ACCRA: In an effort to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Dr. Prince Hamid Armah, the Deputy Minister of Works and Housing, has launched a comprehensive road map aimed at promoting the use of low-carbon construction materials. The initiative seeks to decarbonize Ghana's building and construction sector by 2050. According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative comes in response to the significant environmental impact caused by carbon-emitting materials such as cement, steel, and plastics, among others. Dr. Armah emphasized that the construction sector is a major contributor to climate change, accounting for over a third of global energy-related carbon emissions, with about 37 percent. It also consumes 40 percent of global energy, 30 percent of raw materials, and 12 percent of fresh water, while generating 20 percent of waste. The road map outlines strategies to mitigate these impacts, including the implementation of energy-efficient systems, promotion of green building materials, and th e advancement of water conservation initiatives. It also calls for designing resilient structures capable of withstanding climate change and utilizing advanced technologies. Dr. Armah described the road map as a blueprint for transformative change in construction practices. Dr. Frederick Wireko-Manu from the Building and Road Research Institute highlighted Ghana's significant material usage in the construction sector. He recommended reducing waste, enhancing circularity, and increasing the use of bio-based building materials like wood and bamboo to cut emissions. Ms. Celia Martinez of the United Nations Environment Programme commended Ghana for being the second African country, after Senegal, to launch such a road map. She stressed the importance of incorporating low-carbon materials into the market, noting that many buildings in Africa, including Ghana, have yet to be constructed, providing an opportunity to adopt sustainable practices. Dr. Prosper Korah from UN-Habitat pointed out that half of Ghana's u rban population resides in Accra and Kumasi, with a housing deficit of 1.8 million units. He noted that cement alone contributes to 10 percent of carbon emissions in the industry. Dr. Korah advocated for achieving zero operational and embodied carbon and urged the revision of curricula in technical education to prioritize sustainable building materials. The road map marks a significant step towards reducing the environmental footprint of Ghana's construction sector and aligns with global efforts to mitigate climate change.