Scaling Up Green Building Practices in Tanzania: Integrating Materials, Energy Efficient Technologies, and Policy Pathways

Abstract

This review explores the current state and future potential of green building technologies (GBTs) in Tanzania. Using a desk-based literature review and thematic synthesis, the study analyzes peer-reviewed articles, policy documents, and case studies to assess the application of material solutions, energy efficiency strategies, and water management practices in diverse country settings. The findings indicate that the most significant obstacles to the widespread adoption of green building technologies in Tanzania are the absence of mandatory regulatory frameworks, insufficient technical capacity, limited public awareness coupled with financial constraints, and weak institutional coordination. Technically, the most feasible pathway involves integrating locally sourced low-carbon materials and the adoption of climate responsive passive design strategies that are tailored to the country’s diverse climatic zones and socio-economic conditions. In order to address the identified setbacks, this paper proposes several strategic interventions including the formulation of context-specific green building standards, enhanced support mechanisms for local material innovation within the construction sector, targeted capacity-building programs, and the establishment of inclusive green financing schemes to support small-scale developers.

1. Introduction

1.1. Background

In recent decades, green building technologies (GBTs) have become a vital approach for addressing global sustainability challenges, particularly in reducing the carbon footprint of the construction industry. Statistically, the built environment industry is one of the most resource-intensive sectors globally, accounting for approximately 39% of global carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and over 36% of final energy use. Primarily, this is due to the production and operation of buildings using energy-intensive materials such as cement and steel [1,2]. As urban populations are projected to reach 68% of the global population by 2050, the demand for housing, infrastructure, and services continues to rise, placing immense pressure on natural resources and accelerating environmental degradation [3]. While developed countries have made significant strides in institutionalizing green building practices through regulatory frameworks, certification systems, and financial incentives, the adoption of GBTs in developing countries remains uneven and often constrained by economic, technical, and policy-related barriers [4,5].

As one of the fast-growing developing countries with an annual urban growth rate of approximately 5.2%, Tanzania is experiencing rapid urban growth and increasing demand for infrastructure, putting pressure on energy and environmental systems. Despite growing awareness of environmental sustainability, the construction sector in Tanzania remains largely reliant on conventional building practices characterized by high energy consumption, inefficient water use, and limited consideration of climate-responsive design [6]. However, Tanzania’s unique climatic diversity, abundant natural building materials (e.g., earth, bamboo, and timber), and rich tradition of vernacular architecture present significant opportunities for localized green building solutions [7,8]. Moreover, the country has begun to experiment with international green certification systems such as LEED and EDGE, albeit on a limited scale and primarily in high-end or institutional projects.

This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the current state of green building practices in Tanzania, with a focus on sustainable construction materials, energy-efficient technologies, and water management practices by drawing insights from the global perspectives to the regional context. Tanzania serves as an important case study for green building technologies due to its rapid urban growth, diverse climatic conditions, and rich availability of natural building materials [9]. It underscores the critical policy gaps that hinder mainstream adoption and further highlights the most feasible technical pathways and set of strategic interventions to be taken into account to widespread the adoption of green building practices. By aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 13 (Climate Action), this review aims to inform policy, practice, and research on scaling up green building practices in Tanzania and similar developing contexts.

1.2. Study Area Description

Tanzania, as a rapidly urbanizing East African country, presents a unique context for green building technology implementation. With an annual urban growth rate of approximately 5.2%, the country faces increasing demand for infrastructure and housing, which places pressure on energy, water, and material resources [9]. Major cities such as Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Arusha, and Mwanza are experiencing accelerated development, making them critical zones for sustainable construction interventions.

According to the most recent national census conducted in 2022, Tanzania has a total population of more than 62 million people, reflecting a substantial 37% increase from the previous census held in 2012 [9]. The country’s diverse climatic conditions, from humid coastal zones to semi-arid central regions and temperate highlands, necessitate region-specific design strategies. These include passive cooling in hot zones and thermal mass solutions in cooler areas. Additionally, Tanzania’s abundant natural building materials, such as earth, bamboo, and timber, offer promising opportunities for low-carbon, locally adapted construction solutions [10]. This combination of rapid urbanization, climatic diversity, and material availability underscores Tanzania’s relevance as a case study for scaling up green building technologies in developing contexts.

Tanzania shares its borders with different countries, which creates rich intercultural connectivity within the East African region (Figure 1). It is bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north and Rwanda and Burundi to the northwest. The western boundary is shared with the Democratic Republic of Congo, whereas Zambia and Malawi are located to the southwest. Mozambique borders it to the south, while the eastern part of the country is bounded by the Indian Ocean, which offers an extensive coastline that facilitates trade and tourism.

1.3. Methodology

This review was based on a desk research approach and literature review as its main methods to assess the current state, challenges, and prospects of green building technologies in Tanzania. The review aimed to capture both the global advancements of the green building field and local applications in order to contextualize Tanzania’s green building progress relative to international trends. A review of the existing literature was conducted, drawing insights from peer-reviewed journal articles, government reports, policy documents, and sustainability frameworks. The literature was collected from reputable academic databases such as ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science, as well as Google Scholar.

The search covered publications mainly within the timeframe of 2010–2025, using keywords such as “green building technologies”, “sustainable construction”, “energy efficiency”, “water management”, “developed and developing countries”, and “climate resilience”. The criteria used in the inclusion of different references were as follows: quality of the peer-reviewed articles published in well-indexed journals; well-known intergovernmental reports; relevance of GBTs in global and regional contexts; language criterion, limited to English. Sources that focused exclusively on unrelated topics or lacked relevance to the field of green building were excluded.

The selection of sources was guided by relevance, credibility, and publication recency in order to ensure that the study incorporates the latest and significant perspectives. The data obtained was analyzed through a thematic synthesis approach, whereas the key patterns, recurring challenges, and emerging prospects were identified and categorized into relevant discussion areas. Comparison was also conducted to assess Tanzania’s green building progress relative to other countries and current trends, providing contextual insights into policy effectiveness, technological advancements, and other contextual factors.

2. Conceptualization of Green Building Practices

2.1. Global Green Building Certification Systems and Their Relevance to Tanzania

The global landscape of green building certification systems reflects a diverse array of frameworks developed to promote sustainability across different climatic, economic, and regulatory contexts. In developed countries, standards such as LEED, BREEAM, DGNB, and CASBEE are supported by robust policies, advanced technologies, and institutional capacity, enabling comprehensive assessments of building performance. In contrast, developing countries have adopted more accessible and context-sensitive systems like EDGE and LOTUS, which prioritize affordability and resource efficiency.

