Integrating clean development mechanism into the development approval process of buildings: A case of urban housing in Uganda

Abstract

Since climate change is no respecter of geographical boundaries, concerted mitigating actions such as clean development mechanism (CDM), are desirable. In CDM, developed countries can earn certified emission reduction credits from emission reduction projects undertaken in developing countries. Recent research suggests that, theoretically, CDM can be extended to the building sector. However, there is limited research on how CDM can be integrated in the development approval process (DAP) of buildings. This paper presents an investigation on how CDM could be integrated into the DAP of buildings in urban Uganda. A method of process modelling was used to describe the existing DAP, and also to design a new DAP. To demonstrate how CDM could be integrated into the new DAP, a typical dwelling unit was used. Two options for the dwelling were considered: a baseline (i.e. constructed using typical materials, plant, and workforce) and alternative (i.e. constructed using provisions to reduce carbon emissions). The difference in emissions in the two options constituted the basis for a CDM. Results suggested that the existing DAP does not consider carbon accounting and thus was not congruent with CDM modalities. A new DAP which is compatible with CDM was proposed. When the CDM concept was integrated into the new DAP, a bottom-up projection regarding construction of 28,000 houses annually within the capital city showed that reductions of over 200 ktCO 2 could be achieved in a period of 10 years. These figures were comparable with prevailing CDM initiatives. The structure of a CDM programme aided by the new DAP was presented and discussed. This study shows that integrating CDM into the DAP of buildings in Uganda is possible if assessment of carbon emissions is incorporated in the existing DAP. The overall findings suggest that CDM could promote market-based mechanisms of enhancing sustainable construction in developing countries. Highlights: The study investigates integration of clean development mechanism into the development approval process for buildings in Uganda.  A new development approval processes which considers assessment of carbon emissions associated with building projects is proposed.  Within Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, integrating clean development mechanism into the proposed development approval process can lead to emission reduction of over 200 ktCO 2 in a period of 10 years.  It is possible to devise market-based mechanisms of enhancing sustainable construction in the urban sectors of developing countries.

A holistic review of research on carbon emissions of green building construction industry

“…The impact of government policy regulation on carbon emissions is an important research issue that cannot be ignored. The public policies such as clean development mechanism (Kibwami and Tutesigensi, 2016b), carbon trading approach (Chen et al, 2015), cap-and-trade program (Nishida et al, 2016), eco-labeling schemes (Low et al, 2014), energy consumption policies (Kim and Yu, 2018), etc., are important guarantees for the low-carbon ecological development. There are also some strategies such as selection of green construction products ( Jang et al, 2012) and material (Raj and Velraj, 2010), options to manage the use of energy sources (Azzi et al, 2015) and circular economy (Ness and Xing, 2017) can facilitate the reduction of the carbon emissions.…”

A systematic review of green building practices implementation in Africa

“…The negative impact of this consumption on the built environment is of great concern to the stakeholders. For the past few years, mitigating this challenge and promoting sustainable construction have created awareness of the significance of green building practices (GBP) globally in the industry (Kibwami and Tutesigensi, 2016a, 2016b; Li et al , 2017). Gou and Xie (2016) affirmed that the past decade had witnessed an increased interest in GBP.…”