Africa Lead raises champions of change for agricultural transformation

For an economy that remains largely agricultural, an aging farming population is cause of worry for Ghana.
 

The trend of heavy food importation into the country needs to be reversed by making agriculture as lucrative and attractive to young people as other professions and vocations.

Africa Lead is focused on building the capacity of young Ghanaians as champions of change to lead and manage structures for agricultural transformation and food security.

The program delivers the Champions for Change leadership course for university students to strengthen their leadership and management skills to be able to influence the development path of agriculture and food security.

At one of such training sessions at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Africa Lead’s Victor Adom told 3news.com that the government’s flagship economic and agricultural policies, especially the Planting for Food and the One-District-One-Factory initiatives, offer opportunities of the youth to be profitably engaged.  

“We think that the youth of Ghana are ready for change,” he noted, observing that the youth are scattered in communities where food production and other agricultural activities are thriving.

“The government’s initiatives which are going to happen at the district and constituency level offer an opportunity for the youth to be engaged and if we can motivate them and challenge them to open their eyes to see that the opportunities are there in the communities, they will rise up to it,” he stated.

The Africa Lead program works to help realize the US government’s Feed the Future initiative as well as the African Union’s Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) goals of reduced hunger and poverty.

In Ghana, Africa Lead works with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and other non-state actors to build leadership capacities to influence change for poverty eradication and food security.

“We believe that if we all pull resources together, we will be able to make it,” said Mr. Adom.

The champions of change leadership training has the objective to inspire, energize and mobilize innovative leaders, champions and thinkers in African countries, who are committed to creative new approaches to achieving food security.

Trainees are challenged to appreciate their roles in food security initiatives, including active roles in CAADP and country investment.

They also explore and analyze major opportunities in implementing major agricultural initiatives and identify innovative actions that they can take to help overcome these opportunities.

Manuela Tobil, a beneficiary of the Champions of Change leadership short course at the KNUST, feels empowered to be a change agent.

“As a leader you have to be the embodiment of the change you want to see in your community and many people have attempted to solve the issue of food security but have failed as result of leadership capacity,” she said. “I’ve had a lot of ideas from the training and I hope to implement them”.

Provost of the College of Science, KNUST, Prof. Ibok Oduro, says developing critical thinking, collaboration and teamwork will help build a crop of leaders for change.

By Kofi Adu Domfeh

Convention to tackle global mercury menace comes into force

The Minamata Convention on Mercury, which aims to protect human health and the environment from exposure to mercury, has entered into force from today, August 16, 2017, to become legally binding.

Ghana’s environmental group, Abibiman Foundation, has welcomed this first new multilateral environmental agreement in over a decade as a turning point for the plant and human health.

“From today, we have the opportunity to chart a new course; a course that is expected to control the anthropogenic releases of mercury throughout its lifecycle in order to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of mercury and its related compounds,” said Kenneth Nana Amoateng, Executive Director of the Foundation. 

The Minamata Convention was adopted in October 2013 but in accordance with Article 31, enters into force, ninety days after the date of deposit of the fiftieth instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, which happened on May 18, 2017.

According to the UN Environmental Programme (UNEP), exposure to mercury has debilitating effects on the brain and nervous system, digestive system and the kidney, among others. Memory loss and language impairment as well as harmful effects on unborn children and infants are also known to be products of exposure to mercury and environmental damage estimated at $22 billion.

From 2020, the Convention will ban the production, import and export of products that contain mercury, including blood pressure monitors, clinical thermometers, high-pressure mercury lamps, and topical antiseptic agents.

Until then, the Convention will encourage signatory countries to gradually reduce their use of mercury. In the case of small-scale gold mining, for which mercury is being used indiscriminately, the Convention has stipulated reduction in usage of mercury.

The treaty also states that for constructing coal-powered thermal power plants, the countries which are signatories will be required to include equipment to help minimize mercury emissions.

So far, there are 128 Signatories and 74 Parties to the Convention.

The Government of the Republic of Ghana signed the Convention on September 24, 2014 and ratified it on March 23, 2017.

Ghana’s main regulatory body, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has put together a national planning committee for ensuring the enforcement of the provisions of the Convention.

The Abibiman Foundation has called on the EPA to adopt a ‘bottom-up’ rather than a ‘top-down’ approach to ensure all relevant stakeholders are actively involved in the process.

