How Nigeria can achieve sustainable solution for urban development — Expert

In response to the pressing need for sustainable urban development, architect Florence Duwala has proposed a comprehensive approach to address environmental degradation and climate change.

Duwala emphasises the urgent need for humanity to prioritise sustainable practices in urban development to ensure healthy outdoor and indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and to mitigate the negative effects of climate change.

She asserts, “The effect of environmental degradation necessitates a conscious effort from humanity for a better future.”

Citing data from UN-Habitat, Duwala highlights that cities are major contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions and are central to economic growth, with over 75 per cent of global primary energy consumed in urban areas. She emphasises the importance of integrating sustainability and disaster resilience into urban development to combat climate change effectively.

According to Duwala, energy plays a pivotal role in urban development and can either positively or negatively impact the environment.

She stressed the need for specialised solutions tailored to different industries to achieve zero-carbon emissions. “Each industry must proffer distinct solutions that best suit the industry in question,” says Duwala.

Duwala draws attention to sustainable design principles, including the use of phase change materials (PCMs) and low-emissivity coated glass, as promising solutions to optimise building energy efficiency. She explains how these technologies can help regulate ambient temperatures and reduce energy consumption in buildings.

However, Duwala acknowledges the challenges encountered in implementing sustainable practices, including technological limitations, a lack of technical expertise, high costs, and inadequate policies and regulations.

In conclusion, Duwala emphasises the collective responsibility of humanity to protect the environment for future generations.

“Humans are collectively failing the environment,” she says. “By implementing sustainable practices, future generations can benefit from what the environment has to offer.”

Architect Duwala’s advocacy for sustainable solutions underscores the importance of proactive measures in urban development to safeguard the environment and ensure a sustainable future for all.