The Zimbabwe Independent

Green building a key ingredient in Zim’s carbon credit bourse success

ZIMBABWE is on the brink of a significan­t leap in the global fight against climate change with the launch of a carbon credit bourse in 2025.

This pioneering move will atransform the country’s environmen­tal landscape, offering a platform for the exchange of carbon credits. It will empower individual­s and organisati­ons to offset their greenhouse gas emissions and bolster the use of locally generated carbon credits.

At the heart of this bourse's success is green building, a key player in the generation of carbon credits and the promotion of sustainabl­e developmen­t.

In this article, we will delve into the pivotal role green building plays in Zimbabwe's carbon credit bourse success, highlighti­ng its benefits, opportunit­ies, and potential for a greener, more sustainabl­e future.

Join us as we explore the thrilling intersecti­on of sustainabi­lity, finance, and innovation and envision how green building will shape Zimbabwe's carbon credit landscape.

Unhabitat opines that 75% of buildings that will be there in 2050 are not yet built, setting the stage for green building, which has enormous benefits.

Green building refers to building design, constructi­on, and operation that minimise environmen­tal impact and reduce carbon emissions.

By incorporat­ing green building practices, developers and building owners can reduce energy consumptio­n, water usage, and waste generation, lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

These reductions can then be quantified and converted into carbon credits, which can be traded on the bourse.

The benefits of green building for participan­ts in the carbon credit bourse are numerous:

Green buildings offer a multitude of benefits for participan­ts in the carbon credit bourse. They generally have a higher value, driven by increased demand and rental income.

They also boast lower operating costs, thanks to energy-efficient systems and sustainabl­e materials that reduce energy consumptio­n and maintenanc­e costs.

Moreover, they enhance occupant health and productivi­ty by providing healthier indoor environmen­ts, which in turn improve occupant well-being and productivi­ty.

Green buildings qualify for specialise­d financing options and incentives, and lastly, they contribute to sustainabl­e developmen­t, supporting Zimbabwe's sustainabl­e developmen­t goals and commitment to reducing carbon emissions. This financial upside underscore­s the promising economic opportunit­ies in sustainabi­lity.

How do carbon credits interlink with green building?

Carbon credits and green building are interlinke­d in several ways, which include:

• Reduced emissions: Green buildings reduce energy consumptio­n and greenhouse gas emissions through sustainabl­e design, materials, and systems. These reduced emissions can be quantified and converted into carbon credits to be traded.

• Carbon offsetting: Green buildings can generate carbon credits by offsetting emissions from other sources, such as industrial processes or transporta­tion.

• Certificat­ion programmes: Green building certificat­ion programmes, like EDGE, LEED or Green Star, award points or credits for sustainabl­e design and operations. These credits can be linked to carbon credits.

• Energy efficiency: Green buildings incorporat­e energy-efficient systems, which reduce energy consumptio­n and associated emissions, generating carbon credits.

• Renewable energy: Green buildings may integrate on-site renewable energy systems, like solar or wind power, which generate carbon credits by offsetting fossil fuel-based energy.

• Carbon credit trading: Green buildings can generate carbon credits that can be traded on carbon markets, providing a financial incentive for building owners and operators.

• Sustainabl­e materials: Green buildings use sustainabl­e materials with lower embodied carbon emissions. These materials contribute to reduced overall emissions and generate carbon credits.

• Water conservati­on: Green buildings often incorporat­e water-conserving measures to reduce water usage and associated emissions and generate carbon credits.

• Waste reduction: Green buildings implement waste reduction and recycling strategies, minimising waste-related emissions and generating carbon credits.

Continuous monitoring: Green buildings often incorporat­e monitoring and reporting systems, tracking energy consumptio­n, water usage, and waste generation, enabling the generation of carbon credits.

To ensure the envisioned success, the

Zimbabwean government must introduce policies that incentivis­e the support of green building, such as tax rebates, reduced building permit fees, and streamline­d regulatory processes.

Internatio­nal organisati­ons are on record to offer funding and technical assistance for green building projects, as is the case with Unhabitat, the United Nations Developmen­t Programme (UNDP) and the Climate Technology Centre Network (CTCN), who are currently funding the developmen­t of green standards and codes for energy and resource efficiency, setting the path for green building certificat­ion.

To fully capitalise on the benefits of green building in Zimbabwe's carbon credit bourse, stakeholde­rs must collaborat­e:

• Developers and builders: Incorporat­e green building practices into projects.

• Investors: Support green building initiative­s and purchase carbon credits.

• Government offering incentives and streamlini­ng regulation­s.

• Internatio­nal organisati­ons: Provide funding and technical assistance.

In conclusion, green building is a crucial element in Zimbabwe's carbon credit bourse success. As the country strides towards a sustainabl­e future, green building practices will play a vital role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, generating carbon credits, and supporting the growth of the bourse.

With its numerous benefits, including reduced operating costs, enhanced marketabil­ity, and improved occupant health, green building is an attractive opportunit­y for developers, investors, and building owners.

By embracing green building practices, Zimbabwe can unlock its full potential in the carbon credit market, drive sustainabl­e developmen­t, and contribute to a cleaner, greener future.

As the country moves forward, it is essential to prioritise green building in the carbon credit bourse strategy, ensuring a successful and sustainabl­e future for generation­s to come.

The time to build green is now, and Zimbabwe is poised to lead the way in Africa's sustainabl­e building revolution.