In a landmark initiative, the Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA) has proudly unveiled its groundbreaking Green Building (GREDA-GB), designed to revolutionize construction practices in Ghana by promoting sustainability, green technology and minimizing environmental impact.
A green building, is a structure fully designed to be in harmony with the ecosystem, showcasing minimal environmental impact. Recognizing the need for sustainable and eco-friendly construction, GREDA has introduced the GREDA-GB, a comprehensive certification system that integrates the Sustainability requirements of the GREDA Green Building Checklist into the construction process.
Architect Henry Kofi DANSO, Project Manager explained the system and its functionality. He stated, “At the core of this initiative is an innovative data collection software application, accessible on all devices regardless of screen size or operating system. This application empowers users to gather data in the form of text, images, and videos, seamlessly syncing them to a secure cloud storage platform. The collected data can be accessed at any time via mobile phones, tablets, and PCs with internet connectivity. Moreover, the application features a streamlined payment method, allowing clients to conveniently pay for the services rendered.”
The proposed green building rating tool is applicable not only at the occupancy stage of residential buildings but also throughout the Design, Construction, Operation, and Maintenance Phases of a residential building project. The certification tool is structured around seven main criteria, that is: Site and Transport; Water Efficiency; Energy Efficiency and Carbon Emission Management; Indoor Environmental Quality; Materials and Resources; Waste and Pollution; and Innovative Technologies.
These criteria were meticulously developed based on a thorough review of globally recognized rating tools, ensuring their relevance and effectiveness in the Ghanaian context.
Each criterion is assigned a total credit, which is the sum of all the indicator points. The possible points for an indicator are determined by the level of sustainability it represents. The GREDA- GBC system awards a total of one hundred and thirty (130) possible points, with a minimum requirement of forty-five (45) points for certification. Higher scores result in different certification levels, including Two (2) Star (45-59 points), Three (3) Star (60-79 points), Four (4) Star (80-105 points), and five (5) Star (106-130 points).
Certification through ICT-driven assessments not only reflects a commitment to a greener future but also serves as a testament to a building’s adherence to eco-friendly standards. The GREDA-GB system is set to become an essential component of responsible and forward-thinking construction practices in Ghana.
Director for Lakeside Estates and Council Member of GREDA, Salah Kwaku Kalmoni also revealed that Lakeside Estates has been incorporating green technology into their buildings since 2013. “We use solar panels in our buildings, choose LED lights, water collection systems and underground recycling as part of our green building project.
He emphasized that the GREDA-GB system is tailored to focus on Ghana and by extension African as it takes into consideration the local conditions. “This is GREDA’s contribution to environmental sustainability and its own vision of COP28.
About GREDA
The Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA) is a leading organization committed to promoting excellence and sustainability in real estate development in Ghana. With a focus on industry best practices, GREDA plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the real estate sector in the country.