Dennis Quansah, the Lead for Edge Green Building Market Transformation Program covering Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana at the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank, has lauded Bwiza Riverside Estates, a Rwandan green housing project, as "a game changer" in the country's green housing endeavours.
Situated amidst the lush green hills of Karama, Nyarugenge, the entire project will encompass 2,400 units to be constructed in five phases. Phase 1 is nearing completion, with 240 units already built.
The estate is designed to be eco-friendly, employing materials such as light steel and light concrete, as well as environmentally conscious practices. Notably, it features an on-site factory where building materials are processed, contributing to cost reduction.
Bwiza Riverside Estates has achieved the distinction of being the first project in Rwanda to receive Edge certification, recognizing its commitment to energy, water, and material conservation.
Quansah commended the project for surpassing the metrics used by the Edge program, highlighting their holistic approach to the ecosystem. He emphasized their investment in Research and Development (R&D), a rarity among developers in Africa, noting the project's focus on fundamental aspects.
He also praised the initiative for providing training to individuals, spreading the green building culture. Quansah stated, "What this project is doing is a game changer. It is showcasing the possibilities that can be achieved internally."
Hassan Adan Hassan, the Managing Director of ADHI Corporate Group, the company behind Bwiza Riverside Estates, revealed that up to 80 percent of the materials used are processed in Rwanda, contributing to cost efficiency. The company has trained 200 individuals in building green houses, with 110 graduates receiving an NVQ Level 2 certification from the UK.
Looking forward, the company aims to expand its manufacturing capabilities on-site, including the production of doors and windows. Hassan highlighted the goal of empowering their team, teaching them project management and financing to become future leaders in the industry.
He commended the Rwandan government for fostering an environment conducive to achieving the country's green agenda.
The Bwiza Riverside Homes Community will not only include residences but also a pre-school, a small general store, a community center, and gardens for residents. The estate offers six different sleek designs for buyers to choose from, featuring varying sizes and features.
Quansah urged other developers to adopt green practices, emphasizing the financial and environmental advantages. "Make your project such that it is not using too much energy and water, lowering utility bills and benefiting the environment," he said.
For Africa, Quansah stressed the importance of seizing the opportunity to build green to avoid future expenses. "By 2030, all new buildings need to be carbon-neutral. By 2050, both new and existing need to be zero carbon," he noted, encouraging proactive steps toward these targets.
"In our part of the world, a lot of the buildings that we would need in the next 50 years are yet to be done. Should we also build wrong and later do retrofits?" he asked, emphasizing the need for sustainable building practices from the outset.