Environmental issues, The Go Green Initiative, towards sustainable energy development, the transition to renewable sources and forms of energy. These are just but a few of the programs that have been put in place to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change that we are to blame for. In her wise words, Elizabeth May an environmentalist, once said, “I hold a vision of this blue-green planet, safe and in balance. At the end of the Fossil Fuel Era, we are emerging into a new reality. We are ready to take the next leap – as momentous as abolishing slavery or giving women the vote.” This was a statement that called for all entities to take part in the change required in the world. The designated programs and initiatives to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change were not enough to reach the whole world thus calling for an active change in specific nations, consequently, a call for the green certification programs that have been embraced by several governments to help in fighting the rapid climate change, energy, building standards, and environmental issues.

In the realization of these certification programs, it has been seen that if specific governments take charge of the initiative, they would fast-track the change expeditiously. This is an important step as it ensures that they will be more custodians for the shift to renewable sources of energy to create a change in terms of the view of climate change and the environment. The certificates that are provided by these programs are widely recognized and used internationally and improve in areas of waste disposal, use of fewer chemicals, and conservation of trees to maintain a green world that is sustainable for human survival.

My country Kenya has been at the forefront to take part in the programs that provide certificates to those who are concerned about the environment and protection of the available natural resources. The programs in Kenya have majorly invested in three key areas, buildings, agriculture, and setting reasonable standards for environmental protection. In the housing sector, the certification program known as the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK), ensures that buildings are inspected and are compliant with the available green technology. Recently, they launched the green building certification tool that will assess how buildings are constructed and maintained, also if they used environmentally sustainable materials and technology, a green building certificate is awarded.

In the Agricultural field, Kenya Agribusiness and Agroindustry Alliance (KAAA), promotes green certification in the private sector by creating awareness of organic farming using biogas and solar as opposed to chemicals to mitigate climate change. Farmers and private organizations that abide by this are awarded green farming certificates that allow the farmers to network globally in the farming business.

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), mobilizes the use of financial aid and sets standards to protect the environment, failure to which organizations are fined. those that abide are awarded certificates for conserving the environment. The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), also has programs to educate the general public in matters of environment conservation in conjunction with the Lean six sigma certification training, and award certificates upon completion. This has pushed Kenyans to act by environmental conservation for the certificate awards, consequently, a better suitable world is created. Additionally, the green certification programs in Kenya have come with packages that are almost impossible to forego for any business. Having the green certificates first has assured the manufacturers of tax incentives, increased marketability of the product, as well as elevated funding opportunities. This has pushed the majority of the organizations to seek expert guidance from the necessary bodies  to escalate their compliance rates. This calls for more green certification programs in Kenya for a better chance. 

Finally, Benjamin Franklin once said, “When the well is dry, we know the value of water,” let us embrace green certification programs for a better tomorrow.

REFERENCES

https://www.kyos.com/faq/green-certificate/#:~:text=A%20green%20certificate%20is%20a,from%20a%20renewable%20energy%20source.

https://www.constructionkenya.com/1933/green-building-certification/