Green Building Council Nigeria deepens collaboration to attain greener future in Nigeria

Green Building Council Nigeria, (GBCN), a non-governmental organisation, leading the transformation of the built environment to create buildings and communities that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy to live in, has said it would continue to deepen collaborations and leadership in the space to achieve the greener future it desires for the country.

Speaking during a stakeholder meeting in Lagos, themed ‘Connecting Industry for Resilient Collaboration and Leadership in the Environment’, Jacqueline Aki, Director Strategic Partnerships, GBCN, said collaborations has remained key to driving the vision of Council.

Aki explained that in its collaborative efforts, the Council remains aligned with international standards by maintaining active affiliation with its global governing body.

“We are registered with the World Green Building Council,” she said. “It serves as the umbrella organisation for all national Green Building Councils and guides the standards we advocate for.”

She noted that education is also a core focus of the Council’s work.

“We invest heavily in public education around the importance and benefits of green building. This includes hosting webinars, organising events, and engaging strategic partners,” Aki said.

She added that the Council’s advocacy efforts extend across the entire built environment ecosystem — from manufacturers and developers to designers and architects — as well as to government stakeholders.

“Our goal is to promote awareness and influence policy that supports sustainable development in Nigeria’s built environment,” she concluded.

Jane Nwaogu, the commercial manager for Kohler in West Africa, and strategic partner for GBCN said Kohler is a leader when it comes to sustainability and that is what it pushes for in terms of products it makes.

“Kohler builds toilets basins, taps, showers, kitchen taps, amongst others. We are deliberate in ensuring that for instance your shower is conservative when taking your bath. We have technologies like the anti-drip and catalyst technology, among others.

“All these Kohler technologies help save water when you shower. We have toilets for a full flush, you use as little as 3.6 liter of water for your flushing. And then, for half flush, you use two liters. So we have technologies that help reduce flow of water, but not compromising on the efficiency as well,” Nwaogu said.

She said Kohler is partnering GBCN because the Council’s vision resonates with what Kohler believes in.

Speaking on the importance of the stakeholder event, Nwaogu said the event helps create awareness of sustainability.

“The architects, developers and many other users need to understand the need for using sustainable products in the real estate industry and to understand that sustainability doesn’t always translate to luxury. You can get sustainable products without having to break the bank. So, it’s more like having to create that market awareness in terms of why we need sustainability,” she explained.

Omoyemi Olayiwola, Director of Research and Innovation at the Green Building Council Nigeria (GBCN), acknowledged that while there is still room for progress, recent initiatives by the Lagos State Government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu are encouraging signs for sustainability in the state.

“Last year, Lagos State launched a carbon registry aimed at developing a comprehensive database for carbon emissions and exploring pathways for carbon trading, both within and beyond Nigeria,” she said. “It’s a laudable initiative that positions Lagos as a forward-thinking player in climate action.”

She also noted the state’s efforts to promote green buildings.

“At the Lagos State Ministry of physical Planning Office, for instance, you will find a green building department — a sign of commitment to sustainable development. Lagos also leads the country in the number of certified green buildings, which speaks to the tangible progress being made. It’s more than just a buzzword — real action is taking place,” Olayiwola added.

She further highlighted the efforts of stakeholders operating within a niche but growing market.

“There’s a conscious movement toward buildings that are not only visually impressive but are also eco-friendly, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable in every sense of the word,” she said.

These developments, she noted, echo the purpose of the Green Circle event hosted by GBCN — a gathering that brought together industry leaders to foster collaboration and build a network of like-minded professionals working to elevate the green building movement and strengthen advocacy across the sector.