Tag: Buildings

LEED certification serves as one of the leading ways to rate green buildings in Nigeria. As such, it offers a constructive response to sustainability, cost-efficiency, and better infrastructure in the country. This article explores the concept of LEED certification, how it applies in Nigeria, and its benefits and challenges.

What is LEED Certification?

LEED certification, short for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a rating system developed by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). It evaluates a building’s sustainability, covering multiple aspects such as the building site, water, energy, materials used, indoor environment, and innovation.

Basically, LEED is a green certification that considers how well a building incorporates eco-friendly attributes in its design. According to USGBC, it offers a framework for healthy, efficient, and cost-effective green building, providing environmental and social benefits. For this reason, buildings usually earn points and are classified at levels from Certified to Silver, Gold, or Platinum based on their score.

Building Requirements for LEED Certification in Nigeria 

In constructing a building worthy of LEED certification, you need to include the following features in your project’s design:

1. Sustainable Sites: The building site should have pollution preventive features. For instance, consider implementing an erosion & sedimentation control plan to prevent pollution from construction runoff, dust, soil erosion, etc. Another way is by reducing heat islands and light pollution through cool roofs, shading, and landscaping. Again, the site design should support ecosystems, allow access to public transportation, and protect or restore habitats. It should also be innovative in design, built using creative sustainability strategies and sustainable building materials.

2. Water Efficiency: Another important feature is the inclusion of indoor and outdoor water-saving systems. This is achieved by, for instance, installing efficient plumbing fixtures like low-flow toilets and faucets, by reducing or entirely stopping landscape irrigation water use, reusing rainwater and greywater and so on. In addition, it must feature efficient cooling tower management and advanced water metering systems.

3. Energy & Atmosphere: The building’s use of energy is also key. Therefore, performing energy modeling or prescriptive compliance is important. The building must perform better than a baseline, typically in accordance with ASHRAE standards. Another important thing to do is to install permanent energy meters to track building consumption. Also, commission major energy-using systems such as HVAC, lighting, hot water, etc., and install and operate them correctly. Finally, try to optimize energy performance and utilize renewable energy systems like solar, wind, etc.

4. Materials & Resources: You also need to put the way and manner you collect and store waste into consideration. Therefore, there should be a space provided for recycling plastic, paper, metal, and cardboard waste. Also, create a plan for how waste will be sorted and diverted from landfills to reduce and prevent waste pollution.

5. Indoor Environmental Quality: The building’s outdoor design shouldn’t be the only focus. How it is inside also matters. Therefore, be sure to meet ventilation and acoustic requirements in line with ASHRAE standards. Also, ensure there’s proper indoor air quality for occupants by conducting regular indoor air quality testing. You can also do this by using low-emitting materials, ensuring thermal comfort, and providing superb views for occupants.

These are the core building prerequisites. Meeting them is required before you can earn any points. However, although not formally required, successful LEED buildings also tend to have:

• Efficient building orientation, such as solar control, shading, etc.
• Compact building forms.
• High-performance envelope using insulation, glazing, etc.
• Energy-efficient HVAC designs.
• Efficient lighting.
• Smart rainwater and stormwater management systems.
• Materials with environmental declarations.
• Access to transportation or walkability.

How to get LEED Certification in Nigeria

Becoming LEED certified in Nigeria follows the same process as anywhere in the world. Here’s a quick run-through of the steps involved:

1. Choose the Correct LEED Rating System:

LEED follows a designed rating system for specific project types. You must, therefore, choose the system that best suits your project and register under it, following the appropriate guide. The rating systems exist in three versions: LEED v5, LEED v4.1, and LEED v4, each containing the following options:

• LEED BD+C, which means Building Design and Construction.
• LEED ID+C, which stands for Interior Design and Construction.
• LEED O+M, which means Operations and Maintenance.
• LEED ND, which means Neighborhood Development.
• LEED Homes for Residential Buildings.
• LEED Cities

2. Register Your Project with USGBC: Start by creating an account on USGBC.org. Then register via LEED Online (for LEED v4 or v4.1) or Arc (for LEED v5). Finally, pay the one-time registration fee, which typically ranges from $900 to $5000, depending on your project’s size and certification goal. Note that registration unlocks all required forms and documentation templates.