The Foundation also demands among others, research into sources of illegal mercury imports, including the existing or likely mercury entry points into Ghana, and the distribution networks within the country; and transparency in the implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury.

The Government of Ghana has also been asked to make available resource allocation for the National Action Plan to address challenges relating to the reduction and elimination of Mercury.

Story by Kofi Adu Domfeh

Persons with disabilities need assistive devices for social inclusion

Participants at a major conference on disability have argued strongly for persons with disabilities in Ghana to access assistive devices and technologies for their societal inclusion.
 

The use of such technologies helps improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities (PWDs) by increasing access to schools, employment, community activities and other services.

Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Otiko Afisa Djaba, acknowledged the slow progress on the inclusion of persons with disability.

She however says the government remains committed to ensuring the full economic and social inclusion of PWDs to become persons overcoming disabilities.  

“Assistive technology though quite common in the Western world is quite inaccessible in Ghana and it’s very expensive for average people to have it… so I will urge the College of Health Sciences and the Engineering Department [KNUST] to link up with the Ministry of Trade in partnership with the One-District-One-Factory for we ourselves to begin to create and develop assistive devices in Ghana and Africa as a whole,” she said.

The Minister was addressing the 5^th AfriNEAD and 7^th College of Health Sciences Scientific Conference in Kumasi on the theme: “Disability and Inclusion in Africa: The Role of Assistive technology”.

The African Network for Evidence-to-Action in Disability (AfriNEAD) advocates for the translation of disability research evidence into action that will assist in the upliftment of the lives of PWDs in Africa.

Chairperson of the Network, Prof. Gubela Mji, says there is need for clarity among African governments to include articles under the UN Convention for Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) into policies and practice.

The disabled around the world frequently encounter widespread barriers or lack accessibility in buildings, discrimination in employment, transport and information Communication Technologies.

These barriers often go to deny them the opportunities that exist, leading to exclusion and marginalization.

Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah, observed the impact and benefits of assistive technology, accessible information communication technologies have been positive on the wellbeing by improving inclusiveness and participation among persons with disabilities.

He noted new hopes are emerging for persons with disabilities with the advent of ICT. 

“In spite of the huge challenges disabled persons face, Assistive Technology and ICT are offering new opportunities for everyone but they are becoming more significant to persons with disabilities,” he said.

He said the government is committed to helping to create an equitable and fair society for all citizens to share in the country’s wealth and prosperity.

By Kofi Adu Domfeh  

Clean energy transition will increase demand for minerals, says new World Bank report

A new World Bank report highlights the potential impacts that the expected continuing boom in low-carbon energy technologies will have on demand for many minerals and metals.

Using wind, solar, and energy storage batteries as key examples of low-carbon or “green” energy technologies, the report, “The Growing Role of Minerals and Metals for a Low-Carbon Future” examines the types of minerals and metals that will likely increase in demand as the world works towards commitments to keep the global average temperature rise at or below 2°C.

Minerals and metals expected to see heightened demand include: aluminum, copper, lead, lithium, manganese, nickel, silver, steel, and zinc and rare earth minerals such as indium, molybdenum, and neodymium.

The most significant example is electric storage batteries, where demand for relevant metals: aluminum, cobalt, iron, lead, lithium, manganese, and nickel— could grow by more than 1,000 percent if countries take the actions needed to keep global warming at or below 2°C. 

The report shows that a shift to a low-carbon future could result in opportunities for mineral-rich countries but also points to the need for these countries to ensure they have long-term strategies in place that enable them to make smart investment decisions. In readiness for growth in demand, countries will need to have appropriate policy mechanisms in place to safeguard local communities and the environment.

“With better planning, resource-rich countries can take advantage of the increased demand to foster growth and development,” said Riccardo Puliti, Senior Director and Head of the Energy and Extractive Industries Global Practice at the World Bank. “Countries with capacity and infrastructure to supply the minerals and metals required for cleaner technologies have a unique opportunity to grow their economies if they develop their mining sectors in a sustainable way.”

The future demand for specific metals is not only a function of the degree to which countries commit to a low-carbon future, it is also driven by intra-technology choices.

