This study examines the inter-related concepts of Green Building and Town Planning
using Gaborone, Botswana as a case study. Modern cities are faced with urban and
environmental challenges and the major question faced by practitioners trying to plan
environmentally friendly development is: what can be done in planning practice to
address the identified challenges? Conventional buildings consume huge amounts of
construction material, use a lot of portable water, use energy and emit a lot of green
house gases during operation which contributes to climate change. Green building is
considered as a means of addressing some of the environmental challenges associated
with conventional buildings.
The study follows both a qualitative and quantitative approaches to collect data to
establish whether GB is practiced in Gaborone and if not what barriers exist. It is
established that people in the property development sector in Gaborone are aware of
the need to practice GB. However, planning authorities and policy makers are not
supportive GB initiatives. Green Buildings have a higher initial construction cost but
they also attract higher rental turnover and a high value. This study concludes that an
incorporation of Green Building concepts into Town Planning policy and practice can
provide meaningful contribution towards safer, more comfortable and sustainable
environment for urban communities.