Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry Urges Sector to Embrace Sustainable Practices

The Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry (GhCCI) is calling on stakeholders in the construction sector to adopt sustainable and innovative practices to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Mr. Emmanuel A. Cherry, CEO of GhCCI, emphasized that traditional brick-and-mortar approaches are no longer sufficient in the face of extreme weather conditions that pose significant threats to road infrastructure and buildings.

According to Mr. Cherry, the construction industry must shift towards ecologically friendly project designs, prioritizing climate resilience as a necessity rather than an option. He stressed that adopting sustainable construction methods would not only protect infrastructure investments but also contribute to the global fight against climate change.

To achieve this, Mr. Cherry encouraged industry players to incorporate modern technologies, green building materials, and renewable energy solutions in their projects to ensure long-term resilience. This includes the use of innovative materials such as bricks made from algae, which can help reduce carbon footprints.

Dr. Nana Appiagyei Dankawoso I, Past President of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) and President-General of the West Africa Nobles Forum (WANF), also emphasized the need for policymakers and regulatory bodies to prioritize conscious policies and enforce standards that promote sustainability across the sector.

*Key Strategies for Sustainable Construction*

<span;>- Incorporating modern technologies, such as 3D printing, to reduce construction time and environmental impact

<span;>- Using green building materials, such as low-carbon mix of natural and recycled materials

<span;>- Implementing renewable energy solutions, such as solar and wind power, to reduce dependence on fossil fuels

<span;>- Adopting passive house design principles to reduce energy consumption and promote energy efficiency

<span;>- Encouraging collaboration between government, private sector players, and academia to drive innovation in sustainable construction practices

By embracing sustainable construction practices, the Ghanaian construction industry can reduce its environmental footprint, promote climate resilience, and contribute to the country’s economic growth and development.