Ghana Takes Decisive Steps towards Sustainable Building Practices

Strategic Insights -

The construction industry is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions, accounting for roughly 40% of global emissions. To address this challenge, Ghana, in partnership with international organizations, is promoting sustainable building practices through capacity-building initiatives. The IFC's EDGE Green Building Certification Programme is training built environment professionals in cost-effective methods to reduce energy use, water consumption, and carbon emissions. The programme has already seen over 200 students complete the course, and more than 30 lecturers from five universities have been trained to incorporate EDGE principles into their teaching.

Key Takeaways:

  • The construction industry is responsible for roughly 40% of global carbon emissions, making it a significant contributor to climate change.
  • The IFC's EDGE Green Building Certification Programme is a capacity-building initiative aimed at embedding sustainability into Ghana's construction landscape.
  • Over 200 students in Ghana have completed the EDGE course, and more than 30 lecturers from five universities have been trained to integrate EDGE principles into their teaching.
  • The programme is targeting both industry professionals and academic institutions to sustain long-term change in the sector.
  • Local advocates of the initiative are calling for the programme to expand into Carbon Valuation training to equip professionals to quantify and manage the environmental impacts of construction projects.
  • The President of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors emphasized the importance of widespread public engagement with green building principles, extending sustainability to residential homes, commercial spaces, and small offices.
  • The Deputy Head of Cooperation at SECO highlighted the critical role of education in the sustainability movement, emphasizing that integrating sustainability concepts into academic curricula can empower students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to drive systemic transformation.

Statistics:

  • 40% of global carbon emissions are attributed to the construction industry.
  • Over 200 students in Ghana have completed the EDGE course.
  • More than 30 lecturers from five universities have been trained to incorporate EDGE principles into their teaching.
  • The programme aims to expand into Carbon Valuation training to equip professionals to quantify and manage the environmental impacts of construction projects.

Sources:

  • Ghana Web, "Ghana Takes Decisive Steps towards Sustainable Building Practices" (June 13, 2025)
  • International Finance Corporation (IFC), EDGE Green Building Certification Programme
  • Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS), "Capacity Building Initiative for Sustainable Construction"