In Tanzania, the adoption of green building certification systems is predominantly characterized by the utilization of international frameworks, notably in LEED and Singapore’s Green Mark. These systems are employed to assess the environmental compliance of construction activities and building materials within the country [8]. However, the reliance on these foreign standards is accompanied by challenges, primarily due to the absence of clear government policies and regulations mandating the application of green building practices in Tanzania [6]. There are more than 40 green building certification systems applied in different parts of the world, but the most common ones are LEED, BREEAM, DGNB, CASBEE, EDGE, Green Star, and Green Mark, as well as Haute Qualité Environnementale (HQE). These certification systems collectively promote sustainable building practices, tailored to regional priorities and context-specific environmental goals [11].

Table 1. Comparative analysis of global green building certification systems and their relevance to Tanzania [3,8,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27].

Standard	Origin	Key Focus Areas	Key Strengths	Limitations in Tanzania
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)	USA	Comprehensive coverage of energy, water, materials, indoor environmental quality, site sustainability; emphasizing performance metrics and innovation	Globally recognized; strong benchmarking; adaptable across building types	High certification costs; lack of complex documentation; limited relevance to informal and low-income housing; requirement of advanced data and design tools
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)	UK	Lifecycle assessment of energy, health, pollution, land use, ecology; strong emphasis on management and health	Holistic and flexible; strong on health and ecological metrics; widely adopted in Europe.	Requirement of detailed environmental data and technical expertise; unsuitability for low-tech or informal construction common in Tanzania
DGNB (German Sustainable Building Council)	Germany	Integration of environmental, economic, sociocultural, technical, and process quality; focus on long-term sustainability and performance	Deep lifecycle analysis; adaptable to different building types; strong on economic and sociocultural dimensions	Too complex for local implementation; requires robust data infrastructure and trained professionals
CASBEE (Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency)	Japan	Urban integration, lifecycle performance, and indoor comfort; tailored to dense urban environments	Strong on urban sustainability and compact design; considering local climate	Less applicable to Tanzania’s rural settings; limited awareness and institutional support
Green Star	Australia	Energy, emissions, water, transport, materials reuse, and indoor quality; climate-sensitive and performance-based	Effective in tropical climates; strong on emissions and transport integration	Certification costs and technical requirements as barriers; limitation of local adaptation and uptake
Green Mark	Singapore	Energy and water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and resource use; designed for tropical climates	Regionally relevant; good fit for hot-humid zones; promotion of passive cooling	Limited adoption in Tanzania; lack of local adaptation and policy support
EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies)	IFC (Global)	Focus on energy, water, and embodied energy in materials; designed for affordability and simplicity	Low-cost; data-light; tailored for developing countries; already used in East Africa	Voluntary and not enforced nationally; limited awareness among small-scale developers; need for stronger institutional backing
LOTUS	Vietnam	Local adaptation, material incentives, climate-sensitive design; encouragement of green manufacturing	Context-specific; supporting local industry and affordable housing	Not recognized regionally; limited relevance without policy integration or local adaptation

presents a synthesized comparison of major green building certification systems applied globally, highlighting their key focus areas, key strengths, and limitations within the Tanzanian context. While most systems share common assessment criteria such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and material sustainability, some frameworks differ in terminology or integrate certain criteria as sub-components [12,13,14,15]. This comparative analysis aims to guide contextual adaptation and inform the development of localized standards suitable for Tanzania’s socio-economic and climatic conditions.

2.2. Material Solutions

As ref. [1] emphasized, to achieve sustainable construction, the use of materials that are eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and recyclable is highly recommended. Growing global awareness and international policy commitments have led to increased research on green materials, resulting in a growing body of scientific literature on low-impact construction options [5,16,17].

2.2.1. Traditional and Industrialized Materials

Urban construction still heavily relies on conventional materials like concrete and steel, which are energy-intensive and environmentally damaging. Even green-certified buildings often use these materials [18]. To mitigate their impact, alternatives such as blended cements with fly ash or slag are widely adopted in Europe, Asia, and America, reducing CO₂ emissions and repurposing industrial waste [19]. Recycled concrete aggregates are also gaining traction, though they require quality control [28]. In rural and peri-urban areas, natural materials like earth blocks, timber, and thatch are commonly used due to their affordability and low embodied energy [20,21]. These materials have been modernized in parts of Europe and Asia through hybrid systems. In Tanzania, combining traditional materials with low-carbon innovations like mineral-based cement substitutes offers a viable, sustainable, and culturally appropriate construction pathway.

2.2.2. New Generation Concretes

Advanced concretes have been developed to enhance durability, self-repair, and esthetic functionality. Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) requires no vibration during casting; Self-Healing Concrete, on the other hand, repairs its own microcracks; and Self-Cleaning Concrete improves surface maintenance and air purification [22]. Other developments include High-Performance Concrete (HPC), High-Performance Fiber Reinforced Concretes (HPFRC), Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPFRC), and LiTraCon, a translucent concrete using optical fibers, enabling the formation of lighter, more durable, and visually distinctive structures [23]. Despite their potential, these concretes often seem to be expensive and technically demanding, which limits their use and applicability in development contexts like Tanzania. However, pilot projects in institutions or demonstration buildings could help transfer knowledge and gradually introduce them into the local industry.

2.2.3. Recycling Materials from a Contemporary Perspective

Among the conventional materials, steel is notable for its recyclability. Recycled steel usually requires 60–75% less energy and often produces around 50–65% fewer emissions compared to virgin steel, while maintaining similar structural properties [2]. On the other hand, recycled concrete often requires careful quality control and material adjustments. Waste materials are increasingly being integrated into blended cements and green concretes, which tend to offer lower environmental impact. While terms like “green concrete” are widely used, they should be critically understood, as the production processes may still have environmental costs [18]. In developing countries like Tanzania, locally sourced recycled materials, particularly those with low transportation and processing requirements, tend to offer a viable strategy for low-cost and climate-resilient construction, while supporting circular economy goals at the same time.

2.2.4. Innovative Advanced Building Materials

New building materials have gained global traction recently due to their contributions to energy efficiency and sustainability. Aerogels and vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) provide excellent thermal insulation, especially in space-limited retrofits [24]. In the long run, low-emissivity coatings and reflective surfaces also help reduce cooling loads [20].

Self-healing composites, phase-change materials (PCMs), and smart materials can adapt to environmental changes, improving both durability and thermal comfort [22]. Nanomaterials, although promising in insulation and strength, are costly and not yet widely used in real-world construction, particularly in low-income regions [2].

