This guidance is primarily aimed at public procurers involved in a range of contracting agreements related to building materials and products. This includes the purchase of building materials for construction works, but may also extend to material extraction, manufacturing, building, retrofit, refurbishment, design, interior fit out, and end-of-life demolition or deconstruction processes. 

This book intends to clarify the concept of Sustainable Buildings and Construction (SBC) in Africa. It is based on primarily African research and building projects implemented in different parts of the region. The publication is meant to be read by real estate developers, building industry professionals, researchers, planners and policy makers, and users of buildings.

Ecological restoration and the integration of a comprehensive greening approach has enhanced livelihood security for migrant settlers in the Minawao refugee camp in northern Cameroon. An ecologically sensitive approach to the management of natural resources and ecosystems has both increased environmental sustainability, and increased the quality of life and access to livelihood opportunities for local community members.

Vernacular architecture is associated with numerous advantages. However, its adoption in the development of sustainable buildings is not appreciated. This paper examines professionals’ views of vernacular building materials and techniques for green building delivery in Ghana.

There is little record or literature concerning bioclimatic building in warm climate zones. One of the main goals of ABC21 project is to cover this information gap – collecting data about operating buildings that are good examples of sustainable solutions and should be replicated. An analysis of the local climate and a description of the main bioclimatic features is presented for each building, with examples shown from Italy, Portugal, Senegal, France, Morocco, Kenya, Sudan and La Reunion.

This report aims to promote a sustainable development approach to meet the immense needs in terms of construction in Africa, based on a rational and sustainable use of local materials. To this end, it presents the advantages, challenges and conditions of use of these materials. It presents examples of technical solutions illustrated by a panorama of the potential resources of the territories (bio and geo-sourced). It provides elements of analysis of the impact of local "short circuit" channels and elements of methodology.

Building construction materials represent 11% of global carbon emissions and 28% of the annual buildings related CO2 emissions, and yet, the demand for construction materials continues to grow, especially in the rapidly urbanizing Global South. Biomaterials offer a key opportunity for decarbonizing the buildings and construction sector, through transitioning from current linear, extractive, and toxic construction practices towards circular, bio-based, renewable materials and construction methods for a sustainable future.

In Senegal, the construction sector is booming. Today, concrete is used widely in construction sites but although it is produced locally and inexpensively, it is highly polluting. However, architects such as Worofila Architecture want to build differently, inspired by the raw earth houses of yesteryear and bringing local know-how back to life. These methods can greatly reduce the impacts of concrete building, whilst producing attractive buildings with excellent thermal performance.

The Saudi Green Building Council is part of SGBF, a professional civil society establishment and Non Government Organization in Special Consultative Status with Economic and Social Council at United Nations. SGBF is accredited by UNDGC, UNEP, & UNFCCC.

Policy brief paper analysing the policy, legal and regulatory frameworks governing the cement sector in Nigeria, Africa, and examines the policies required to encourage increased use of bioenergy in cement production.