Green energy, sustainability to drive future construction works - CS Kinyanjui

Cabinet Secretary for Investments Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui revealed that plans are at an advanced stage to introduce a comprehensive building standard that will champion eco-friendly construction practices and sustainable design.

Speaking during the official opening of the eco-conscious Purple Tower along Mombasa Road in Nairobi, Kinyanjui said the ministry is also developing a certification framework to recognise and reward buildings that meet set green building criteria.

“We want buildings that are energy-efficient and environmentally conscious. We do not want buildings that consume too much power,” said Kinyanjui. 

He said the ministry is nearing completion of a national standard that will allow buildings meeting green energy and sustainability thresholds to be certified and incentivised. 

Kinyanjui noted that the property landscape is evolving rapidly and that developers need to find ways to ensure sustainability and reduce costs.

The CS said that Kenya is working to align with global standards so that even foreign companies looking to invest in the country can find spaces that meet the required criteria.

At the launch, Purple Tower Project lead Mr. Bharat Kerai said the building  received the Edge Certification for complying with the eco-friendly requirements.

To attain this, Bharat said, Purple Dot International, the project investor, had engaged a sustainability consultant from the inception of the project.

“We have oriented our buildings to make sure that while we get the benefit of the early morning sun, the evening sun is facing the South West. We have design-special sunsetting features as well. This allows light to come through and eliminate a lot of heat gain. So there is no need for air conditioning around the space,” said Bharat.