For the case of Tanzania, adopting these technologies remains challenging. However, monitoring the global applications and initiating small-scale or research-driven trials could support future integration. Pairing such innovations with locally available resources and tools like 3D printing presents an adaptable pathway forward [25].

2.2.5. Natural Materials

Natural materials are gaining renewed attention for their ecological benefits, including renewability, low embodied energy, and recyclability. In rural Tanzania, their use aligns with traditional construction practices, offering cost-effective and climate-responsive solutions [26]. Materials like cross-laminated timber provide structural strength and insulation, while fast-growing bamboo is ideal for regions where it is abundant [27]. Cork and straw bales, especially when paired with lime or clay plasters, are effective in hot, dry climates. Though not a full replacement for industrial materials, these natural alternatives can complement modern solutions, reduce environmental impact, and support culturally rooted, sustainable construction for low-income communities [29].

2.2.6. Composites Blending Natural, Industrialized, and Advanced Materials

Composite materials that blend natural, industrialized, and advanced components are gaining traction in sustainable construction [30]. Traditional earth-based composites like rammed earth, adobe, and cob offer insulation, durability, and low embodied carbon, making them ideal for rural areas in Tanzania [2]. Modern innovations such as hempcrete, coconut–wood composites, transparent wood, nano-enhanced cement, and waste-based bricks show promise for low-rise, cost-sensitive buildings [28]. Tanzania’s abundance of natural fibers such as sisal, hemp, coconut, and palm can enhance insulation and strength when integrated into cement or geopolymers. Despite their potential, widespread adoption is limited by economic barriers, weak policy frameworks, and low public awareness. Addressing these challenges is essential to unlock the full benefits of composite materials for sustainable, affordable construction in developing regions.

Table 2. Overview of the sustainable building materials and their relevance to Tanzania.

Material Category	Key Types and Features	Global Application	Relevance to Tanzania	Applicability Challenges
Traditional and Industrialized Materials	Concrete, reinforced concrete, steel; contribution to high mechanical strength	Widely used worldwide in both conventional and green-certified construction	Essential for formal infrastructure; potential to integrate local earth-based options	High embodied carbon; informal construction domination
New Generation Concretes	Self-Compacting, Self-Healing, Self-Cleaning concretes; Fiber-Reinforced concretes; light-transmitting concretes	Experimental and high-end buildings in developed countries	Useful for institutional or urban pilot projects to demonstrate potential and long-term innovation pathway	Expensive, technically complex; required advanced knowledge and materials supply chains
Recycled and Upcycled Materials	Recycled concrete aggregate, recycled steel, green cement, waste-based materials supporting circular ecology	Common in Europe, Asia, and America; highly promoted in sustainable policy frameworks	Applicable in urban areas and future industrialization efforts, supporting low-cost, eco-friendly alternatives	Quality control challenges; low public awareness; limited number of recycling infrastructure
Innovative Advanced Materials	Aerogels, vacuum insulation panels, PCMs, nanomaterials, smart coatings, self-healing composites	Tech-forward construction; mostly in research and development or niche applications	Long-term potential for climate-adaptive design; alignment with resilience goals in Tanzania’s urban environment	High initial costs in their application; limited access to technology and skilled labor
Natural Materials	Timber, bamboo, cork, straw bale; renewable, low embodied energy; compatible with traditional techniques	Popular all over the world in Europe, Asia, America, and Africa, especially in rural and suburban areas	Readily available and culturally embedded in rural areas; bamboo and straw are ideal for hot/dry climates; experienced in parts of Tanzania	Underutilized in urban projects; regulatory support and modern framing still limited
Blended Composites	Adobe, cob, rammed earth, hempcrete, coconut composites, transparent wood, fiber-reinforced geopolymers.	Growing in sustainable design and academic research; revival of traditional materials	Earth-based composites already in use in rural and suburban areas; natural fiber resources (sisal, palm, coconut) in abundance	Weak policies; low innovation investment, and lack of training or material standardization

provides an overview of the discussed material solutions and their relevance in the context of Tanzania.

2.3. Energy Efficiency Aspect

Energy efficiency is a cornerstone of sustainable building design, particularly in developing countries like Tanzania, where energy access, affordability, and infrastructure reliability remain critical challenges [6,31]. While global certification systems such as LEED, BREEAM, DGNB, and EDGE treat energy efficiency as a core criterion, assessing metrics like Energy Use Intensity (EUI), renewable energy share, and CO₂ emissions per square meter, they must be adapted to Tanzania’s unique climatic zones, resource constraints, and building typologies. Significant energy savings can be achieved through a combination of appropriate building technologies and the installation of efficient building systems [32,33]. This applies to both new construction as well as modernization of the existing structures.

Retrofitting older buildings, particularly those constructed before the enforcement of modern energy codes, tends to offer a major opportunity for reducing energy demand, greenhouse gas emissions, and operational costs [34,35]. An integrated approach to retrofitting that includes insulating the building envelope; replacing windows and doors; upgrading heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) systems; and implementing energy-efficient light sources can reduce energy demand by up to 50–70%.

2.3.1. Passive Energy Strategies

Passive design strategies offer low-cost, climate-responsive solutions that reduce reliance on mechanical systems. In Tanzania, these strategies are especially relevant due to high solar irradiance, limited access to HVAC technologies, and the prevalence of informal construction [8].

Passive Heating: In highland regions such as Arusha, Njombe, and Mbeya, passive heating is achieved through south-facing building orientation, compact forms, and thermal mass materials like rammed earth and CSEBs. Trombe walls and high-performance glazing can be integrated into institutional buildings to retain heat during cooler months.

Passive Cooling: In coastal and lowland areas, passive cooling is essential. Strategies include minimizing east–west glazing, using reflective coatings, designing for cross-ventilation, and incorporating shaded verandas and courtyards [36]. Breathable materials like straw–clay and mud bricks enhance indoor comfort while reducing cooling loads.

Daylighting: Natural lighting is abundant but must be managed to avoid glare and overheating. Effective techniques include strategic window placement, light wells, bamboo blinds, and reflective surfaces to distribute diffuse light [37].

These strategies are illustrated in Figure 2, which schematically maps passive energy interventions across Tanzania’s climatic zones. The diagram highlights region-specific design responses, material choices, and spatial configurations that optimize thermal comfort and energy savings at the same time.

2.3.2. Active Energy Systems

In modern energy-efficient buildings, active systems tend to complement passive strategies to enhance thermal comfort, indoor air quality, and reduce primary energy use and emissions [38,39,40,41,42]. In Tanzania, their adoption is growing in urban and institutional settings, though cost and infrastructure limitations remain barriers.

