According to the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC), the building and construction sector accounted for 37% of global CO₂ emissions in 2021, with operational emissions from buildings alone reaching 10 gigatonnes of CO₂ (UNEP, 2022).
Furthermore, cement production—a core material in conventional construction—is responsible for about 8% of global CO₂ emissions (Chatham House, 2018). In addition to air pollution, construction activities generate vast amounts of waste and contribute to land and water contamination through improper disposal of chemicals, paints, and construction debris.
In Ghana, rapid urbanization is intensifying the industry’s environmental impact. The demand for housing and infrastructure is leading to increased deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and rising pollution levels. The country's forest cover has declined from 8.2 million hectares in 1900 to just 1.6 million hectares in recent years.(Forestry Commission of Ghana, 2021) That is an insane drop on a scale of millions of hectares. The reliance on conventional building materials such as cement and concrete further exacerbates environmental degradation, with sand mining in rivers and coastal areas annually, much of which remains improperly managed (Ghana Waste Management Journal, 2023).
As the urgency for sustainable construction grows, some companies in Ghana are stepping up by integrating eco-friendly practices into their operations. From using recycled plastic for building materials to adopting energy-efficient designs and natural earth construction techniques, these innovative firms are paving the way for a more sustainable construction sector.
KASA KONSULTANTS
Kanea Kasa Construction Ltd, commonly known as Kasa Konsultants, is a Ghanaian construction firm specializing in sustainable building practices, particularly the use of rammed earth construction . This eco-friendly technique involves compacting natural materials like soil to create durable and environmentally friendly structures, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional cement-based construction.
Led by Peace Obeng Appau, a building technology engineer and estate manager with over a decade of experience in the construction industry, Kasa Konsultants stands out in Ghana's construction industry by integrating sustainable practices that reduce environmental impact while delivering aesthetically pleasing and functional structures.
In an interview with Build With Amoaa on YouTube, Mr. Appau stated that his real estate company switched from building conventional blocks to using rammed earth because of the affordability, sustainability, cost-effectiveness and eco-friendliness.
Talking about challenges such as rainfall, he said that the rain only affects the building when it is newly done. However, when the rammed earth house is dried up, the rains have no effect on the building.
After their company is done building a structure, the outer parts of the house are treated so that they are not affected by rain.
The impact of construction materials and technology on the environment deserves attention. Housing demand and investment opportunities that accompany urbanization mean greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through construction might double by 2050 (UNEP/CIDB, 2009)
It is clear that thermal properties of earthen materials are undoubtedly very suitable for building in Ghana and the tropics at large.
While concrete is renowned for its strength, rammed earth also has impressive structural integrity.
Rammed earth walls gain strength through compression and compaction during the construction process. While concrete is known for its tensile strength, rammed earth’s compression strength can be comparable or even superior, depending on factors such as the mix design, compaction technique, and soil properties used. Rammed earth’s cohesive nature and the interlocking of particles contribute to its robustness, allowing it to withstand significant loads and pressures.
When properly designed and constructed, rammed earth walls can last for centuries. Historical examples, such as the Great Wall of China and various ancient fortifications, stand as testaments to rammed earth’s exceptional longevity. Modern engineering practices, including proper foundation design, appropriate soil selection, and suitable maintenance, can further extend the life expectancy of rammed-earth walls.
Rammed earth’s compressive strength and cohesive nature naturally resist cracks and fractures. The interlocking particles within the rammed earth mixture provide innate stability. While some modern rammed earth construction techniques may incorporate minimal reinforcement in specific applications, such as regions prone to earthquakes, it’s not a common practice. Rammed earth’s strength primarily comes from its compacted composition and proper construction methods rather than relying on external reinforcement.[1]
Kasa Consultants offers services in design and construction of eco-friendly homes, commercial projects and community/public space projects that harmonize with their natural surroundings, promote social cohesion and environmental responsibility.
Kasa Consultants also offers services in sustainable and eco conscious restorations and renovations of existing structures and offers expert advice on implementing sustainable building practices and materials.
Kasa Konsultants is committed to education and capacity building in sustainable construction methods. They offer professional development courses and workshops, such as their Short Term Apprenticeship Rammed-earth Training (S.T.A.R.T.) program which provides hands-on training in rammed earth construction techniques.
Find out who can register for these programs, what the minimum requirements and the employment opportunities after the training that Kasa Consultants can make available to trainees on their website.
You can locate Kasa Konsultants at Momotse Street, Adabraka-Accra, Ghana
Ecovon is a Ghanaian green startup that transforms agricultural waste into sustainable building materials. By utilizing coconut husks and sugarcane bagasse, Ecovon produces bio-based, formaldehyde-free wood alternatives that are naturally flame-retardant and anti-fungal without the need for additional binders or chemicals. This innovative approach offers a stronger, more durable, and environmentally friendly substitute for traditional wood-based panels.[2]
The company's production process not only provides a sustainable alternative to conventional wood but also contributes to environmental conservation by reducing deforestation and lowering carbon emissions. Additionally, by sourcing raw materials from local coconut and sugarcane producers, Ecovon supports local economies and creates job opportunities, particularly for women and youth involved in the collection and processing of agricultural waste.
Ecovon's innovative solutions have garnered international recognition, including being named a finalist in competitions such as the MIT Climate CoLab and the Green Innovation and Investment Forum. The company has also won awards like the Elsevier Foundation’s Chemistry for Climate Action Challenge and the Global Innovation Challenge.
By rethinking and redesigning building materials, Ecovon aims to provide sustainable alternatives that benefit both the environment and local communities, embodying their motto: "The Green Way to Build."[3]
Nelplast Eco Ghana Limited specializes in recycling plastic waste into eco-friendly building materials. Established in 2013 and based in Ashaiman, the company addresses environmental pollution by transforming discarded plastics into durable construction products.
By recycling plastic waste into valuable building materials, Nelplast contributes to reducing environmental pollution and alleviating the burden on landfills and the eyesore of indiscriminate littering and poor societal plastic waste management. The company also creates employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women involved in waste collection and processing.
Nelplast produces pavement slabs and tiles by shredding plastic waste and mixing it with sand. These products are noted to be 800% stronger than traditional pavement blocks and have a lifespan exceeding 35 years.
The company manufactures eco bricks through a polymer-sand composition and extrusion process. These bricks are waterproof, heat-resistant, more durable, reusable, and 30% cheaper than conventional concrete and cement alternatives.[4]
Nelplast has also developed an innovative form of asphalt by shredding plastic bags and mixing them with sand, creating a durable material for road construction that utilizes various types of plastic waste.[5]
Nelplast has received grants and business advisory services, including support from Ernst and Young between 2019 and 2020, highlighting its role in promoting sustainable waste management and innovative recycling practices in Ghana.
You can find Nelplast Eco Ghana Ltd at Plot No. 78 Katamansu, Ashaiman.
Call them on 0303970879 / 0247277869 or send them an email at info@nelplastgh.com
Bookmark these businesses for later to establish your structures while caring for Ghana's environment.
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