The low-carbon technologies that emerge as most applicable and beneficial, will play an important role in defining the commodity marketplace of the next 50 years. For example, the three leading forms of alternative vehicles — electric, hybrid, and hydrogen — each have different implications for metal demand: electric vehicles require lithium; hybrid vehicles use lead and hydrogen-powered vehicles use platinum.

Demand for individual metals and minerals will reflect the component mix of low-carbon technologies, corresponding with economic changes and technical developments.

To position themselves well, countries will need reliable sources of economic data and market intelligence, as well as the capacity to turn that information into plans, investments, and sustainable operations.

Based on current trends, it is expected that Chile, Peru, and (potentially) Bolivia, will play a key role in supplying copper and lithium; Brazil is a key bauxite and iron ore supplier; while southern Africa and Guinea will be vital in the effort to meet growing demand for platinum, manganese, bauxite, and chromium.

China will continue to play a leading role in production and reserve levels in practically every key metal required under low-carbon scenarios. India is dominant in iron, steel, and titanium, while Indonesia, Malaysia, and Philippines have opportunities with bauxite and nickel.

A “green” technology future has the potential to be materially intensive, the report states. Increased extraction and production activities could also have significant impacts on local water systems, ecosystems, and communities. As countries develop their natural resource endowments, it will be critical that sustainability, environmental protection, and options to recycle materials be integrated into new operations, policies and investments. 

“The Growing Role of Minerals and Metals for a Low-Carbon Future” report is intended to contribute to a richer dialogue around the opportunities and challenges for resource-rich countries that a low-carbon future presents.

The analysis is designed to support policy-makers and other stakeholders in the areas of extractives, clean energy and climate change to better understand the issues involved and identify areas of common interest.

Green Climate Fund deepens ties with Conservation International

The Green Climate Fund has signed an Accreditation Master Agreement with Conservation International, broadening the Fund’s global reach to support climate action.

Conservation International, an international non-profit organization and GCF Accredited Entity, is helping to protect nature and encourage sustainable development in over 30 countries across six continents.

Accreditation Master Agreements are critical as they deepen ties between GCF and its Accredited Entities, which propose and carry out the climate finance projects GCF approves. They are also a prerequisite for the disbursement of project funds.

Conservation International President, Jennifer Morris, said the signing of the Accreditation Master Agreement is a critical step in helping the organisation address climate change. 

“CI has a long history of using nature-based solutions to combat climate change in countries around the world least able to cope with a changing climate,” said Ms Morris.

“Joining forces with the GCF provides us with additional financial means to expand our reach and increase our impact. This will include the launch of a first of its kind public-private investment program to stimulate investment in climate-resilient land use in Madagascar, our first approved GCF project.”

GCF Executive Director Howard Bamsey said GCF will benefit from the international NGO’s well-established model of conservation based on science, fieldwork and strong partnerships with governments and indigenous people’s organizations.

“Conservation International’s rich experience in reducing deforestation and improving agricultural practices will be a welcome addition to the Fund’s growing capacity to deal with climate change,” Mr Bamsey said.

Floods, bad roads and collapsing bridges – Kumasi’s broad day nightmare

Just a couple of years ago, people living in Kumasi would have had a troll at residents of Accra for the perennial flooding of the capital city, whenever the rains set in.

But today, makeshift swimming pools abound in Ghana’s second largest city – homes, markets and streets are now abodes of flood waters anytime the heavens pour.

Flooding is indeed a growing phenomenon in the Garden City; buildings are submerging, people are drowning and communities are being displaced.

The excessive flood waters in the past two months have collapsed bridges and washed away bitumen on roads, worsening the already pothole-ridden deplorable roads.

Arterial roads are almost impassable with floods everywhere.

Unlike Accra which is a coastal city, flood should not be a natural occurrence in Kumasi. This makes the situation pathetic.

The reasons for flooding are not far-fetched but the solution to arrest the havoc caused by rain waters is eluding city authorities.

Poor Waste Management 

Each downpour exposes the city’s poor waste management. Uncollected solid waste and other materials indiscriminately disposed swim in the flood.

When people are unable to access waste bins within their immediate environs, they tend to litter and dump their waste into gutters, water bodies, along streets and other open spaces.

Poorly disposed waste eventually chokes the free flow of liquid waste. When rain water cannot have free passage through the filth, flooding rears its head.  

