Experts seek sustainable environment

No fewer than 60 delegates from across Africa, Europe and United Arab Emirates gathered in Lagos for the 10th Unite Summit of real estate operators, which had as its theme “Towards a sustainable culture.”

It was held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The experts said the event was historic as it marked the return of the most-influential real estate event in Africa since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Chairman, Unite Environment Sustainable Goals (ESG) Community, Jumoke Akinwunmi, gave an overview of the industry in the last 10 years and the role they have played to fill the gaps.

On how the African real estate practitioners could embrace a more sustainable culture, the keynote speaker, Prof. Obas John Ebohon, said how and where we build could have a great impact on health.

The estimated $768 billion investment potential in green buildings between 2018 and 2030 in emerging market cities is due to the sharp increase in building construction expected over the next few decades .This is in addition to the opportunity to ensure these are built green, said Dennis Papa Odenyi Quansah, Green Building Lead, International Finance Corporation (IFC) Nigeria Ghana & Kenya representative.

The highlight of the event was that the Unite ESG community, a network of climate tech, sustainability and ESG leaders from the real estate sector in Africa, with the common goal of achieving a sustainable and equitable future, was launched.

Its founder, Ruth Obih said the group would encourage ESG assessment, sustainability education, Edge and other certifications, sustainability policies and statements.