The KPDA Developer's Digest Q2 Issue

15
Have Your Say
and ensures projects adhere to environmental
safeguards and sustainable development
by implementing Environmental Impact
Assessments (EIA) and other measures. NEMA
has the authority to create rules, specify
requirements and guidelines, and issue directives
for the management and preservation of the
environment and natural resources.
• The Physical and Land Use Planning Act of 2019
addresses environmental considerations in land
use planning. Section 55 lists conservation and
protection of the environment as an objective of
development control.
• The Energy Act, 2019 promotes development
and utilization of renewable energy sources like
biodiesel, bioethanol, biomass, solar, wind, and
hydropower. Developers can take advantage of
the supportive framework provided by the Energy
Act
• The Water Act, 2016 requires the conduct of an
EIA before undertaking certain water-related
projects and contains standards to control water
pollution.
• The Public Procurement and Asset Disposal
Act, 2015 requires that public procurement
and asset disposal by state organs and public
entities be guided by promotion of local industry,
sustainable development and protection of the
environment. If developers want to be considered
for state projects, they should champion for
sustainability.
• The Climate Change Act of 2016 provides a
framework and guidelines for addressing climate
change challenges and transitioning to a lowcarbon,
climate-resilient future.
These provisions among others reflect Kenya’s
commitment to sustainable development and
environmental conservation.
Recommendations
• Community Engagement - Meaningful
community engagement and social responsibility
are essential in fostering sustainable
development. Engaging with local communities
fosters social cohesion, builds positive
relationships and mitigates potential conflicts
during and after project implementation.
• Monitoring and Reporting - Establishing
robust monitoring and reporting mechanisms
to track and assess the impact of projects on the
environment.
• Incorporation of Renewable Energy -
Integrating renewable energy sources, such as
solar panels or wind turbines, into development
projects to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
• Energy Efficiency - Implementing intelligent
designs to allow for natural lighting and energyefficient
technologies in buildings, including
insulation, LED lighting, and energy-saving
appliances to reduces energy consumption.
• Sustainable Materials - Using eco-friendly
and locally sourced materials that have a lower
environmental impact.
• Recycling - Using recycled and reclaimed
materials such as reclaimed wood and recycled
metal.
• Water Conservation - Incorporating watersaving
features, such as low-flow fixtures,
rainwater harvesting systems and implementing
landscaping practices that reduce water needs
such as native gardening and efficient irrigation
systems.
• Green Space - Preserving existing green spaces
and creating new ones within developments
by incorporating landscaping that provides
habitats for native plant species. A few ways to
green buildings include vertical gardens, roof
gardens, living walls, atria with trees and plants,
courtyards and plazas. Green spaces improve
the lives of people and contribute to a more
sustainable environment.
• Waste Management - Implementing effective
waste management strategies, including
recycling programs and waste reduction
initiatives. Incorporating waste-to-energy
systems or composting facilities where feasible.
• Promote sustainable transport – Encouraging
the use of public transport, cycling and walking
among building users by designing buildings
that are easily accessible by public transport,
providing bicycle storage facilities and changing
rooms for cyclists.
Conclusion
Promoting the use of sustainable materials in
construction projects can significantly reduce the
industry’s impact to the environmental. To navigate
the emerging real estate market, developers must
comply with environmental regulations and should
go the extra mile to incorporate sustainability thus
resulting in projects that thrive economically while
maintaining environmental integrity.
A Developer’s Guide: Navigating Emerging Markets in Africa