Poor Drainage Systems

Most communities lack good drainage systems for liquid waste disposal and passage of flood waters. Rivers and streams have despicably turned into urban sewage systems.

Each downpour therefore puts a strain on bridges and roads and the floods explore outlets to run out.

The waters either find rest in homes or push structures off its way to run out. 

Along the line comes the devastation.

Defective Urban Planning

Kumasi is fast developing to a cosmopolitan city, but a cursory observation of new constructions and infrastructural development points to a defective urban planning.

New communities and building projects are haphazardly springing up on wetlands and water bodies; trees are being fallen indiscriminately for modern building structures; and there are no flood control contingencies.

The city’s poor environmental regulations put the ecosystem at great risk.

Costly Devastation

The number of flood-prone suburbs in Kumasi is increasing, as the city’s vulnerability to destruction caused by rain water is exposed.

A good number of bridges have collapsed and others are on the verge of caving in, putting commuters and local residents at safety risk.

Farming, trading and other economic activities are impeded as commuters struggle to access the roads and bridges.

Commuters get frustrated in spending long period of time for short trips, cost of plying roads increases as vehicles easily breakdown whilst people are exposed to road accidents.

Inspite of the havoc caused by the rains, there seems to be no immediate or long term intervention in sight.

Grave concerns have been expressed about the indiscriminate building on waterways in the city.

Planners and environmentalists have also prevailed on the city authorities to enforce by-laws on siting of buildings and other development projects.

Soon, the rains will stop and citizens as well as authorities will go to bed on the causes and effects of floods until yet another year. The situation could worsen.

Hopefully, the current man-made disaster of flooding will serve as wake-up call to begin climate-smart planning and re-engineering of the city to avert reoccurrence and adapt sustainably to harsh weather conditions.

By Kofi Adu Domfeh

Ghana needs new policy regime on space engineering – Daasebre Oti Boateng

Chancellor of the All Nations University has called for a new policy focus to harness the potential of Ghana’s new global brand in space engineering for economic development in the areas of security, education and capacity building.

Daasebre Prof. (Emeritus) Oti Boateng, who is also the Omanhene of New Juaben Traditional Area, says Ghana has now joined the elite group of nations with space science programmes, following a global historic milestone in launching its first satellite into space.

The country will participate fully in next year's meeting marking the 50^th Anniversary of the first UN Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.

Daasebre Oti Boateng says whilst the successful deployment of Ghana's first satellite into space from the International Space Station has placed Ghana on the global pedestal, the remarkable feat must be the starting point for a new national policy regime to develop and fully utilize the benefits of space science for national development as a new global player.

“GhanaSat1 will beef up and strengthen our national security by taking pictures with on-board cameras to monitor Ghana’s coastal regions. It will also stimulate and promote science, technology; engineering and mathematics (STEM) related skills by demonstrating the unique power of broadcasting songs from outer space to invigorate the learning process,” he said in a statement.

He is confident this will particularly encourage girls to be more interested in and responsive to STEM related disciplines which will continue to be in high demand and a major pathway to bridging the gender gap in the development process.

The successful deployment of Ghana's first satellite, GhanaSat1, into space followed a three-phase process with the initial major milestone accomplished on 3^rd June when GhanaSat1 was successfully launched aboard SpaceX-Falcon 9 CRS11 spacecraft from the Kennedy Space Center making a steady progress on its trajectory towards the International Space Station (ISS).

The second milestone was achieved with the successful rendezvous of the spacecraft with the ISS on 5^th June while the final phase was achieved with the successful deployment of GhanaSat1 from ISS into orbit at an estimated altitude of 400km above the earth atmosphere via the Japan/Kibo Deployment System. 

The scientific data and earth observation images taken by GhanaSat1 will be shared with both government and non-governmental institutions to promote capability building and the utilization of satellite-based information to solve relevant and pertinent problems in the country.

Daasebre noted “this emerging global brand pioneered by the young scientists from the All Nations University, Koforidua in the Eastern Region, remains a source of pride for all Ghanaians and a remarkable inspiration for the youth to adopt and embrace a globally competitive spirit to make a difference in this era of globalization”.

He commended the young scientists and applauded the cooperation of all stakeholders, particularly authorities at the All Nations University, for providing the requisite investment and extensive collaboration with leading universities and institutions worldwide to make this achievement possible.

