Promoting Sustainable Construction Practices in Morocco
The project titled "Elimination of Hazardous Chemicals from the Supply Chain of the Construction Sector in Morocco" was launched on Friday in Rabat, as part of the ongoing efforts to transition towards a sustainable and energy-efficient construction model. This initiative, spearheaded by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and implemented by the Moroccan Agency for Energy Efficiency (AMEE), is financially supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The primary objective of this project is to foster an ecological transition within the construction supply chain, particularly by replacing hazardous materials and chemicals with more environmentally friendly alternatives. Additionally, it aims to promote circular economy approaches and regenerative design models throughout the value chain.
Under the guidance of the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, the project includes significant plans to enhance the regulatory and normative framework related to the chemical safety of construction materials. It emphasizes the integration of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approaches into the sector’s policies and practices, along with the promotion of low-carbon materials through environmentally friendly alternatives. Furthermore, the initiative aspires to develop environmental and health certification mechanisms, strengthen the capacities of public institutions, laboratories, and private stakeholders, while also supporting demonstrative pilot actions and awareness campaigns.
Commitment to Sustainable Development and Chemical Management
During the opening of the project launch workshop, Bouzekri Razi, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development - Department of Sustainable Development, stated that this initiative embodies not only technical aspects but also a deeply human ambition: to create safer living spaces, better protect the health of workers and citizens, and prepare a development model that is more respectful of our environment. Razi highlighted Morocco's growing integration of chemical management issues within its environmental public policies, notably through the National Sustainable Development Strategy (NSDS) and efforts to promote a green, circular, and resilient economy. The project's launch aims to assist in transforming the construction supply chain in Morocco by promoting safer materials, encouraging sustainable alternatives, and enhancing environmentally friendly practices.
Razi emphasized that this project presents a significant opportunity to bolster the competitiveness of Morocco's construction sector while reinforcing the country's commitments to sustainable development and the rational management of chemical products. Mohamed Benyahya, the Director General of AMEE, noted the strategic role of the construction sector in the national economy, emphasizing that it remains one of the most energy-intensive sectors, with construction materials accounting for 42% of the total energy consumption of the national industry. According to Benyahya, this situation necessitates the development of solutions based on circular economy principles, underscoring the importance of this integrated project that focuses on life cycle analysis, transforming production and consumption systems, and promoting circulation. The ultimate goal is to expedite the transition towards sustainable, resilient, and competitive construction practices.
To achieve these objectives, the project focuses on strengthening the regulatory and normative framework while enhancing the technical and professional capacities of the sector. It also supports innovation and the establishment of pilot projects and demonstrations in collaboration with industry professionals. Sanae Lahlou, the UNIDO country representative, pointed out that the building and construction sector is responsible for 30% of global CO2 emissions, highlighting the urgent need to consider sustainable construction methods that minimize environmental impact. Lahlou expressed optimism that the project would have a significant impact on reducing CO2 emissions, stressing that sustainability is not only an environmental issue but also a matter of Morocco's industrial and economic sovereignty. The launch workshop featured a presentation from the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, outlining the global context of the construction sector, the project objectives, and its alignment with the NSDS.
As reported by ecoactu.ma.
