In Africa, comfort threatened by the energy challenge “ We need to think of cities as a whole, with urban planning that anticipates their growth. ” VINCENT KITIO Architect and Unit Leader for Urban Energy at UN-Habitat. “In many African cities, the issue of energy efficiency is still relatively new, particularly because access to energy remains restricted for a significant portion of the population. In this context, the challenge is not only to reduce consumption, but also to tangibly improve living conditions for residents. Appropriate architectural design (building orientation, natural ventilation, solar protection, passive lighting) reduces the need for air conditioning or artificial lighting, while improving thermal comfort and indoor air quality. These choices have a direct impact on the health, well-being, and resilience of households, particularly in rapidly growing cities.” “That said, awareness is growing, although the situation varies greatly from one country to another. In countries where public policies encourage energy efficiency and renewable energy, the benefits are reflected not only in lower energy costs, but also in improved quality of life. The adoption of building codes, the spreading of best practice, and the training of stakeholders contribute to more comfortable housing that is better suited to local climates and more accessible to urban populations. In a context of rapid urbanization, these approaches are an essential lever for reconciling population growth, sustainability, and quality of life.” READ the full interview in Constructing a Sustainable Future VIEWPOINT 43 42
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