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems: With high solar potential, photovoltaic installations are increasingly used in grid-tied and off-grid applications, powering lighting, appliances, and water pumps.

Smart Lighting: Motion-sensor and daylight-responsive lighting systems are being integrated into commercial buildings to reduce energy consumption.

HVAC and Heat Recovery: While advanced HVAC systems and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery are rare, they hold potential in highland zones and large-scale developments.

Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS): These systems remain uncommon due to their cost and technical complexity, but could be piloted in institutional buildings.

Graywater Heat Recovery: Not yet practiced, but basic graywater reuse for irrigation and flushing is emerging in urban areas of regions such as Dar es Salaam and Arusha.

The synergy between passive and selective active systems, particularly solar PV and smart lighting, offers a feasible pathway toward the construction of nearly zero-energy buildings (nZEBs) in Tanzania [5]. The strategic integration of these technologies can reduce operational costs, enhance resilience, and support national energy goals.

2.4. Water Management

Amid climate change, urbanization, and water scarcity, integrated water management is essential in sustainable building design. Green construction increasingly employs solutions to reduce potable water use, minimize runoff, and reuse gray- and rainwater. Key systems include rainwater harvesting, graywater recycling, and low-consumption fixtures, which enhance resource efficiency, lower operating costs, and improve climate resilience [43,44].

2.4.1. Rainwater Collection and Use

In Tanzania, rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems are increasingly used to supplement unreliable water supply, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas. Systems typically collect rooftop runoff and store it in above-ground or underground tanks for non-potable uses like irrigation, toilet flushing, and cleaning. Though advanced filtration is rare, even basic systems tend to reduce demand for treated water, wastewater discharge, and urban runoff. RWH is commonly used in homes, schools, health centers, and public institutions, offering a low-cost solution in areas with seasonal rainfall variability [45,46].

2.4.2. Recycling and Reusing Graywater

Graywater from showers, washbasins, and laundry is increasingly recognized in Tanzania as a valuable resource for non-potable applications such as irrigation and flushing, particularly in water-scarce areas. Low-tech systems like gravel filters and vegetative treatment beds are affordable and effective. While heat recovery from graywater is currently unfeasible, expanding basic reuse practices can significantly reduce potable water consumption and ease pressure on underdeveloped sewage systems [47].

2.4.3. Water-Saving Systems

Basic water-saving fixtures are gaining relevance in Tanzania as a means to address water scarcity and reduce utility costs, particularly in urban and institutional buildings. Low-flow fixtures, dual-flush toilets, and manual leak detection are increasingly used in Tanzanian urban buildings. These simple systems offer meaningful water savings without sacrificing functionality. High-end options such as sensor-based taps and A+++ appliances remain rare due to cost. Nonetheless, integrating affordable devices in new buildings and retrofits supports long-term water efficiency [48,49].

2.4.4. Green Infrastructure and Local Retention

Green infrastructure offers significant potential for improving urban water management, reducing flood risk, and mitigating heat in densely built environments. From a global perspective, nature-based solutions such as rain gardens, green roofs, vegetated swales, and permeable pavements are increasingly recognized for their role in enhancing water retention, erosion control, and microclimate regulation. In sustainable buildings, they also boost envelope energy performance, reduce cooling and irrigation needs, and improve user well-being by enhancing esthetics and nature access [48,50]. In Tanzania, green roofs are limited to high-end buildings, but simpler, community-level interventions like gravel paths and vegetation buffers can improve drainage, reduce runoff, and build resilience. Integrating RWH with green infrastructure further enhances retention and irrigation. Globally, systems like BREEAM and LEED treat green infrastructure as vital for ecological and functional urban development [51].

2.4.5. Cost-Effectiveness of Water Management Systems

Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of water management systems is essential for promoting their adoption in resource-constrained settings like Tanzania. Among the reviewed technologies, rainwater harvesting systems are the most cost-effective, especially in rural and peri-urban areas [45]. Basic RWH setups comprising gutters, storage tanks, and first-flush diverters require relatively low capital investment and offer long-term savings by reducing reliance on municipal water supplies.

Graywater recycling (GWR) systems, while slightly more complex, also demonstrate favorable returns when applied in institutional or high-occupancy buildings. Low-tech filtration systems using gravel beds or constructed wetlands are affordable and require minimal maintenance, making them suitable for schools and health centers [50].

Water-saving fixtures such as low-flow taps and dual-flush toilets offer quick payback periods due to reduced water bills, particularly in urban areas where utility costs are higher. Although sensor-based fixtures are more expensive, their use in commercial buildings can be justified by operational savings and enhanced hygiene [47].

Green infrastructure solutions like permeable pavements and rain gardens involve higher upfront costs but provide co-benefits such as flood mitigation and urban cooling. Their cost-effectiveness improves when integrated into broader urban planning initiatives, but not small-scale projects.

Overall, the most cost-effective strategies for Tanzania are those that combine low-tech RWH and GWR systems with basic water-saving fixtures, especially in areas with unreliable water supply and limited infrastructure.

3. Green Buildings Condition in Different Parts of Tanzania

3.1. Existing Condition of Green Buildings in Tanzania’s Urban Environment

Different public, institutional, commercial, and residential structures have been developed in cities such as Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Arusha, Mwanza, and Zanzibar Island with the major aims of enhancing energy efficiency, environmental conservation, and the occupants’ well-being. A notable successful demonstrative project which exemplifies eco-friendly construction and energy-efficient design in residential structures is the Kigamboni Housing Estate (KHE) in Dar es Salaam. This project has incorporated the use of Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (CSEBs), passive orientation, and uPVC windows that reduce solar heat gain and enhance daylighting and ventilation [52,53]. Its hydro-foam walls, made from compressed stabilized soil, tend to provide thermal mass while reducing cement use and pollution. The use of bamboo and recycled steel aligns with global sustainability standards. While large-scale residential integration is limited, some private homes are adopting solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and smart ventilation systems.

Furthermore, in the commercial sector, The Luminary in Dar es Salaam (see Figure 3a) is a notable example of green architecture. It achieved LEED Gold certification in 2016 and integrates solar PV systems, energy-efficient lighting, and a smart Building Management System (BMS) that optimizes internal comfort while reducing energy use by 10% annually [54,55]. CRDB Bank Headquarters (see Figure 3b) in Dar es Salaam has also incorporated high-level GBTs, aiming at improving the energy performance of daily building operations [7]. The structure utilizes a wide range of advanced GBTs, including photovoltaics, efficient HVAC systems, high-performance glazing, automated shading, and motion-sensor LED lighting [6,7]. It also features graywater recycling and rainwater harvesting systems for landscape irrigation and non-potable uses.

