INTRODUCTION
The real estate industry is under mounting pressure to increase its focus on building sustainably. According to the World Economic Forum’s paper “Environmental Sustainability Principles for the Real Estate Industry,” the real estate sector consumes more than 40% of total world energy each year. In addition, buildings consume roughly 40% of the world’s raw materials and account for 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Statistics like these have led industry leaders to look for new methods to employ technology to mitigate the environmental impact of the real estate business.
Technology is playing a crucial role in making buildings more energy-efficient and sustainable in Africa, as well as in monitoring and managing energy consumption. Africa faces unique challenges when it comes to sustainable building practices and energy management due to its diverse climate, economic disparities, and varying levels of infrastructure development. However, new solutions are being implemented to address these challenges.
USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TO BUILD SAFER AND MORE SUSTAINABLE REAL ESTATE
- Robotics and Drones: Drones are being used globally in construction to transport materials, survey sites, and monitor progress. This reduces the need for on-site transportation, minimizing carbon emissions and fuel consumption. Robots are also increasingly used for repetitive tasks such as masonry and bricklaying, improving construction speed, quality, and safety while reducing carbon emissions.
- Big Data: Big data analytics are transforming the real estate sector by providing valuable insights. Construction sites use sensor data from machinery to optimize fuel efficiency, reduce construction costs, and minimize environmental impact. Data related to weather, business activity, transportation, and more are utilized to determine optimal construction schedules, reducing downtime and waste.
- 3D Printing: 3D printing is gaining popularity in construction globally. Computer-aided design is used to create three-dimensional objects, allowing for precise and efficient production. This reduces material waste, lowers labour costs, and enhances energy savings, contributing to overall sustainability.
- Internet of Things (IoT): Sensors and smart devices that share data, often known as the Internet of Things (IoT), are becoming increasingly important in the construction business. Small changes can have a major impact on lowering the industry’s carbon footprint. For example, equipping vehicles and machinery with sensors that turn them off when idle can drastically minimize fuel waste.
Sensorberg, a Berlin-based startup, is “digitizing buildings” equipped with IoT devices. By mapping its CO2 emissions and energy use, the company is employing technology to find additional ways to improve these metrics.
Recoginzer, another green tech startup, uses self-learning technology to optimize buildings’ CO2 emissions and energy efficiency. These initiatives benefit all stakeholders by lowering costs and carbon footprints while providing owners and tenants with better insight into their energy use and waste.
USAGE OF TECHNOLOGY TO DEVELOP SUSTAINABLE REAL ESTATE IN AFRICA
Africa is experiencing rapid urbanization, making sustainable real estate development crucial for the continent’s future. Innovative solutions are emerging to balance economic expansion with environmental preservation:
- Green Building Initiatives: Adopting green building practices is a cornerstone of sustainable development in African real estate. The carbon footprint of buildings is reduced through energy-efficient design, renewable energy integration, and the use of eco-friendly materials. Across the continent, innovative projects are demonstrating the potential of green building.
- Inclusive Sustainable Spaces: Sustainable development goes beyond buildings and includes creating inclusive, well-connected communities. Public spaces, green parks, and pedestrian pathways are increasingly being integrated into African real estate projects. These programs not only improve quality of life but also foster a sense of community and environmental stewardship.
- Technology-Driven Innovations: Technology is key to achieving sustainability goals in African real estate. Smart building management systems optimize energy consumption, monitor water usage, and enhance security. These tech solutions not only lower operating costs for owners but also contribute to a more sustainable built environment.
According to Unissu, the PropTech sector in Africa, any technological innovation or platform that makes the planning, management, development, buying/selling/leasing, and use of real estate more efficient, less expensive, and easier at any stage of a building’s lifecycle, is booming, with fundraising reaching $18 million in 2019.
According tothe most recent estimates, Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya alone have over 200 proptech companies. Other countries are seeing substantial development, including Botswana, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, and Ghana, and a significant increase in the number of companies entering the sector is expected in the coming years.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the global real estate sector stands at a crossroads, constrained by the urgent need for sustainability. With technology as a catalyst, it is evolving toward a more environmentally friendly and efficient future. Robotics, big data analytics, 3D printing, and IoT are reshaping construction practices worldwide.
In Africa, sustainable real estate development is vital for urbanizing regions, driven by green building initiatives, inclusive communities, and technology-focused innovations. The burgeoning PropTech sector in Africa signifies a promising trajectory, paving the way for more efficient, affordable, and eco-friendly real estate practices across the continent.
