Environmental Architecture Research–Practice Partnerships (A.RPPs): Integrating Green Building Theory and Practice in Ethiopia

Abstract

Green building systems are essential instruments for achieving environmental sustainability. Even though many nations have adopted a sustainable rating system for environmentally friendly construction, adoption tends to be fragmented. In this regard, this paper seeks to investigate green building systems in Ethiopia in terms of policies, coordination, awareness among professionals, and implementation. In this regard, a mixed methodological strategy involving literature review and empirical investigation has been used. Data has been collected from governmental and non-governmental construction sectors, universities, and professionals. Based on the data, it can be seen that even though there is wide awareness about sustainability, its implementation faces challenges due to a lack of a national framework for green buildings, an ineffective monitoring mechanism, fragmentation of coordination, and a weak link between research and practice. In this regard, the research indicates that the problem is not of policy commitment or awareness among professionals but the lack of a mechanism that can translate sustainable practices into implementation. To address this problem, the paper suggests the Environmental Architecture Research-Practice Partnership (A.RPPs) model based on the Dual Evaluation-Creation Cycle (Dual-ECC).

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