Ghana’s technical regulator for electricity and natural gas – Energy Commission – has commissioned west Africa’s first nearly-zero-energy building at its head office in Accra, capital of Ghana.
The classically and beautifully designed building, which generates energy by itself from solar power, was started about eighteen months ago and fully funded by the German Government at the cost of €1million.
Locally produced building materials were used, with only the air-conditioners and the lighting being the only imported items.
The building uses 88 per cent of the energy it produces and plans are in place to export the unused energy to the national grid when the net metering policy is fully implemented.
Ghana is among the countries that have set 2070 to achieve net zero emissions and with the construction of the nearly-zero-energy building, this initiative will serve as a model for housing developers.
The building will serve as an Energy Academy and a dynamic hub of knowledge, poised to nurture our future energy professionals and pioneers.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Minister of State at the Energy Ministry, Herbert Krapa, in a speech read for him by Sanitation Minister Hon. Lydia Seyram Alhassan, said the facility represents a remarkable achievement and a critical step forward in Ghana’s journey towards sustainable renewable energy solutions and responsible environmental stewardship.
He said the nearly-zero-energy building is truly a ground-breaking initiative for many reasons.
According to him, it embodies our national commitment to addressing climate change and reducing carbon emissions.
“By generating as much energy as it consumes, this facility exemplifies the core principles of energy efficiency and resource conservation that our energy policy advocates. It serves as a living testament to integrating sustainable practices into every aspect of our development. Through this building, we send a clear message: we are serious about sustainability and ready to lead by example,” he said.
He underscored the need for the Commission to go beyond the theoretical foundations taught in traditional academic settings and to seize this opportunity to explore innovative technologies, engage in pioneering research, and develop solutions that will define the future of energy, not just for our country but also for the entire region and beyond.
“This Energy Building will transcend its role as an academic resource and become a true catalyst for transformative change, driving the sustainable energy solutions our world needs,” he concluded.
The Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission, Ing. Oscar Amonoo-Neizer, said the facility embodies the Commission’s mission of promoting sustainable energy practices, addressing today’s needs while safeguarding tomorrow’s resources.
He said “with this nearly-zero-energy building, we aim to reduce our carbon footprint, use renewable resources efficiently, and serve as a beacon of what can be achieved through foresight, planning, and commitment.”
According to him, the building stands as a testament to the potential of sustainable energy practices to transform the way we design, construct, and operate spaces.
He commended all the partners, including GIZ, the architects, engineers, construction workers, and all other stakeholders who contributed in one way or the other to make this model facility a reality.
Mr Tangmor Marmor, Cluster Co-ordinator, GIZ, said the facility had to inspire more change in the Ghanaian building sector.
“We are not only making…Energy Commission stronger but also we want to strengthen the entire energy sector and the building sector.
“The building sector is causing so much emissions in Ghana and the building sector is showing a way out,” he stated.
The German Ambassador to Ghana, H.E Daniel Krull, in a speech read on his behalf, said “we are confident that the nearly- zero-energy building will not only serve the daily operational needs of the Energy Commission but will also act as Centre of Education for visitors and hosting workshops on sustainable building practices.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com