Femi Akintunde, Group Managing Director (GMD) of Alpha Mead Group, has called for stronger financial support and strategic investment in sustainable construction across Nigeria and Africa.
Speaking at a workshop themed "Financing Green Building Solutions: Access Bank's Role in Promoting Sustainable Construction for the Future," Akintunde highlighted the long-term economic benefits of green buildings, urging stakeholders to embrace cost-effective and energy-efficient construction practices.
The Economic Case for Green Buildings
"Sustainable buildings may require higher upfront costs, but when you factor in operational savings over time, the numbers speak for themselves," Akintunde stated.
"With the right design and value engineering, we can drive costs down, making green buildings more accessible and financially viable."
He encouraged real estate professionals to deepen their understanding of affordable housing and sustainable construction, emphasizing that adaptation is key to the industry’s relevance and longevity.
"We have to commit to learning more about affordable housing and sustainable building. This is the future—the key to unlocking the full potential of our built environment and preserving it for future generations," he said.
Financing Challenges and the Role of Transparency
Akintunde emphasized that access to financing remains a major barrier to sustainable construction.
"For green buildings to gain real momentum, we need finance that is available, accessible, and affordable. Without these, progress will be slow, and we can't afford that delay," he stated.
He also acknowledged the risks associated with real estate investment, reassuring investors that working with credible developers minimizes uncertainties.
"Yes, real estate comes with risks, but when you partner with developers who have a strong track record, you’re not just mitigating those risks—you’re positioning yourself for solid returns," he explained.
Referring to a recent statement by Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), regarding significant real estate-related recoveries, Akintunde stressed the need for financial transparency.
"When raising capital, the sources must be legitimate. Authorities scrutinize projects with unusually large cash equity, but if your funds are clean and verifiable, there is no cause for concern," he advised.
Speed and Innovation in Construction
Akintunde also unveiled Alpha Mead’s groundbreaking technology, which enables the company to build homes in just 10 to 15 days—a game-changer in Nigeria’s volatile economy.
"In an environment of rising costs and high inflation, every single day saved on-site translates to significant cost savings. Efficiency is no longer optional—it’s a necessity," he noted.
Sustainable Construction: A Call to Action
Akintunde concluded by reaffirming that green building is not a passing trend but an inevitable shift that must be embraced.
"Sustainable construction is here to stay. The sooner we align with this reality, the better positioned we will be to create long-term value—for businesses, investors, and society as a whole."
His remarks served as a call to action for developers, financial institutions, and policymakers to collaborate in making sustainable housing more accessible. By leveraging innovative construction techniques and securing adequate financing, the transition to cost-effective, eco-friendly building solutions across Nigeria and Africa can be accelerated.
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