Additionally, several institutional and industrial buildings in Tanzania are integrating sustainable building design and operational practices. For instance, Serengeti Breweries uses biogas digesters and water recycling systems to reduce fossil fuel reliance and improve efficiency [56]. The Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC), which is a public facility and Tanzania’s major conference center, also features energy-efficient HVAC systems and LED lighting [53,54]. The Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology (NMAIST) in Arusha also incorporates passive solar and rainwater harvesting, as well as efficient materials. Bank of Tanzania buildings use renewables, insulation, and wastewater systems [54]. Other notable green buildings include Hotel Verde Zanzibar, PSSSF Tower, TPA, and NHC Kambarage, as well as the PSPF Twin Towers in Dar es Salaam [7].

3.2. Existing Condition of Green Buildings in Tanzania’s Suburban and Rural Environment

In the periphery, i.e., suburban and rural areas of Tanzania, the adoption of localized GBTs demonstrates an intersection between conventional building practices and modern sustainability principles. This is largely driven by affordable, resource-efficient, and climate-responsive designs [57].

Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (CSEBs) are widely used for their thermal benefits compared to cement bricks [58,59], while rammed earth walls, made from sand, clay, and gravel, support passive cooling and indoor comfort in semi-arid zones [60].

Thatched roofs and locally sourced timber remain common in rural housing and touristic lodges, especially in the Arusha region. Constructed from palm fronds or dried grasses, these roofs offer natural insulation and cooling suitable for tropical climates [61]. Such features are evident in local villages and eco-lodges, as illustrated in Figure 4a (rural house) and Figure 4b (timber-and-bamboo resort).

However, rising preferences for corrugated metal sheets are replacing thatch due to durability, despite increased indoor heat and rain-related noise [62]. In response to this, GB practitioners are making efforts to advocate for the integration of thermal insulation layers beneath the corrugated metal roofs by using materials such as bamboo, sisal fibers, solar reflective roofs, or recycled textile composites in order to minimize excessive heat transfer towards the indoor environment [63,64].

Efficient water management systems are another critical component of localized GBTs in rural and peri-urban areas, where access to clean and safe water remains a challenge. Rooftop rainwater harvesting systems, including gutters, tanks, and first-flush diverters, are widely used by households and institutions like schools to supplement unreliable piped supply [65]. In terms of energy efficiency, many households have adopted solar photovoltaic systems to reduce dependence on the national grid, powering lighting, small appliances, water pumps, and grain mills [10,66,67].

In addition to this, passive design strategies are also being integrated into different peripheral areas of Tanzania by a few stakeholders with knowledge about green buildings to enhance indoor comfort and minimize excessive energy consumption [68]. Optimal building orientation, which tends to consider prevailing wind direction and sun exposure, is often employed so as to improve natural ventilation and daylighting [69,70].

Moreover, cross-ventilation techniques have also been incorporated into different households through the strategic placement of windows and air vents to promote airflow and reduce excessive heat buildup within the house [71]. Simultaneously, the extension of shaded verandas also tends to enhance cooling by preventing direct sunlight penetration into indoor spaces [68,70].

4. Contextual Factors of Green Buildings Implementation in Tanzania

The implementation of green building technologies in Tanzania is influenced by various interrelated factors that shape the built environment. Understanding these determinants is crucial in evaluating the current status and future prospects of GBT adoption across the country.

4.1. Climate Conditions

Tanzania’s diverse climate significantly influences green building design. The country experiences a wide range of climatic conditions such as humid coastal zones in Dar es Salaam and Tanga to the semi-arid central regions, including Dodoma and Singida, as well as highland temperate zones in regions such as Arusha, Njombe, and Mbeya [72]. The variation in climatic conditions necessitates region-specific interventions towards sustainable building practices [64]. In regions with higher temperatures and more intense solar radiation, passive cooling strategies are essential to enhance indoor comfort without relying on mechanical cooling systems. On the contrary, in colder areas, materials with higher thermal mass are vital for retaining heat, especially during the night. Understanding the climate dynamics allows developers to make use of adaptive design solutions which align with both environmental sustainability and local socio-economic conditions [59].

4.2. Demographic Factor

Rapid population growth and urbanization trends in Tanzania have significantly impacted the demand for sustainable building solutions. As mentioned in Section 1.2, the 2022 national census shows that the country’s population is more than 62 million people, with major cities such as Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Dodoma, and Mwanza experiencing increased random construction activities to accommodate the growing population [73]. Housing deficit-related challenges in urban areas have led to the proliferation of informal settlements, where sustainable building practices are rarely applied due to economic-related challenges [74]. While several middle- and high-income households have started to incorporate energy-efficient designs, the adoption of even affordable localized green building technologies for the majority of urban dwellers remains a huge challenge [75]. In rural areas, traditional building techniques that tend to incorporate locally available materials such as mud bricks, thatch, and timber remain prevalent; however, a lack of technical knowledge as well as access to improved green technologies limits the potential for more sustainable, durable, and energy-efficient rural housing.

4.3. Policy Framework

The policy framework governing green buildings in Tanzania remains relatively nascent, with ongoing efforts to integrate sustainability into building regulations and urban planning policies [76]. Despite the emphasis placed on the Tanzania National Energy Policy (2015) and the National Environmental Policy (2021) regarding the need for energy efficiency and the sustainable use of resources to minimize levels of environmental pollution, there are no mandatory regulations, certification systems, or green building codes enforcing GBTs across the construction industry [7,8]. Instead, voluntary schemes like EDGE and LEED are used selectively, mainly by large-scale private sector projects [6]. The government has made efforts to include sustainability in the planning tools, such as the National Urban Development Strategy and Dodoma Smart City Plan, under the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development. However, weak enforcement, limited awareness, and the lack of financial incentives such as tax breaks or green subsidies continues to hinder broader adoption of the GBTs [6,7,8,76].

4.4. Economic Factors

The economic considerations significantly influence the adoption of GBTs in Tanzania. Energy efficiency technologies often tend to require higher upfront investments compared to conventional construction methods [77]. A larger number of developers tend to prioritize short-term cost savings over the long-term sustainability benefits that these technologies could offer, due to financial constraints. In addition to that, limited access to green financing mechanisms such as green bonds or climate funds hinders the transition towards these sustainable construction practices, especially for low-income individuals [7]. Nevertheless, the increase in utility costs, such as electricity and water, in urban areas has been gradually driving the demand for the design and construction of resource-efficient buildings. Prominent developments like The Luminary, CRDB Bank HQ, JNICC, and NHC Kambarage show how public and commercial entities are embracing energy-saving designs to reduce operational expenses [8]. Expanding financial incentives and accessible funding options for small-scale developers is critical for scaling up GBT implementation across all economic sectors.