3. Appoint a LEED Project Team: For this, you’ll need:

• A LEED Project Administrator (mandatory)
• Architects/engineers
• MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) designers
• Contractors who understand LEED requirements
• LEED AP (Accredited Professional)

In Nigeria, many developers also hire an external LEED consultant because local LEED experience is still growing.

4. Meet ALL LEED Prerequisites: Prerequisites are mandatory and must be met before certification. Depending on the rating system, typical prerequisites include those building requirements mentioned earlier. Remember, if you fail even one prerequisite, the project may not be certified.

5. Pursue a LEED certification level: LEED certification is classified into four levels based on the number of credit points attained. The levels are:

• 40–49 points—Certified
• 50–59 points—Silver
• 60–79 points—Gold
• 80+ points—Platinum

These credit points are awarded based on the presence of the various building prerequisites, such as energy efficiency, water management, indoor environmental quality, etc. In Nigeria, credits for energy efficiency, natural ventilation, daylighting, solar PV, water reuse, and site selection tend to be the easiest wins.

6. Adapt LEED Requirements to Nigerian Conditions: LEED allows Alternative Compliance Paths (ACPs) for international projects. These help when local codes differ from U.S. codes, local materials don’t have U.S. certifications, or climate conditions are very different. Thus, Nigeria often uses ACPs for energy modeling, regional material calculations, and indoor environmental quality metrics.

7. Collect Documentation Throughout Design and Construction: You must upload evidence for every credit claimed in areas such as architectural drawings, energy models, water calculations, and so on. Other areas include material product data, construction waste tracking, commissioning reports, and indoor air quality test reports. More often than not, however, documentation is one of the biggest challenges in Nigeria.

8. Submit to GBCI for Review: Afterwards, you may need to submit a design review, construction review, or a combined review. This is so that USGBC’s Green Building Certification Institute will evaluate all prerequisites, score your credits, and issue any necessary feedback.

9. Respond to Review Comments and Resubmit: Here, you typically get a preliminary review, a final review, and an appeal stage. The appeal stage is usually optional and attracts additional fees.

10. Receive Your LEED Certification: Once approved, your project will be certified at the earned level, and you’ll receive an official certificate. You may also choose to purchase a plaque. Then, finally, your project will be listed in the USGBC global directory, the same way green buildings such as Heritage Place, Nestoil Tower, Microsoft Nigeria, etc., are listed.

Benefits of Green Certification in Nigeria

Cost and efficiency savings: LEED-certified buildings report significantly lower utility bills, which is especially relevant in Nigeria, where power and water costs are high and supply is often erratic.

Market advantage: Green-certified buildings can attract premium tenants, better occupancy, and potential rental uplift, as global investors increasingly seek ESG-compliant assets. For example, Heritage Place achieved full occupancy and is marketed as a “sustainable green building” in Lagos.

Policy alignment and climate action: As Nigeria considers its commitments to global climate targets and transitions to low-carbon development, green buildings are one part of the solution.

Recognition and leadership: Becoming one of the few certified buildings places developers ahead of peers and enhances reputation.

Challenges and barriers in Nigeria

Although helpful in promoting sustainability in Nigeria, there are practical obstacles to fully implementing it in the country. Some include:

Low adoption rates: Many buildings are still built without any formal sustainability certification; for example, one study noted that 95% of Nigerian buildings had not applied for LEED certification due to voluntary participation and lack of regulatory mandate.

Cost and resources: LEED certification most often requires significant up-front costs, specialized documentation, audits, and hiring consultants, all of which sometimes act as barriers for smaller developers.

