A big boost for energy efficient building in East Africa

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has approved a USD 2,853,000 for a joint UN-HABITAT / UNEP project to promote energy efficiency in the East African building sector. Energy used in buildings accounts for a significant percentage of national energy consumption. It is in fact estimated that over 40 per cent of the total national electricity generated in developing countries is used in urban buildings alone, consuming more energy than the transport and industry sectors.

The project was initiated by UN-HABITAT in collaboration with its sister agency UNEP, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the governments of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi.

The idea is to mainstream energy efficiency measures into housing policies, building codes, and building practices in East Africa, both to save energy and cut back greenhouse gas pollution.

Source: UN-HABITAT