4.5. Public Awareness

The level of awareness about GBTs in many developing countries, including Tanzania, is still low, especially for low-income individuals and inhabitants of rural areas. The majority of people lack appropriate information on the long-term benefits that GBTs could offer them. This is due to limited exposure to advanced building practices and minimal integration of eco-friendly construction techniques in the country’s educational systems [7]. This slows down the level of adoption of green buildings to a wide extent. Community engagement and targeted awareness campaigns are essential to bridge this knowledge gap in the long run [63]. Additionally, cultural perceptions that favor traditional methods often hinder the formal recognition of indigenous practices as part of sustainable building [26,78]. Interestingly, most of the rural communities already use green practices unknowingly, relying on local and environmentally friendly materials. Thus, promoting the integration of traditional methods with modern technologies offers a pathway to enhance sustainability while respecting indigenous knowledge systems.

4.6. Technology Transfer

Modern green building solutions often rely on cutting-edge innovative technologies such as smart energy management systems, automated sensors, renewable energy integration, water recycling technologies, and advanced insulation materials [79]. As a country, Tanzania faces technological gaps due to limited local production capabilities and high dependence on imported green technologies, which are expensive. In order to address this challenge, there is a need for technology transfer through fostering international collaboration with global companies and investment in local manufacturing units. An increase in the number of local production units for local sustainable building materials could enhance affordability and encourage the adoption of GBTs, even for small-scale developers [20]. Additionally, strengthening research initiatives within the country’s academic and technical institutions could play a vital role in fostering homegrown innovations that are tailored to Tanzania’s unique environmental and socio-economic conditions.

4.7. Infrastructural Mechanisms

In most cases, reliable electricity and water supply systems, proper waste management facilities, and sustainable transportation networks determine the feasibility of integrating GBTs in both urban and rural areas. Several parts of Tanzania, especially in rural and peri-urban areas, still have an unreliable power supply, which poses challenges for the implementation of energy-efficient building technologies [80]. Frequent power outages in some regions like Kagera, Mara, Simiyu, and Mwanza discourage investment in high-tech green solutions such as HVAC systems, smart grid solutions, and high-performance lighting systems, which usually require a consistent power supply to enhance their performance [81]. Additionally, inadequate waste management infrastructure in Tanzania limits the use of recycled materials in construction. Numerous green buildings worldwide usually incorporate reclaimed timber, recycled metals, and repurposed concrete aggregates to reduce the environmental impact of the construction sector [20,82]. However, the absence of well-organized recycling facilities and waste sorting mechanisms in many parts of the country hinders the efficient extraction and use of such materials for use in different construction projects [83].

5. Discussion

5.1. Effectiveness of the Current Green Building Technologies (GBTs) in Tanzania

5.1.1. Sustainable Building Materials

In Tanzania, where affordability and resource accessibility are key priority aspects, blended strategies that combine natural, industrialized, and advanced building materials are vital. The use of earth-based materials in urban, suburban, and rural projects in various regions such as Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Morogoro, and Dodoma has strongly demonstrated the feasibility of utilizing locally available low-carbon materials for various sustainable construction purposes.

For instance, the effective utilization of CSEBs and thatch for roofing has been widely emphasized in different small- to medium-scale structures, for example in schools, health centers, people’s residences, traditional restaurants, and touristic resorts in different parts of Tanzania, such as Tembo Kijani Ecolodge, Karama Lodge, and Ngorongoro Farm House, to provide natural insulation and minimizes carbon footprint [58,59]. Comparably, this has also been made widely applicable in the UK and Vietnam, whereas earth-based materials have been utilized in various construction activities as sustainable reinforcement resources with a longer life span [21,69,84].

In urban projects, the use of recycled steel is increasing due to its structural reliability and lower carbon footprint, although availability and processing challenges remain. Furthermore, engineered wood products such as cross-laminated timber have gained some attention but are yet to be widely used commercially. Advanced materials like Self-Compacting or Self-Healing Concrete, aerogels, and nanomaterial composites show promise but are limited by high costs, technological demands, and limited local availability [22,24]. Their wide application in the context of Tanzania requires capacity building, supply chain development, and long-term investment.

On the other hand, bio-based and eco-engineered materials such as cements incorporating fly ash, rice husk ash, or other agricultural by-products offer a promising and more accessible alternative, especially for mid-scale developments [85]. In rural areas, traditional materials such as timber, thatch, and strawbales remain dominant, despite being perceived as inferior. Therefore, blending them with modern strategies such as using strawbales with lime plaster or reinforcing soil blocks with sisal or coconut fibers can enhance their durability and thermal performance while remaining cost-effective [2].

Thus, promoting the use of locally available, low-carbon materials that are tailored to Tanzania’s climatic and socio-economic context is critical to scaling up green buildings and supporting a low-carbon, resource-efficient construction sector.

5.1.2. Energy Efficiency Aspects

Several high-profile structures, such as The Luminary, CRDB Bank Headquarters, Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, and others, in Tanzania have integrated advanced motion-sensor lighting, HVAC systems, and solar photovoltaic systems, which have definitely led to lower electricity demand and improved thermal comfort [54]. This is similar to the structures erected in various parts of Japan, according to the study conducted by [86,87], which have majorly emphasized the role of these GBTs in enhancing energy efficiency and providing better insulation performance within the buildings.

In the same vein, a study conducted by [87] in the U.S. concluded that similar systems contributed to 10% greater energy cost efficiency compared to buildings without these advanced energy saving mechanisms, including HVAC systems. Smart thermostats, often installed as part of HVAC systems, tend to learn usage patterns, which enables them to adjust temperatures, allowing different areas of the building to have tailored temperature settings, which prevents over-conditioning. When combined, all these energy-efficient technologies significantly lower operational costs, enhance occupants’ well-being, and contribute toward sustainability goals.

However, despite the successes in these large-scale projects, the reliance on imported technologies remains a major barrier to widespread adoption, especially among low- and middle-income individuals, due to increased costs [37]. Double-glazed windows, smart HVAC systems, and automated lighting controls are not widely manufactured domestically and have high importation costs, making them less accessible for small-scale developers, particularly in the residential sector [37]. Hence, addressing these challenges through incentives for local manufacturing, technology transfer, and heavy investment in renewable energy infrastructure could further enhance effectiveness in this sector.

