put forward as a suggestion for an appropriate material to be used in construction as part of the National Building Code for Kenya – something Dr. Wandiga’s team was asked to advise on. 

While research is still ongoing and very much in its early stages, what we do already know is Biochar's structure reduces thermal conductivity so it can improve thermal insulation. It can improve the durability of concrete by enhancing hydration and physical filling and, what’s more, it can even act as a carbon sink, capturing and storing CO2 from the atmosphere. 

In Conclusion 

While Kenya's construction industry faces significant challenges, there are many opportunities to embrace sustainability. By addressing the skills gap, bridging urban-rural disparities, adopting climate-resilient designs, all combined with access to proper funding, Kenya could pave the way for a sustainable construction future.

Innovations like CSTI's Biochar research and Dr. Wandiga's locally situated sustainable construction strategy highlight the potential for homegrown solutions to lead the way in sustainable development. As she emphasises, a science-driven, community-centred, and values-based approach will be the key. 

For those interested in learning more about Dr. Wandiga's work and perspectives, I recommend watching this webinar which she and I both took part in last year. 

Top Photo: Dr Wandiga and her team (Source: CIOB)