By Kofi Adu Domfeh

Kumasi – a Garden City deprived of public recreational facility

In July 2016, a stampede in an overcrowded Asawase Community Center in Kumasi claimed nine young lives, whilst scores of other Muslim holiday revelers got injured.

Almost a year on, a teenage boy was shot in the head as he participated in the 2017 Eid-Ul-Fitr celebration at Manhyia.

Various security lapses have been identified and interventions outlined to avert recurrence of such incidents.

But there is a critical factor that has been downplayed – Kumasi is deprived of public recreational facilities to accommodate holiday and fun makers.

Festivities like the Eid, Christmas and Easter mostly attract young people who seek avenues to revel. But with limited avenues to host large crowds, the risk of falling prey to the Manhyia shooting incident remains high.

Kumasi Cultural Centre

The Kumasi Centre for National Culture “Cultural Centre” has in times past served as the major attraction to young holiday makers with exciting programmes for all.

The Centre has good space and other facilities to host large numbers.

However, the area is no longer attractive. Vehicular congestion and commuter traffic jam along the Kejetia-Bantama stretch has rendered the Cultural Centre almost inaccessible and unattractive to people.

Hence, event organizers seldom opt to host programmes at the enclave.  

Children’s Park

The Children’s Park at Amakom has a serene greenly environment for social pleasure and leisure reading.

This 10.9 acre land was allotted for the multipurpose park in the late 1980s to serve the recreational needs of children in Kumasi and other parts of the Ashanti region.

But the facility, which includes a playground and a library, has been left to deteriorate over the years with no rehabilitation in sight.

The park has largely become a den for criminals, an abode of reptiles and an atmosphere for suicide freaks whilst young people seek avenues to develop the physical and mental wellbeing.

Rattray Park

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) commissioned the Rattray Park in 2015 as an amusement and recreational park.

But access to the facility comes at a cost most young people may be challenged in paying.

On festive occasions, the Park attracts at additional charge, making it expensive for the average youth to patronize.

Kumasi City Mall

The newly commissioned Kumasi City Mall is the current attraction for young people in search of places of amusement. Even with no special events to excite trading at the Mall, holiday-makers troop the mall to stroll and window-shop.

It is now commonplace for the youth to use the facility as their abode of amusement.

Sustainable Livelihood

A modern city needs basic amenities for health and wellbeing.

Public parks and leisure facilities offer people avenues to build social cohesion and generate healthy living.

Kumasi city developers will therefore need to rethink recreational infrastructure that provides a safe environment for young people to play and develop sustainably.

Such facilities will also enforce the Garden City accolade of Kumasi where the people will pride in the city’s beautiful plant and flower species that induce pleasure living.

By Kofi Adu Domfeh

Climate change impacts dawn on Ghana to take action

The quest for climate justice is a global campaign, but failing to act local by taking climate action, as a matter of urgency, will be at the peril of lives and livelihoods.

Africa and other developing countries, which contributed least to the phenomenon of climate change, are unfortunately most vulnerable to its impacts.

Local people and communities are already reeling under the devastating impacts of unfavourable weather conditions.

Ghana, since the beginning of this year, has experienced a sharp alteration in its weather and living environment.

Destructive downpour, debilitating sunshine, drought, incessant fire outbreaks, high tides and widespread flooding, and pest infestations are now common place.

The havoc caused has exposed Ghana's challenge in adapting to the changes – farmers are losing their investments in production, communities are helplessly being displaced and infrastructure, such as roads and buildings are collapsing.

At the recent UN Oceans Conference in New York, President Akufo-Addo called for the speedy implementation of the Paris Agreement, a blueprint for global action to reverse the trend of climate change.

The country's Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) presented to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) ahead of the Paris Agreement in 2015 outlined a ten year post-2020 enhanced climate action plan.

Ghana will need $22.6billion in investments from domestic and international public and private sources to finance its 31 programme of actions in climate mitigation and adaptation.

A larger chunk of the financing is expected from international sources. But the local financial arrangement would need to be made clear in national budgets.

Under adaptation, for instance, Ghana needs to mobilize $4.21 billion at the national level in order to meet the cost of implementing its adaptation actions.

Climate change is indeed happening in Ghana but the climate voice is low and action is slow.

