Towards Net Zero carbon architecture in Africa, Presentation of case studies of carbon neutral buildings in Africa

Rationale of the session  The word has been witnessing the rapid urbanization rate, with more than half of the world population living in urban areas.

The number is projected to be more than three-quarters by 2050. On similar pace, cities are responsible with three-quarters of the global GHG emissions. Increasingly, the world is witnessing climate change impacts affecting urban areas the most, from increased extreme weather events such as flood events and raising temperatures, vector diseases and other impacts. Cities are the main drivers to address the growing concern on climate change impacts and the challenges to meet the objectives of the Paris and the carbon neutrality goal by 2050. Architectural design plays a critical role for cities to become carbon neutral. This includes design of the buildings, planning of neighborhoods and integration of green energy in the design. The green architectural designs take consideration of low energy utilization, easy in mobility and the general comfort. Reduction of energy through the use of natural lighting, ventilation and necessary air flows are necessary parameters for the buildings to reduce their carbon footprints; cities need to be designed in such a way that low carbon urban mobility is possible through reduced commutation with fossil-based means of transport and the like.

Main issues to be discussed  The event will discuss issues related to bioclimatic architectural designs and principles towards carbon neutrality or Net Zero Carbon by 2050    

Means to achieve the objectives  The session will bring together stakeholders with experience in the low carbon building architectural designs through sharing experiences from the world best practices which can be adopted by and tailored for countries.  Furthermore, the session will present examples of Net Zero energy building in Tropical countries with focus on Africa.    

Contribution of the session and its recommendations to the overall objective of the Summit  This event will result in awareness creation and advocacy for low-carbon building architecture to be adopted by countries contributing to the policy directions for the carbon neutral urban development. The event is also expected to result in forging south-south partnerships, knowledge, and technology exchange.    

Moderator:

Vincent Kitio, Lead Urban Energy Solutions, UN-Habitat

Speakers:

1. Hon. Daniel Garwe, M.P., Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, Zimbabwe.

2. Mr. Charles M. Hinga; Principal Secretary; State Department for Housing and Urban Development. Kenya

3. Mr Ahmadou Sardaouna, Managing Director, Société Immobilière du Cameroon (SIC)

4. Prof. Francois Garde, Director, Ecole Supérieure d’Ingénieur, Université de La Réunion

5. Daniel Wyss, Architect and Urban Development and Construction Industry Specialist, Skat.