Enabel is firmly committed to ecological and resilient infrastructure

The Belgian development agency Enabel aims to promote the use of ecological and resilient infrastructure in the countries where it operates. Backed by 25 years of experience, this should make a significant contribution to climate neutrality by 2050.
 

"The time for experimentation is over. It is time to convince our partners to apply the principles of ecological construction across the board," states a position paper by the Belgian development agency Enabel in September 2024. With 25 years of experience under its belt, the agency believes the time is ripe to move decisively towards buildings that do as little harm to the environment and climate as possible.
 

Cement

Such a turnaround is highly urgent, especially in Africa, where Enabel's activities are focused. Its population and economy are growing at an astounding rate and are craving energy and progress – while at the same time, there is an urgent need to spare nature and emit as few greenhouse gases as possible.

More sustainable construction would go a long way, Enabel realises. Today, the sector consumes 40-50% of all raw materials and 36% of global energy consumption. Cement alone accounts for 5-8% of global CO₂ emissions. The entire construction sector is responsible for as much as 40% of all greenhouse gases.

Passive techniques

And there is much room for improvement, as Enabel knows from experience. The techniques do exist and they work! What is more: not only are the buildings a lot more sustainable, they are also much more comfortable to live and work in, especially in hot climates.

In Palestine, for example, with Belgian financial support, Enabel used passive techniques – that is, without the use of electricity or energy – to cool schools. Air flows through pipes in the ground, bringing coolness into the buildings. In Uganda, openings in the buildings that are well shielded from the sun provide natural ventilation. Solar panels and biomass produce electricity there.

Bricks based on local clay led to a far lower use of cement in Burundi. The structures are not only equally strong, they are also cheaper and offer more comfort in terms of soundproofing and pleasant indoor temperatures.

In Rwanda too, Enabel put a strong emphasis on using local materials, such as bamboo and stones. In addition to bricks based on sun-dried clay, Enabel used bulrush as a roofing material in Senegal. This plant is abundant and provides material that insulates well and does not rot.

Furthermore, 'circularity' is important: materials must be readily reusable. Water-saving methods are a must.
 

Co-creation

But the techniques by themselves are not enough. This is why Enabel aims to work on raising awareness: among the government, the construction sector and the public. It will often be necessary to assist governments in developing building standards, in addition to guidebooks for issuing certificates for green buildings. To issue building permits, there is a need for tools for measuring energy performance.

Obviously, good craftsmen are also indispensable. This is why Enabel provides specialist training at technical schools and universities. A property should also embed itself as harmoniously as possible into its surroundings. This will also take into account the wishes of the local community ('co-creation'). It is therefore involved in every phase of the project, with a special focus on gender equality.
 

Climate neutral by 2050

Using a range of environmentally and climate-friendly principles entails an additional cost of 15%, according to Enabel. But this pays off overwhelmingly. The structures consume little external energy, last a long time and provide a pleasant, healthy and safe living environment.

Enabel has already set itself a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030, 40% by 2040 and 100% – climate neutral – by 2050. It aims to achieve an analogous growth path in terms of use of natural materials and water. Pollution should be minimal and no forests should be cut.

View the position paper: Promoting the widespread use of ecological and resilient infrastructure