Ghana's environment is already at the mercy of illegal mining which has put stress on land, trees and water bodies.

Indiscriminate logging, tree clearing and wetland conversion for building constructions, coupled with bad agricultural practices are threatening the country's sustainable development.

And climate change could exacerbate the challenges in the country's environment.

When the rains fail, the drought situation in parts of the country will worsen, communities whose water sources are polluted cannot access rain water, farmers cannot plant and animals roaming in search of pasture will lead to communal conflicts.

And when the rains are torrential, floods will displace communities, infrastructure will collapse, crop yield will be low, and new forms of human migration will emerge.

That is the reality of a changing climate and the rippling effects cut across all sectors of the economy, including health, education, agriculture, housing, energy and transportation.

Polluter’ economies are expected to help fulfill the spirit of the Paris Agreement by cutting down emissions and supporting climate-vulnerable economies with finance and technology to adapt.

But taking climate action at the local level should be everybody's business – public and private sectors, individuals and corporations, young and old.

The 16^th Session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) strongly urged African leaders to develop, pursue and implement their climate and sustainable development commitments.

Developing climate smart solutions for sustainable development should be driven by the private sector, whilst the public sector activates national climate policies and streamline budget allocations to be climate-sensitive to protect lives and livelihoods.

Such action will help increase climate resilience and decrease vulnerability for enhanced sustainable development.

By Kofi Adu Domfeh

Building sustainable cities in the face of urbanization

The rapid population growth and urbanization, with its attendant socio-economic and environmental challenges necessitated the need to build green, climate-resilient economies for sustainable living, especially in developing countries.

By 2030, there will be 41 megacities – each with more than 10 million inhabitants, according to UN estimates. By 2050, 60% of the world’s population will live in cities – adding 2.5 billion people to the world’s urban areas.

This constant surge of urban migration will continue to strain the infrastructure and resources of cities, as well as dramatically affect every aspect of life for city residents-- from health and wellbeing, to safety to an overall quality of life. 

Urbanization will affect both the environmental and social elements of society; and ensuring that cities are built sustainably is more important than ever if people’s exposure to high levels of pollution, climate change and human migration are to be managed.

The ROCKWOOL Group, a global leader in sustainability solutions, is committing to enriching lives of people residing in highly-concentrated areas with existing technology and products.

“From energy consumption to noise pollution, water scarcity to flooding, our solutions help our customers address many of the big issues of modern living. Our range of products address the diversity of the world’s needs, supporting our stakeholders in reducing their own carbon footprint along the way,” says the Group.

African countries like Ghana are in high housing deficit and demand affordable housing schemes among solutions.

ROCKWOOL commissioned a global survey to learn from those living in the most populated cities of the world with the goal to better understand what challenges these people face as part of their everyday lives, and more importantly, what they are willing to do about it.

The study results call for a series of critical reassessments regarding consumer choice and action in addressing growing urban challenges.

For example, 33% of global energy consumption comes from buildings, yet less than 31% of those surveyed globally realize that energy-efficient buildings exist and can make a difference. 

Additionally, 90% of energy savings can come from buildings, and a significant 69% of people surveyed stated that they would be willing to pay more to live in an energy-efficient home.

ROCKWOOL believes lack of information is a major challenge for people to live in energy-efficient homes.

Among its solutions is sustainable insulation that helps reduce energy consumption and air pollution outside, while improving climates inside for better indoor wellbeing and lower energy costs.

ROCKWOOL’s stone wool is an affordable solution to reduce buildings energy demand by up to 80% by 2050 and 50-90% of energy savings can come from new and existing buildings.

Sustainable cities are ranked on three dimensions – people, planet and profit – so that a better quality of life through infrastructure and city planning can be possible. 

Sustainable living through sustainable development starts by ensuring the right building substructure is in place – one that ensures people’s indoor health and wellbeing, while also reducing the carbon footprint, and saving on energy consumption.

ROCKWOOL says taking a “triple bottom line” approach, or sustainability by financial, social and environmental performance, is key to ensuring long-term sustainability. 

“Our raw material is one of the most abundant on the planet and it has enriching capabilities: Stone wool is a healthy choice for everyone; Businesses: It increases productivity and efficiency; People: Improves comfort and safety and guards your health; Earth: Helps tackle global issues,” says the Group.