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How green building in Kenya is being achievedAs the building industry continues to grow in Kenya, developers and house buyers are beginning to

get conscious about the environment.

The rise in fuel cost means increased building costs. The running costs of the complete house havealso risen, like electricity and water charges. The result is that many owners are seeking ways to

reduce these costs while still enjoying the amenities.

The areas of concern may be categorized broadly as follows;

- Proper and efficient use of resources. These include power, water and other sources of

energy.

- Reducing waste and pollution.

- Improving occupant health.

Green building in Kenya is taking on various forms. From the basic housing level to the national

level, efforts are being put to reduce reliance on the costly fossil fuels. Some of the methods being

adopted in this include;

- The use of renewable energy.

More houses are powering up using solar panels. The availability of the technology and ease of

setting up the panels have gone a long way in encouraging its adoption.

The use of biomass (popular as biogas) is also gaining a significant foot hold in many homes. This is

more so in rural areas, where animal waste is enhanced to produce gas used in powering up.

Waste (such as papers, plastics, and so forth) is also being used in an ingenious pilot project in

areas of Nairobi to produce heat energy. This has been embraced in these communities as it

provides an affordable way to cook and heat water.

- Adoption of water harvesting, treatment and re-use.

Large housing projects are beginning to adopt water treatment and re-use to cut on costs. With

demanding clientele who want green compounds all year round, this technology is quite handy.The used water is collected and treated in collection tanks placed within the estates. This water is

then re-used for irrigation of lawns and also in flushing toilets.

In addition, water harvesting is also being taken more seriously. Methods include tanks and also

water pans in areas having space. Trenches in gardens are also dug up with the sole intention of

trapping run-off water.

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- The use of plants or vegetation is becoming a common feature in many homesteads.

Plants are being used as water towers to aid in replenishing ground water. Homes in hot areas are

adopting plants to keep the temperatures down.

Forests are being replenished to curb desertification, and effectively carry out their role as watertowers.

- Adoption of natural lighting and ventilation is being enhanced during the design stage.

Strategic building of windows and porches goes a long way in enhancing natural lighting. Sun roofs

are also becoming a common feature in many homes, allowing much sunlight into the rooms.

These are just some of the few methods being adopted in going green in Kenya. On a national level,

wind farms are being put up, with a view to adding power in the national grid.

Re-forestation of our major forests is also being done, as a means of replenishing our ground

water.

Geothermal power is also being widely explored to complement the commonly used hydro-power.

Some challenges facing green building in Kenya- Cost is a major issue. Not many are able to afford solar panels, especially water heaters.

Initial costs are usually prohibitive in adoption of green energy.

- Lack of technological knowhow in setting up green energy methods.

- Lack of local standards to guide green building in Kenya.

- Lack of willingness among most in adopting green energy.

Signs are encouraging in the construction industry. Green building in Kenya is no longer viewed as

just a fashionable trend, but an integral way to put up houses.

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