President of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS), Mr. Kofi Obeng-Ayirebi, has called for the adoption of environmentally friendly building practices across Ghana, urging professionals in the built environment to prioritise sustainable designs that reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Mr. Obeng-Ayirebi said every construction material emits energy, and it is the responsibility of industry players to make informed choices that support the country’s climate goals.
“Though green buildings may cost more upfront, they yield long-term benefits to individuals, businesses, and society. We must begin to prioritise naturally ventilated structures over fully glass-designed buildings that trap heat and increase energy use,” he said.
According to him, professionals must not only apply sustainable building practices but also serve as advocates for change, helping shape public policy and raise awareness of the benefits of green infrastructure.
He encouraged building professionals to implement the knowledge acquired from the Designing for Greater Efficiency (DfGE) training into their daily work.
The DfGE programme, supported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), aims to equip participants with practical tools to measure and reduce the use of energy, water, and materials in construction.
It is part of a broader strategy to promote environmentally responsible and financially viable building practices across Ghana.
Mr. Obeng-Ayirebi reaffirmed GhIS’ commitment to promoting green building standards and contributing to national climate action.
“We will continue to advocate for improved policies and educate the public on the advantages of green buildings, including energy and water conservation, reduced pollution, and better indoor air quality,” he said.
Adding to the discussion, Mr. Kyle Kelhofer, Senior Country Manager for the IFC in Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, called on the banking sector to expand lending to support sustainable building projects.
He emphasised that financing green infrastructure is not only good for the environment but also presents a sound business opportunity for banks.
“Buildings account for around 40% of global emissions. This is an opportunity for Ghana’s financial sector to contribute meaningfully to climate change mitigation while growing their portfolios,” Mr. Kelhofer said.
“Green buildings improve environmental outcomes and also save your bottom line both today and in the future, making loan repayments more secure,” he said.
He urged banks and financial institutions to develop tailored loan products for sustainable construction projects and to look beyond short-term compliance toward long-term impact and profitability.
Mr. Kelhofer also cited the IFC’s support for the development of one of the world’s largest rooftop solar installations at LMI Holdings in Ghana as a demonstration of its commitment to sustainable infrastructure investments.
The IFC is offering ongoing training and capacity-building to help banks and financial institutions appreciate the business case for investing in green buildings. This effort, according to Mr. Kelhofer, is aimed at accelerating Ghana’s transition to a low-carbon economy through increased access to sustainable finance.
One of the training participants, Mr. Kwesi Asante, shared that the programme had already influenced his behaviour and professional work.
“I now consciously reduce water wastage at home and in the office. The tools we’ve received will help us integrate green thinking into our valuations and construction decisions,” he said.
He encouraged individuals and businesses alike to consider green construction options, not only for their environmental impact but also for their cost-efficiency and contribution to public health.
