Building a greener future for Namibia’s housing industry

According to Nadine Krötz, Coordinator of the Green Building Council of Namibia (GBCNA), building a green home means more than just being eco-friendly. It also includes water and energy efficiency and the use of sustainable materials.“Affordable homes also go hand in hand with sustainability, because sustainability is not just about ecology; it always includes economic and social sustainability,” Krötz said.Founded in 2013, the GBCNA is part of the World Green Building Council network. After a pause during the Covid-19 pandemic, the council resumed operations two years ago with a renewed focus on promoting sustainable building practices.Krötz encourages homeowners to reduce energy and water use through small but effective upgrades, such as low-flow faucets, energy-efficient appliances, and renewable energy options like solar panels and solar geysers. Passive design strategies also play a role. “You can incorporate a lot of passive design principles without adding many technical aspects,” she said.Orienting homes to maximise sun exposure, for example, helps manage heating and cooling naturally. Using thermal mass materials can further regulate indoor temperatures.While some worry that building green is costly, Krötz clarified that it typically adds just 0% to 15% to the cost of a home. “It always depends on the local market,” she said. In countries like South Africa, where green building is more established, the cost difference has dropped from 6% to around 2.4%.PartnershipTo support broader adoption of green practices, the GBCNA partnered with the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) to host a Green Finance for Sustainable Building Forum last week. The event aimed to educate the public about green loans and financing options for sustainable building. “Financial funding and incentives are a major driver of sustainability,” Krötz noted.Speaking at the forum, DBN’s chief risk officer Saima Ashipala highlighted the bank’s recent accreditation with the Green Climate Fund, which could bring between US$50 million and US$250 million into Namibia to support climate-focused projects. “We want to finance projects that create long-term value, incorporate green activities, foster economic growth, and ensure environmental and social progress,” said Ashipala.“The design and construction of spaces significantly impact the sustainability of the communities we serve.”Several buildings in Namibia have already been recognised for their green credentials. These include the headquarters of Standard Bank, FNB and Nedbank, all certified under the Green Star rating system. Other notable examples include the former Emcon office, Omake House on Jan Jonker Road, and a residential property in Okahandja. The Capricorn Corner office building in Windhoek is currently the only building in Namibia certified under the Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) standard by the International Finance Corporation (IFC).Everyone can contributeKrötz stressed that everyone can contribute to greener living by reducing water waste, using power wisely, and switching to renewable energy where possible. Simple actions, like turning off unused lights or keeping windows closed when using heating or cooling systems, can make a difference. “Here in Namibia, awareness of green housing is definitely rising,” she said. “It’s a long road to making green building the standard, but we’re making good progress and we’ll get there.”With 80% of Namibia’s 2050 housing stock still to be built, Krötz believes now is the time to prioritise sustainability. “There’s huge potential to reduce carbon emissions by saving building materials, water, and waste,” she said. “That’s why we believe it’s critical to tackle sustainability in the construction sector.”Watch My.na Property tonight at 21:00 to learn more about the Green Building Council of Namibia and the country’s progress in sustainability in the property market.

Building a greener future for Namibia’s housing industry

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Republikein 2025-10-14

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Building a greener future for Namibia’s housing industry

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