Moreover, the integration of solar panels shows promise due to Tanzania’s high solar irradiance, particularly in semi-arid zones. Integrated approaches such as Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), energy-efficient glazing, and Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS), have demonstrated significant operational savings in urban projects like The Luminary and CRDB HQ, as well as in other suburban and rural areas which use solar panels to facilitate numerous domestic purposes such as lighting [88].

Passive design strategies, including optimized orientation, natural ventilation, daylight control, and reflective materials, are also essential to reduce energy demand [89]. While still underutilized, especially in the private residential sector, projects like Kigamboni Housing Estate (KHE) show that such measures can be affordable and effective when properly applied. Therefore, increased awareness and training are needed to mainstream passive strategies as a core part of energy-efficient building design in Tanzania.

5.1.3. Water Conservation and Recycling

Water efficiency is a very critical component of GBTs, especially in Tanzania, where water scarcity and infrastructure limitations remain pressing challenges. The integration of rainwater harvesting and graywater recycling systems in both urban and rural buildings has significantly reduced freshwater consumption and wastewater generation. RWH systems, which collect and store rainwater from rooftops, are increasingly used in schools, residential estates, and public institutions. These systems tend to enhance self-sufficiency, lower utility costs, and reduce the strain on municipal water supplies. Similar success has been observed in Malaysia, where widespread RWH adoption is supported by favorable precipitation levels [90,91].

On the other hand, the integration of green infrastructure strategies such as rain gardens, permeable pavements, and infiltration tanks, as previously emphasized by [48,50], remains largely underexplored in the Tanzanian context due to factors such as limited technical awareness among developers and insufficient local case studies or pilot projects to demonstrate their feasibility and effectiveness. These nature-based solutions not only mitigate stormwater runoff but also tend to enhance biodiversity, air quality, and urban esthetics. Thus, the integration of these techniques into municipal development plans could help to ease the pressure on aging drainage infrastructure and promote decentralized water retention at the same time.

In addition to this, graywater recycling, as adopted by Serengeti Breweries [56], represents a practical industrial-scale application of water reuse. GWR treats water from sinks, showers, and laundry for reuse in flushing and irrigation, which significantly contributes towards reducing potable water use by up to 50%. However, misconceptions such as confusion between graywater and blackwater often lead to public mistrust regarding hygiene and safety. Additionally, the high initial cost of installing GWR systems, including plumbing and treatment units, also discourages uptake by low-income communities despite the long-term savings and environmental benefits they could offer. Thus, addressing awareness gaps and offering financial incentives could improve the adoption of water-efficient systems across diverse sectors.

5.2. Policy and Institutional Gaps

As a country, Tanzania lacks a comprehensive and mandatory green building code, which hampers the widespread adoption of GBTs. Despite growing awareness, Tanzania still lacks standard guidelines that are tailored to the validation, approval, and scaling of green building materials, particularly those based on indigenous or recycled content. The existing policies, such as the Tanzania National Energy Policy (2015) and National Environmental Policy (2021), emphasize the necessity of promoting energy efficiency and resource conservation, but do not provide the legally enforceable mandates for green construction. The persistent absence of enforceable green building policies in Tanzania can be attributed to a combination of political, economic, and institutional factors. Politically, sustainability has not been prioritized in national development agendas, which have historically focused on infrastructure expansion and economic growth rather than environmental performance. This has resulted in fragmented policy efforts and a lack of political will to institutionalize green building codes. While voluntary certification systems such as EDGE and LEED have been applied in certain commercial projects, there is no definite nationally recognized green certification framework to standardize the country’s sustainability requirements [6,7,8].

Economically, as the subsidies, tax breaks, and low-interest green financing mechanisms remain limited, the green building investments become less attractive for small-scale developers [92]. Therefore, establishing various financial incentives that are tailored to different income groups could widen the adoption of GBTs across different sectors. Furthermore, the absence of an integrated urban planning and green building enforcement mechanism often results in the fragmented implementation of sustainable practices, which has led to overlapping mandates and weak implementation capacity. The ministries responsible for construction, urban development, and energy policies tend to operate independently, leading to inefficiencies in regulating and promoting GB practices. Therefore, merging and strengthening the mandatory power of all the parties with legal authority could definitely improve coordination and policy enforcement. Additionally, addressing these systemic barriers requires not only technical policy design but also political commitment, inter-agency collaboration, and capacity-building at multiple governance levels.

5.3. International Standards in Relation to Local Adaptability

While international standards such as LEED and EDGE tend to offer structured frameworks for assessing environmental performance, their applicability in the Tanzanian context is limited by several contextual incompatibilities. Firstly, these standards often assume access to advanced technologies, high-performance materials, and robust data collection systems, conditions that are not consistently present in Tanzania’s construction sector. Secondly, the cost of certification, including consultancy fees and compliance documentation, is prohibitively high for most local developers, particularly in the informal and low-income housing segments, which make up a larger percentage of the population. Thirdly, the performance benchmarks that are embedded in these systems may not align with Tanzania’s climatic conditions, cultural practices, or construction norms in one way or another. For example, LEED’s emphasis on mechanical HVAC systems may be less relevant in regions where passive cooling is more appropriate. Similarly, EDGE’s default baselines may not reflect the actual performance of typical Tanzanian buildings, which tends to lead towards skewed assessments. Therefore, while these international systems can serve as aspirational models, there is a pressing need to develop localized green building standards that are cost-effective, context-specific, and which are aligned with national development goals.

5.4. Feasibility and Prioritization of the Green Building Technologies in the Tanzanian Context

The evaluation of the green building technologies discussed in this review reveals varying degrees of feasibility in the Tanzanian context.

Unfeasibility in the short to medium term: Advanced materials such as aerogels, vacuum insulation panels, nanomaterials, and self-healing concretes remain largely inaccessible due to high costs, lack of local manufacturing, and limited technical expertise. Their deployment is currently restricted to experimental or high-end institutional projects and is unlikely to scale without significant investment in research, training, and supply chains.

Promising with targeted improvements: Technologies such as recycled concrete aggregates, blended cements (e.g., fly ash, slag), and engineered timber have moderate feasibility. Their adoption could be accelerated through quality control protocols, pilot demonstrations, and incentives for local production. Similarly, Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) and smart lighting systems show potential in urban areas if supported by favorable importation policies as well as financing mechanisms.

High-priority and immediately scalable: Passive design strategies, rainwater harvesting, solar PV systems, and the use of locally available natural materials (e.g., earth blocks, bamboo, timber) are highly feasible and should be prioritized. These technologies align with Tanzania’s climatic conditions, resource base, and socio-economic realities. Their promotion through awareness campaigns, technical guidelines, and community-based demonstration projects could yield significant sustainability gains in both urban, peri-urban, and rural settings. These differentiated assessments provide a clearer roadmap for policymakers and practitioners to allocate resources and design interventions based on contextual viability and impact potential.