Awareness and expertise gap: There is a limited number of professionals in Nigeria with experience in green building certification. Because of this, there is lower awareness among stakeholders of its long-term benefits.

Regulatory and incentive shortfall: Absence of strong government regulation or financial incentives, such as tax breaks, subsidies, etc., reduces the impetus for certification.

Conclusion

In summary, LEED represents a complementary pathway for green building certification in Nigeria. It offers a broad sustainability framework with tangible results ranging from significant reductions in energy and water use to the embodiment of materials showcased in various projects. As such, it remains vital for the growth of green building practices in the country.

As a construction company that prioritizes sustainable construction, Redcity ensures to incorporate LEED building requirements in its construction designs. To take a look at some of the green services we offer, you can visit here and request a quote here to get started. Also, feel free to visit our YouTube channel here  and check out our blog here for more enlightening news and content.

What are your thoughts on LEED certification in Nigeria? Would you want your building LEED certified?

As the world continues to demand fast, affordable, and sustainable building solutions, prefabricated construction emerges as a revolutionizing solution. Its low cost and easy-to-assemble nature make it a practical alternative to traditional building methods.

In many parts of the world, like in Africa, for instance, prefabricated construction offers a timely solution to housing shortages, infrastructure development, and urbanization challenges. Because of this, it's fast becoming a popular choice in the construction world, with its market estimated to be worth more than $150 billion by 2026.

This article explores what prefabricated construction is, what it’s used for, its benefits and drawbacks, and how it is steadily impacting Africa.

What is prefabricated construction?

Prefabricated construction, commonly called prefab, is a building process where components of a building are manufactured off-site, usually in a factory, and are afterwards transported to the main construction site for assembly. In other words, it involves transporting pre-made or prefabricated components of a structure from where they are separately made to the construction site where they would be assembled together to form a complete structure.

Unlike traditional building methods that require long, on-site construction timelines, prefab shifts much of the work off-site, allowing for faster and often more efficient project completion.

The process can be done in two ways. Either fully modular, i.e., constructed entirely off-site and assembled on-site like building blocks, or partially prefabricated, where only certain components like walls, floors, or roofs are pre-made.

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What is Prefabricated Construction Used For?

Usually done using common construction materials such as steel, concrete, and wood, as well as sustainable materials like shipping containers, prefab is used for creating a wide range of structures, including:

Residential Buildings: Such as single-family homes, apartment blocks, and even luxury villas.

Commercial Spaces: Such as office buildings, retail centers, and warehouses.

Healthcare Facilities: Such as hospitals, clinics, and mobile medical units.

Educational Institutions: Such as schools, classrooms, and dormitories.

Emergency Relief Housing: Quick shelter solutions during natural disasters or humanitarian crises.

Benefits of Prefabricated Construction

Prefabricated construction brings with it a number of advantages that are worth mentioning. They include:

Speed: Doing much of the work off-site significantly reduces construction timelines. In addition, because prefabricated structures are easier to assemble and disassemble where necessary, it becomes possible to complete projects faster, making prefab especially crucial in emergency situations where shelters or decent housing may be exigent.

Cost-Effective: Prefab, due to the fact that it's usually done in a factory setting, requires less labor in comparison to traditional building. In addition to this, the materials used are usually bought in bulk and so cost less. Furthermore, prefab structures are also energy-efficient, durable, and easy to maintain, which further helps to save costs.

Quality Control: Factory production typically ensures consistent quality. In other words, with prefab, the quality of the materials used to manufacture the components is checked and approved before they are used. This way, safety codes are adhered to, ensuring quality and safe construction.

Sustainability: Prefab usually integrates eco-friendly designs and materials, making it favorable to the environment. Moreover, because it is done in a controlled environment, it reduces material waste, thereby helping to protect the environment from pollution.

