The construction sector and its network play an essential role in modern society, continuing to create the foundations of our everyday lives. The sector currently contributes to 13% of global GDP, with the industry predicted to grow in worth of $13.9 trillion by 2037. With this growth will come expansion, innovation and opportunity. However, tapping into this opportunity may be easier for some more than others.
Construction sites and offices have long been a male dominated industry. As early as the 17th Century, masonry, carpentry and other trades were considered as an exclusively male profession. Even today the industry is still associated with masculinity with women making up only 11% of the industry and female workers making up only 1% of manual trades.
Lack of education and training opportunities, workplace discrimination, pay inequality and even lack of facilities for women on construction sites can all be seen as barriers to entry for women. However, with the industry facing skills shortages, it is vital that we address these barriers and encourage women to bring their skills into the industry.
In light of this, for International Women’s Day 2023, IFC partnered with Sintali to offer a subsidised EDGE Expert Training session exclusively for female identifying participants. The sessions aimed to raise awareness of the barriers faced by women in the industry, whilst simultaneously enabling women already in the industry to upskill.
EDGE Buildings, (“Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies”), an innovation of IFC, is a cloud-based platform that makes it easy to design and certify resource-efficient and zero carbon buildings around the world. To qualify for certification, a building must achieve at least a 20 percent reduction in energy, water, and embodied energy in materials compared to a conventional building.
Accredited by IFC, EDGE Experts play a fundamental role within the certification process and bring their skills, insights and thorough understanding of the EDGE software to instil confidence that a project is certifiably green and help clients navigate the certification process.
At the individual level, becoming an EDGE Expert results in greater knowledge, career growth and an opportunity to tap into further markets within the construction industry. At the firm level, credentialing a team helps to upskill practice while attracting and retaining talent.
The EDGE Expert training session was held virtually and split into 4 sessions across September and October 2023, to enable participants to join from a range of time zones. The sessions were lead by some female trailblazers within the industry from Saga and Associates, Mitsidi and e-Value for Environmental Consultation, all of whom had obtained EDGE faculty status. The sessions were also supported by the all-female technical team at Sintali to provide technical assistance during the sessions.
“I believe that it is through knowledge that we generate the real transformation. EDGE certification training has the potential to change careers and improve women’s lives, generating more green jobs in the sector.“
Rosanne Fukuoka, Technical Director, Mitsidi.
In total, over 170 women attended the sessions, with participants spanning across 19 different countries. Many of the participants then went on to take their EDGE Expert exam to become fully accredited EDGE Experts and have begun promoting the green building software to their local market and developing a new business service.
“I firmly believe that empowering women in the construction, green building, and sustainability sectors is essential for fostering diversity, innovation, and a more inclusive industry. By providing opportunities and support, we not only enhance individual careers but also contribute to the overall progress and success of our community. Excited to share insights and celebrate International Women’s Day together!”
Dr. Hoda Ibrahim, EDGE Faculty Trainer and Sustainability Expert.
EDGE buildings, with its focus on resource efficiency, intersects both the construction and decarbonisation industries in an effort to reduce the environmental impacts of the built environment. With women often facing higher risks and greater burdens from the impacts of climate change in situations of poverty and due to existing roles, responsibilities and cultural norms, the session then not only was able to unlock conversations surrounding inequality within the construction sector, but also the inequalities for women from the impacts of climate change itself.
“In ‘Rigveda’ an ancient scripture of Indian literature written in ‘Sanskrit’ language acknowledges the feminine energy as the essence of the universe, the one who creates all matter and consciousness, the eternal and infinite, the metaphysical and empirical reality, the soul (supreme self) of everything and regarded as highest power ( i.e Shakti) of creation!
It is well known that Construction is nothing but deconstruction! Deconstruction of natural surroundings, flora – fauna etc.
I believe that as Women traditionally associated with nurturing, can bring that perspective to construction activity, focusing on harmonious co-existence with the environment which is the need of the hour. Integrating more Women in the Construction industry will foster a more balanced perspective and will help to sensitize any development and construction process with a holistic triple bottom line approach of Sustainable Development!”
Gouri Rathod, EDGE Faculty Trainer and Green Building Specialist
Sintali is honoured to have been part of this scheme and wish all the participants luck as they navigate the market with their newly acquired skills!
Aishwarya Palve, Senior Architect and Senior Sustainability Analyst at Ecofirst Services Limited, India:
‘Excited to share a sustainable achievement on my learning journey! Delving into the intricacies of the EDGE application has been a rewarding experience. A big thanks to Sintali for organising an insightful online session, unravelling the aspects of the EDGE application.
What’s truly fascinating is how EDGE empowers design teams and project owners to make impactful decisions. From evaluating and comparing estimated costs to strategically reducing energy use, water use, and embodied energy in materials, EDGE is a game-changer. It’s not just about sustainability but also about making a real financial impact.
This tool enables communities to slash their carbon footprint, curbing greenhouse gas emissions. In emerging market regions, it’s a money-saver, minimizing operating costs and enhancing efficiency. By providing region-specific, financially viable green building recommendations, EDGE makes the economic benefits of sustainability crystal clear.’
Esmochi Ifeyi, Architect and Consultant, Nigeria:
‘The Training was in-depth and personally a needed push to get serious and involved in the green design and build agenda. Sintali and everyone involved is highly appreciated for the opportunity.’
Mamo Rakeb Worku, Structural Engineer, Ethiopia:
“The session with Sintali was beneficial and informative, covering EDGE green building principles, standards, and certification. As a structural engineer in a developing country where financial resources are constrained, my plans for the future regarding building green and my personal development will revolve around continuous education, collaboration with industry peers, research-driven innovation, advocacy for sustainable practices, and adaptation of green building principles to local contexts.”
Mai Aquib, Talent Engineer, Hassan Allam Holding, Egypt:
“I firmly believe that advocating for and implementing green building practices will not only address the resource challenges but also serve as a cornerstone for sustainable growth in Egypt. Embracing green building practices stands as a pivotal solution to fostering sustainable development while mitigating environmental impact. I am dedicated to contributing my efforts towards this cause, educating and encouraging others to support the transition towards greener practices in the construction industry in Egypt.”
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