Table 3. Feasibility of different green building interventions in the Tanzanian context.

Technology Category	Examples	Short/Medium-Term Feasibility	Potential After Improvement	Priority Level
Advanced Materials	Aerogels, vacuum insulation panels, nanomaterials, self-healing concretes	Low	High (with R&D, cost reduction, and supply chain development)	Low
Recycled/Blended Materials	Recycled concrete aggregates, fly ash cement, engineered timber	Moderate	High (with quality control and local production incentives)	Medium
Passive Design Strategies	Orientation, thermal mass, cross-ventilation, shading, daylighting	High	Already effective; possible to optimize with training and guidelines	High
Renewable Energy Systems	Solar PV, solar water heaters, hybrid systems	High	Very high with financing and grid integration	High
Smart/Active Systems	BEMS, motion-sensor lighting, HVAC with heat recovery	Low to Moderate	Moderate (urban pilot projects, institutional support)	Medium
Water Efficiency Technologies	Rainwater harvesting, graywater reuse	High	High (especially in peri-urban and rural areas)	High
International Certification	LEED, EDGE, Green Mark	Low	Moderate (if localized or subsidized)	Low to Medium

provides a brief feasibility assessment of different green building interventions in the Tanzanian context.

5.5. Future Prospects of the Green Building Technologies in Tanzania

Despite existing challenges, the future of GBT adoption is promising in one way or another, particularly due to the growing international partnerships and advancements in the market of local building materials. To address the high costs that are associated with imported green building-related products such as solar panels, insulation materials, and smart energy systems, Tanzania is obliged to invest more in the domestic production of sustainable building materials. For example, expanding the bamboo processing plants, recycled materials factories, and the use of earth-based materials with a low carbon footprint could make GBTs more affordable to a larger number of developers who are willing to transition from conventional construction technologies. A key opportunity also lies in cement–wood composites, particularly where wood waste can be repurposed, which could significantly lead towards reduced cement usage and make use of this sustainable alternative. Given Tanzania’s growing wood product industry and surplus of sawmill waste, this technology could definitely be piloted in affordable housing schemes with support from the government or development partners.

Additionally, technology transfer to the local large-scale producers in the manufacturing of smart building technologies could minimize the costs associated with the importation of these advanced GBTs into the country. Moreover, to accelerate the adoption of green materials, Tanzania should commit to localized research, policy incentives, and public–private collaboration. Different public institutions such as the National Housing Corporation (NHC), universities, and research institutions can play a crucial role in piloting different projects and developing technical guidelines towards this approach. Developing a national green building code that tends to blend both international and localized sustainability strategies is crucial to achieving the widespread adoption of GBTs, especially in ongoing and next-generation projects. Formulating mandatory energy efficiency and water conservation regulations, similar to those emphasized by the U.S. and the Chinese government, could ensure that new developments widely align with the sustainable development goals.

Furthermore, enhancing knowledge and local expertise in sustainable construction techniques, energy modeling, and climate-responsive designs is very important to ensure longevity in widening the adoption of GBTs. The transition to greener construction is not solely a technological challenge, but also a human capacity challenge. This is because there is a large number of citizens who are unfamiliar with the long-term benefits offered by the GBTs and a limited number of green building experts in developing countries such as Tanzania. Thus, when educational programs and training are taken into account to equip the public and experts with the necessary skills to implement both traditional and modern low-impact technologies, the future of GBTs in Tanzania would definitely be in a promising position to implement green building strategies based on local realities. Figure 5 provides a summary of positive aspects and limitations involved with the use of GBTs, as well as the strategic interventions that should be taken into account to ensure a positive future for green building technologies in Tanzania.

6. Conclusions

This paper has extensively reviewed the current status, existing conditions, and prospects of green buildings in Tanzania. While the country has made progress in adopting sustainable building practices across urban, suburban, and rural areas, significant gaps still exist in policy enforcement, public awareness, and financial accessibility. In order to advance the adoption of green building techniques in Tanzania, the following actions should be emphasized:

• Policy development and enforcement

The government of Tanzania should prioritize the creation of national green building codes and adopt mandatory minimum sustainability requirements for new public buildings. Incentivizing private-sector compliance through tax reliefs or expedited permitting processes may accelerate market uptake. This is essential to establish a regulatory foundation that ensures consistency, accountability, and long-term commitment to sustainable construction.

• Capacity building and enhanced knowledge transfer

Strengthening the technical capacity of architects, engineers, policymakers, and builders, as well as the general public, is vital. Bridging the knowledge gap between traditional practices and modern green building technologies is key to ensuring long-term adoption and innovation based on Tanzania’s socio-economic context. Without adequate skills and awareness, even the most promising technologies may fail to achieve meaningful impact.

• Support for local manufacturing and innovation

Many eco-friendly solutions are more viable when sourced locally, which helps in reducing costs and ensuring accessibility. Supporting local innovation also fosters context-specific solutions that align with Tanzania’s climate, culture, and available resources, ultimately reducing dependency on expensive foreign technologies. This approach not only enhances affordability but also stimulates local economies and job creation.

• Local adaptation of certification systems

Adapting global tools like LEED and EDGE to reflect Tanzania’s climatic, economic, and cultural realities can improve the uptake. Such a system would allow more appropriate performance benchmarks, incorporating local materials, construction methods, and energy realities. Tailored certification frameworks can bridge the gap between global standards and local feasibility, making green building more inclusive and practical.

• Inclusive stakeholder involvement

Multi-stakeholder collaboration by involving the government, private sector, academia, and international organizations, as well as local communities, is crucial to catalyze efforts to promote the widespread adoption of GBTs in Tanzania. The public sector must provide regulations and support; the private sector and academia should also drive innovation, training, and awareness, while community engagement also ensures practical and culturally suitable solutions. Such collaboration ensures that green building initiatives are holistic, equitable, and grounded in local realities.

7. Future Directions

Future research should examine the life-cycle performance of locally available building materials to assess their environmental and economic viability over time. Further investigation is also needed to explore the cost-effectiveness of green building technologies in informal and low-income housing, where affordability and adaptability are critical.

Understanding the behavioral and cultural factors influencing the uptake of sustainable practices in both urban and rural areas could also enhance user acceptance.

Supporting collaborative research between training institutions as well as industry actors in Tanzania on eco-friendly construction technologies will also be important.

Lastly, there is a need to evaluate the long-term performance of passive and active energy systems across Tanzania’s climatic zones, particularly through comparative studies of the highland, coastal, and semi-arid regions.