Flexibility: Prefabricated structures can be customized for various uses and environments. Their design allows them to be tailored to diverse needs, climates, and design preferences. As such, prefabricated construction is suitable for building almost any structure.

Disadvantages of Prefabricated Construction

Notwithstanding its upsides, prefab also comes with a few considerable setbacks, which are:

Transportation Costs: Usually, it is expensive to transport large components. It requires thorough planning and supervision, making it rather difficult to move manufactured components to the main construction site for assembly.

Limited Design Flexibility On-Site: Major changes are hard to make after manufacturing. As a result, where there are defects or the need for adjustments, it may be difficult to achieve such. Also, prefab is usually design-specific, and as such, it places constraints on the types of structural designs possible.

Infrastructure Needs: Due to the manner in which prefab is carried out, it usually requires proper roads and cranes for assembly in remote areas. This may prove difficult, especially where these infrastructures are not present or available.

The Cost of Prefabricated Construction

Prefab construction is often cheaper than traditional building, with cost savings of up to 15-20% in some cases. The cost, however, varies based on factors such as:

• Type of structure
• Materials used
• Transportation logistics
• Labor and site preparation
• Local regulations and taxes

Nevertheless, in Africa, prefab homes can cost as little as $5,000 to $30,000, depending on size and finishes, making them a more viable option for low- and middle-income families.

Prefabricated Construction in Africa

With millions lacking access to decent shelter and urbanization steadily accelerating in Africa, it is evident that traditional construction methods cannot keep up with the increasing demand. As a result, prefab emerges as a game-changer, helping to alleviate the prevalent housing shortage plaguing the continent. This is why across various African nations, this construction method is increasingly gaining traction.

According to statistics, the market’s CAGR is estimated to be greater than 5.5% by 2030. In Nigeria, the market is growing 10.1% annually, and 6.1% annually in South Africa. Other African countries like Egypt and Kenya are also seeing significant growth in prefabricated construction. Moreover, adding to its growth are international organizations, NGOs, and private developers who invest in prefab solutions to support infrastructure goals across the continent.

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Clearly, prefabricated construction is becoming a preferred solution in Africa, and it might just be what the continent needs. Here’s why:

Affordable Housing: Prefab homes are usually more affordable. As such, they make it possible for low-income earners to also become homeowners.

Speedy Construction: As a fast method of construction, it is a perfect approach to adopt in disaster-prone areas or refugee zones.

Job Creation: Prefab stimulates local economies by creating manufacturing and assembly jobs.

Sustainable Development: It reduces environmental impact, especially in regions with limited resources.

Educational & Medical Infrastructure: Prefab helps build schools and hospitals quickly and easily in underserved areas.

Conclusion

In summary, prefabricated construction offers a much-needed solution to the pressing challenges of housing and infrastructure, especially in Africa. With its cost-efficiency, speed, and adaptability, prefab is poised to play a pivotal role in Africa’s developmental journey. In essence, while not without its challenges, its benefits far outweigh the drawbacks, making it an essential part of the future of construction, not just in Africa, but worldwide.

Redcity, like many companies adopting this innovative approach to construction, offers expert prefab services both locally and internationally. Simply request a quote here to get started. While you’re at it, you can check out our other products and services here. Also, visit our blog and YouTube channel for more insightful news and content.

What are your thoughts on prefabricated construction in Africa? Do you think it’s the future of construction in Africa? Let us know below.

 

7 Most Sustainable Buildings in the World and Why

In our world today, several buildings exist that defy the odds of traditional architecture. These buildings are different from regular brick-and-mortar buildings not only because of their ingenious designs but also because they embody elements of sustainability and energy efficiency.

Moreover, because of their innovative designs, these magnificent structures have become a vital part of tackling climate change and reducing our environmental footprint.

With that said, here’s a look at 7 of the most sustainable buildings in the world and why they are considered such.

