By Grace Ademulegun
EchoStone Nigeria is an industry leader addressing the country’s severe housing deficit by delivering affordable, high-quality, and sustainable homes.
It was established as a subsidiary of the international company EchoStone Opco, founded in 2015 with headquarters in New York.
The organization leverages cutting-edge modular construction techniques and green technology to develop resource-efficient housing, particularly for low and middle-income communities in emerging markets like Nigeria.
Some of the key projects and milestones of EchoStones include Peridot Parkland Estate (Badagry, Lagos).
This flagship project consists of 252 housing units and stands as a milestone in sustainable housing in Nigeria. Peridot Parkland Estate is notable for being the first project in Nigeria to achieve EDGE Advanced Certification, awarded by the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
The features of this estate include: energy efficiency– achieved 53 percent energy savings with advanced building insulation, energy-efficient lighting, and passive cooling systems; and water efficiency– conserved 42 percent water through low-flow plumbing fixtures and efficient water-use designs.
It also features: reduced carbon footprint– attained a 35 percent reduction in embodied energy in materials, using locally sourced, sustainable construction materials; and homeowner savings– residents benefit from a 33 percent reduction in monthly utility costs, making these homes more financially sustainable for families.
EchoStone employs modular construction techniques that drastically reduce building times while maintaining high standards of quality. Houses are assembled using pre-engineered components, allowing for construction of a complete home within just 14 days.
This method significantly reduces material waste, lowers construction costs, ensures scalability for large housing projects
The company integrates eco-friendly designs and renewable energy systems, including
solar panels which provide off-grid energy solutions, particularly in areas with unreliable electricity; rainwater harvesting systems which helps to reduce water dependence in water-scarce regions; and thermal efficiency as buildings are designed to maintain cooler indoor temperatures, minimizing the need for air conditioning
Some of the continuous major impacts of EchoStone over the few years they have been around can be said to be: local job creation where EchoStone prioritizes empowering local communities by training builders and artisans in sustainable construction techniques. This approach enhances capacity development and fosters economic growth in host communities.
They are also doing well to address Nigeria’s housing deficit. With Nigeria’s housing shortage estimated at 22 million homes, EchoStone contributes meaningfully to reducing this gap.
The company focuses on low- and middle-income communities, making housing both accessible and environmentally friendly
EchoStone’s EDGE advanced certification for Peridot Parkland Estate highlights its excellence in green construction.
The project sets an industry benchmark for affordable housing, combining environmental sustainability by preventing significant carbon emissions and reducing energy and water usage with economic value offering low-cost housing options while reducing operational costs for residents.
In the near future, EchoStone aims to scale up its operations across Nigeria and Africa.
It aims to focus on building 10,000 affordable green homes by 2030 by expanding its modular housing solutions to meet the growing demand; collaborating with governments and NGOs to develop sustainable urban communities; pioneering sustainable innovations by continually improving designs and integrating renewable energy solutions into future projects.
EchoStone Nigeria exemplifies how innovation and sustainability can revolutionize the housing sector. Its modular technology, green building practices, and commitment to affordability position it as a game-changer in addressing housing deficits across Nigeria and Africa. By prioritizing environmental stewardship and social impact, EchoStone serves as a model for sustainable development in emerging markets.
Source: THISDAYLIVE