Strengthening sustainable construction ties between the UK and Nigeria

UK sustainable construction

The July delegation was organised by the UK-Nigeria Sustainable Construction Global Innovation Network, which was launched in December by Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa. The network’s goal is to foster a sustainable bilateral UK-Nigeria collaboration by exploring emerging circular innovations and technologies. The five-day trip enabled delegates to share knowledge and discuss further collaboration opportunities.

The trip brought together Eddie Black, Founder and Managing Director at Eco Group, Lea Esteban, Project Manager and Circular Economy Consultant at Arup, and Marcus von Thiele, Director at Ecobrix-UK.

Arup, a London-based global sustainable development consultancy, has been operating in Nigeria since 1951, working on developing sustainable infrastructure, city design, and building projects. Scotland-based Eco Group has developed the game changing VASO Build, a housebuilding technology that uses recycled glass to create affordable, low-carbon buildings. Meanwhile, Wales-based Ecobrix uses recycled wood mixed with cement as an energy-efficient alternative to masonry.

There is a global construction crisis, and Africa has forward-looking ambitions that put sustainability at the heart of the solution. Knowledge sharing is central to progress, and by working together we can develop solutions that address global sustainability challenges.

– Eddie Black, Founder and Managing Director at Eco Group; Lea Esteban, Project Manager and Circular Economy Consultant at Arup and Marcus von Thiele, Director at Ecobrix-UK

Forging partnerships

While the trip was centred around the Future Cities Africa Green Building Summit, it packed in a number of visits to innovative organisations having a real impact on sustainable construction.

First up was a visit to Arup’s Lagos offices, followed by a tour of Covenant University. The University is home to the Centre for Research, Innovation, and Discovery, which focuses on solving ‘big picture’ challenges, including climate change and waste management.

The following day started with the delegation visiting Biofil Technologies, a waste management company committed to providing sustainable solutions. Next was a visit to Lafarge Africa, which launched Nigeria’s first low-carbon multipurpose cement and is pioneering green mobility and circular construction across Africa.

The day ended with a networking event with the Green Building Council of Nigeria, which plays a crucial role in leading the green transformation of the built environment to ensure new projects are environmentally responsible, healthy, and profitable.

Innovate UK has brought together people from the UK and Africa who are passionate about innovation and driving towards net zero. It was a pleasure to get in the same room to discuss solutions and further collaboration opportunities to create built environments that are healthy, sustainable, and equitable.

 – Danjuma Waniko, President of the Green Building Council 

The delegates spent the following two days immersing themselves in the Future Cities Africa Green Building Summit. With workshops, an exhibition, keynote speeches, events, and sessions, it was an opportunity for like-minded innovators to explore the summit’s themes of carbon neutrality, the circular economy, and inclusive urban development.

The trip was wrapped up with a visit to BASF’s Lagos headquarters, where the delegates learned about the multinational company’s commitment to creating chemistry for a sustainable future.

It was a whirlwind few days, but meeting so many people committed to sustainable city-building was gratifying. Only by combining our strengths can we build resilient, eco-friendly infrastructures to a scale that benefits not just the UK and Africa but worldwide, and set a new standard and culture for the industry.

– Eddie Black, Founder and Managing Director at Eco Group

Looking to the future

The UK-Nigeria Sustainable Construction Global Innovation Network continues to work to create opportunities for UK businesses in the Nigerian market and to drive a sustainable and fundamental shift in the construction industry.

Following the Lagos delegation, Innovate UK joined the UK Department for Business and Trade infrastructure team on a trade mission to Ghana to explore further business opportunities.

Everything we talk about at Innovate UK, such as low-cost housing, sustainable materials, and the reuse of waste materials, was being talked about by everyone on this trip. The really exciting thing about this is that sustainability has often been low on the list of priorities on trade missions, but now it’s becoming central to everything.

– Joshua Adedeji, Country Lead at Innovate UK Business Connect

About Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa

Global Alliance Africa is a six-year project funded by UK International Development through Innovate UK (GCRF) and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

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