56 Our planet is becoming increasingly urbanized and cities keep on expanding. This phenomenon is particularly visible in the Global South(1) (also known as the countries of the South). According to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), their surface area will increase by 34% within 50 years (compared with 2020 levels) in high-income economic areas and most importantly by 141% in low income areas. Faced with the imperative to house significant flows of new citizens and create or resize tertiary real estate, a great many construction projects must be launched in the Global South. The priority is to make them as low‑carbon as possible. PLAYING THE LOCAL CARD Ideally, sustainable construction materials should be sourced locally to prevent transport-related emissions. According to Bundit Pradabsook, Commissioner of the Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage, using drywall materials in Thailand, such as gypsum in high-rise buildings, can save their occupants up to 27% on their air conditioning bills: “If you compare it per square meter, the transport cost of drywalls is lower, because they are six times lighter than prefabricated concrete walls.” South African building performance specialist Mlondolozi Hempe is also convinced of the upsurge in light and sustainable materials such as wood. All the same, he points out that there would need to be a change of mindset before sustainable construction is fully accepted and applied. Rolling out sustainable construction in the countries of the Global South is vital, as there is set to be a dramatic increase in urban expansion there. Attitudes, practices, and methods are already changing. However, final obstacles must still be removed, from the proper application of construction standards to a shift in mindset. REDUCING CONSTRUCTION’S environmental consumption in the countries of the South DISCOVER the full article in our online magazine Constructing a sustainable future SPoTLIGHT
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