Global Challenges Research Fund Networking Workshop

The University of Embu in collaboration with University of South Wales and Meru University of Science and Technology, hosted a one-day Workshop for the Global Challenges Research Fund Networking. The workshop, which was hosted both virtually and face to face for a few participants and facilitators, was held on Wednesday, 11^th August 2021 at the University of Embu, Charter Hall. The theme of the workshop was “Promotion of Energy Efficient Home using Sustainable Design of Building Materials and Energy Management”. The workshop was sponsored by the Academy of Medical Sciences, UK, through the Global Challenges Research Fund. Participants discussed various thematic areas and came up with recommendations for addressing one of the most critical challenges facing the world today, namely, the effects of climate change.

Speaking during the opening of the Workshop, the Vice-Chancellor, thanked the organisers of the workshop for hosting the workshop at the University. This, he noted, was a big honor and a recognition of the University’s good standing in research and community service.

The VC said that the workshop was timely because it will begin the conversation on the contribution of scholars to the current efforts aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change. He noted the construction industry in Kenya was growing at a very fast rate, therefore, the importance of promoting the development of energy efficient homes using sustainable design of building materials and energy management, cannot be overemphasized. He pointed out that the massive mining for building construction materials and repair of deteriorated infrastructure has continued to cause greenhouse gas emissions that have contributed significantly to climate change and global warming.

In addition, he said that the University is developing strategies to address the issue of emissions on campus by collaborating with like minded organizations like Gitutho Architects and Planners Limited, Kenya Climate Innovation Centre in conceptualising and designing zero-net carbon buildings to be put in the University as the institutions contribution to climate change mitigation.

The workshop was facilitated by Professor of Civil Engineering, University of South Wales, Prof. John Kinuthia, Chief Executive Officers (CEO) Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK), Eng. Margaret Ogai, Chief Executive Officer, Institution of Engineers of Kenya, Eng. Linda Otieno, Manager, Quality Control and Development at Savannah Cement Limited, Dr. Onesmus Mulwa Munyao, Business Development Manager at Gitutho Architects and Planners Limited, and a Green Building Consultants Arch. Mugure Njendu among other dignitaries.