Rapid, uncontrolled, urbanization in Africa can have significant negative environmental impacts. It is imperative that real estate investors and developers are mindful of the potential environmental damage. Applying green development principles should be a primary consideration to help mitigate negative environmental outcomes. Ethical funders, investors and developers look to invest in and produce sustainable, low carbon, projects that deliver high returns at the least cost to the environment.

Green development practices use innovative design and construction to reduce energy consumption and lower operational costs. Lower operational costs provide long-term savings for occupants and owners improving occupancy rates and providing higher returns for investors.

Green Development Practices Balance Human and Environmental Needs

Rapidly expanding cities create a high demand for land, which disrupts ecosystems and reduces biodiversity. Urbanization often leads to habitat destruction, endangering many plant and animal species. Ironically, the loss of biodiversity may disrupt ecosystems and adversely affect human populations that depend on these ecosystems for resources.

Urban areas also require substantial amounts of energy to power urban activities. The increased demand for energy is often met by the exploitation of fossil fuels, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

Urbanization typically leads to increased water runoff carrying urban pollutants into nearby water bodies. The discharge of untreated sewage, industrial effluents, and agricultural waste contaminates rivers and lakes, harms aquatic life and makes the water unsafe for human consumption.

Green development uses improved waste management systems, invests in green technologies, supports conservation efforts, and implements policies promoting environmental protection and efficient resource utilization.

Green Developments Mitigate the Challenges of Urbanization

The growing trend towards green buildings in Africa reflects a broader global recognition of the need for sustainable practices to ensure a better future for the planet and its inhabitants. Continued efforts in this direction are essential to address environmental challenges and promote long-term prosperity for African nations.

Socially responsible developers use sustainable building materials, such as reclaimed, recycled, or locally sourced materials to reduce a project’s carbon footprint. They also use eco-friendly construction methods, such as modular construction, for example, to minimize waste and reduce construction time.

Green developments strive to achieve green building certifications such as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. This is a globally recognized green building rating system. At the very least adherence to local green building standards and codes should be achieved to ensure the development meets local and regional environmental requirements.

The adoption of technologies, such as energy-efficient appliances, green building materials, and eco-friendly transportation, is becoming non-negotiable. In fact, most multi-national companies insist on environmentally responsible sustainable accommodation. Green development technologies help reduce the environmental impact of real estate developments and promote sustainable living.

Invest with Real Estate Experts Focused on Profitable Green Developments

Grit Real Estate Income (GRIT) is a Mauritius-headquartered, Guernsey-incorporated pan-African real estate investment company. GRIT serves mainly blue chip multinational tenants offering them predominantly US Dollar and Euro-denominated long-term leases in premium African accommodation. Turnkey premium quality developments are delivered by our development subsidiary, Gateway Real Estate Arica (GREA).

Our ‘Family of Partnerships’ approach, coupled with our environmentally sensitive development philosophy has made many of Africa’s blue-chip brands customers of ours. This includes companies such as Total, KPMG, and Vodacom who have chosen GRIT to provide solutions for their real estate needs in Africa. Share our passion for Africa and contact us today.