Danjuma Waniko, the President of the Green Building Council of Nigeria (GBCN), recently emphasized the critical role that cement production and the building sector play in contributing to Nigeria’s greenhouse gas emissions. During a workshop in Abuja, he highlighted alarming statistics, revealing that cement production alone accounts for approximately 23% of Nigeria’s total greenhouse gas emissions. This figure starkly contrasts with the global average of around 11% and reflects Nigeria’s less industrialized economic landscape. As cement is an essential element in construction, the growing demand for building contributes significantly to increased emissions, necessitating urgent targeted actions to address these pressing environmental concerns.
Waniko further elaborated on the broader implications of the construction and building industry on climate change, indicating that buildings are responsible for nearly 40% of global energy-related emissions. The processes involved in the design, construction, and operation of these structures rely heavily on energy-intensive materials that contribute to these emissions. The president articulated a direct connection between construction materials, such as cement, and the significant energy consumption associated with buildings. By generating electricity from fossil fuels, including petroleum and natural gas, which are predominantly used for power in homes and offices, substantial amounts of carbon dioxide are released, exacerbating climate challenges.
The cascading effects from emissions in the building sector do not operate in isolation; they influence various other sectors of the economy. Waniko pointed out that addressing emissions within this sector could deliver wider-reaching mitigation solutions, possibly exceeding the current estimate of a 40% contribution of buildings to overall greenhouse gas emissions. Nonetheless, he noted a concerning trend: most Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) do not contain specific strategies or targets aimed at addressing emissions related to the building sector. This gap underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to climate action that fully recognizes the building sector’s significant role in emissions.
While other sectors, such as transportation and aviation, also play critical roles in greenhouse gas emissions, Waniko underscored the unmatched influence of the building sector. He stressed that the materials employed in construction, particularly cement, are significant contributors to these emissions due to their high carbon dioxide output during production. This insight calls for a reevaluation of building practices and materials, aiming for more sustainable alternatives that reduce the industry’s overall carbon footprint.
To tackle these emissions effectively, Waniko proposed several practical solutions for the building sector, such as implementing energy-efficient cooling systems, enhancing natural ventilation, and exploring alternative roofing materials. He argued that transforming buildings to be less reliant on carbon-intensive materials is crucial. The GBCN is committed to fostering a building environment that prioritizes sustainability and efficiency, thereby mitigating the adverse impacts of emissions on climate.
Concluding his remarks, Waniko reaffirmed the GBCN’s dedication to decarbonization and resilience at both the national and subnational levels. The organization intends to catalyze systemic change by developing a globally adaptable tool aimed at addressing building-related emissions. By engaging with stakeholders and countries worldwide, the GBCN seeks to unify efforts via the World Green Building Council Network, ultimately creating a comprehensive NDC scorecard that can be applied globally. This ambitious initiative aims to foster international collaboration toward innovative and effective solutions for reducing emissions in the building sector.
