Towards an Uptake Framework for the Green Building Concept in Ghana: A Theoretical Review

The Green Building Concept (GBC), has become a topical issue and is receiving global attention as a potential solution to numerous adverse effects of construction activity both climatically and environmentally. Globally, the construction industry alone consumes 50% of all resources, 45% of all Energy and adds to 35% of CO2 emissions. Several developed countries has embraced the GBC as the most formidable solution to the preservation of their natural resources and cutting down on the negative impacts of construction on the climate and environment. However, uptake of the concept in the Ghana Construction industry is very minimal and not at the desired rate with only four (4) certified green buildings. This creates a fragile environment which undermines Ghana’s efforts at realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).A critical review of literature is conducted exploring the implementation of the GBC in Ghana. Through discussions, the research established the present status of the practice in Ghana as well as the drivers responsible for this current state. The implications of these drivers in the Ghana construction industry are discussed as well. For an increased uptake of the concept in Ghana and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), key measures to ensure rapid uptake are recommended to include; a national education, awareness and publicity campaign, the imposition of mandatory government regulations and policies and the provision of financial and market-based incentives amongst others