Mishma Chakanyuka, Staff Writer 
THERE is growing momentum in green building practices within the country’s construction industry, according to the Zimbabwe Building Contractors Association (ZBCA).
Green building is gaining prominence as the sector strives to reduce its environmental impact and embrace sustainability.
ZBCA president, Tinashe Manzungu, highlighted that local banks now require green building components as a prerequisite for infrastructure project loans.
“Looking at our local banks, for them to grant loans for infrastructure projects, they want to see an element of green building. Because of this condition, we are bound as a country to prioritise green building practices in our activities as we move forward,” said Manzungu.
Meanwhile, the Green Building Council of Zimbabwe (GBCZ) has raised concerns that the lack of concrete incentives and regulatory enforcement mechanisms could hinder progress in sustainability efforts.
In a statement analysing the implications of Zimbabwe’s 2025 National Budget, the GBCZ acknowledged that the proposed budget holds significant promise but requires critical evaluation.
“While the budget makes notable strides toward fostering a sustainable property sector, its commitments must be assessed critically for their potential to advance green building practices and environmental resilience,” the council stated.
The GBCZ emphasised the need for Zimbabwe to adopt a more structured approach to incentivise green building practices, accelerate the renewable energy transition, and embed sustainability in urban planning to align with global sustainable development trends.
The council noted that the budget’s emphasis on integrating climate-resilient designs into housing and infrastructure projects aligns with its goals of promoting sustainable and energy-efficient building practices.
“This shift offers an opportunity for the council to lead policy discussions, promote green certification standards, and provide technical guidance on integrating sustainable practices into mainstream construction,” the GBCZ said.
The council also pointed out that the budget’s focus on energy infrastructure is pivotal for sustainability. It presents a chance to advocate for renewable energy integration into building codes and promote off-grid solutions for residential and commercial properties.
“Measures to increase domestic electricity generation, lower restrictions on self-generation, and attract private sector investment in renewable energy signal progress towards reducing reliance on non-renewable sources,” the council noted.
It added that the focus on energy efficiency could drive the adoption of green building standards, particularly in large-scale developments such as the Mt Hampden New City.
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