1. Shanghai Tower:

The Shanghai Tower is not only the second-tallest building in the world, but it is also one of the most sustainable skyscrapers. Constructed in 2008, the structure is located in the financial district of Shanghai, China. The tower features a unique twisted design, which allows it to reduce wind loads and makes it more resistant to earthquakes. Additionally, its double-skin façade provides excellent insulation, reducing the need for heating and cooling. The tower also incorporates wind turbines to generate energy, a rainwater collection system, and a geothermal energy source, allowing it to save energy costs and reduce its carbon footprint by 34,000 metric tons a year. This is why it is Platinum certified by LEED, underscoring its commitment to sustainability.

2. The Edge:

Built in 2014, the Edge is often hailed as the world’s most sustainable office building. This high-tech masterpiece, situated in Amsterdam, is not only smart, but it also consumes 70% less energy than a traditional office building. It is recognised as a net-positive energy building because it generates more energy than it consumes, thanks to its 65,000 sq ft of solar panels and its energy-efficient design. The Edge features an intelligent system that not only stores thermal energy but also optimizes natural lighting and reuses energy, reducing the need for artificial lighting and heating. This earns it a 98.4% sustainability score on BREEAM's rating system, primarily because of its use of sustainable materials like glass.

3. One Central Park:

One Central Park in Sydney, Australia, is an innovative multi-residential complex known for its vertical gardens. Plants cover the building’s façade to not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but to also improve air quality. To add to this, the complex has a central thermal plant that provides renewable energy, heating, and cooling. Additionally, it features a rainwater harvesting system and uses low-energy lighting. Thus creating a building that harmonizes with nature while also reducing environmental impact.

4. The Crystal:

The Crystal, located in London, is one of the world’s most sustainable buildings and a symbol of sustainable urban development. It is an events venue that was a sustainable cities initiative by Siemens. The building is fully electric, powered by solar energy, and heated through a ground-source heat pump. This allows it to save on energy costs. It also incorporates a water harvesting and recycling system as well as an ingenious management system that regulates the building’s energy. In essence, the Crystal showcases innovative environmental technology, and operates with zero carbon emissions, making it a notable net-zero building.

5. Bullitt Center:

Considered the most sustainable commercial building in the world, the Bullitt Center in Seattle, USA, is a model of sustainability. It is another net-positive energy building and relies entirely on renewable energy, with a large solar array on its roof. It also utilizes a rainwater filtration system for converting rainwater to potable water. Additionally, it uses geothermal wells for heating and cooling the building and has composting toilets. To add to this, the center can last 250 years, promoting a long-term sustainability approach and therefore making it a trailblazer in sustainable architecture.

6. One Angel Square:

One Angel Square in Manchester is another sustainable office building in Europe that has a BREEAM rating of "Outstanding." The building is powered by a CHP (Combined Heat and Power) system run using rapeseed oil. It also uses geothermal earth tubes for natural ventilation and has a rainwater harvesting system to reduce water consumption, making it highly sustainable.

7. Bosco Verticale:

Bosco Verticale, or "Vertical Forest," are two residential towers in Milan, Italy, that integrate dense tree coverage on their balconies. These towers host over 20,000 trees and plants, which help absorb CO2, reduce pollution, and enhance biodiversity in the city. The building also promotes energy efficiency by providing natural insulation and minimizing the need for artificial cooling and heating.

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In essence, these seven buildings exemplify the future of sustainable architecture and sustainable engineering. By integrating renewable energy, resource efficiency, and innovative designs, they set new standards for future construction. Thus, as the world continues to focus on reducing carbon footprints and building smarter cities, these structures serve as inspiring models for architects and developers globally.

Redcity recognizes the value of these exceptional buildings and more, which is why we prepared this enlightening list.

To check out more exciting news and updates, visit our blog here. Discover all of our products and services here and request a quote here to get started. Also, check out our newly launched YouTube channel here and follow us on Instagram so you don't miss out on any important announcements.

What are your thoughts about these 7 most sustainable buildings in the world? Comment below.