Since climate change is no respecter of geographical boundaries, concerted mitigating actions such as
clean development mechanism (CDM), are desirable. In CDM, developed countries can earn certified
emission reduction credits from emission reduction projects undertaken in developing countries. Recent
research suggests that, theoretically, CDM can be extended to the building sector. However, there is
limited research on how CDM can be integrated in the development approval process (DAP) of buildings.
This paper presents an investigation on how CDM could be integrated into the DAP of buildings in urban
Uganda. A method of process modelling was used to describe the existing DAP, and also to design a new
DAP. To demonstrate how CDM could be integrated into the new DAP, a typical dwelling unit was used.
Two options for the dwelling were considered: a baseline (i.e. constructed using typical materials, plant,
and workforce) and alternative (i.e. constructed using provisions to reduce carbon emissions). The difference
in emissions in the two options constituted the basis for a CDM. Results suggested that the
existing DAP does not consider carbon accounting and thus was not congruent with CDM modalities. A
new DAP which is compatible with CDM was proposed. When the CDM concept was integrated into the
new DAP, a bottom-up projection regarding construction of 28,000 houses annually within the capital
city showed that reductions of over 200 ktCO2 could be achieved in a period of 10 years. These figures
were comparable with prevailing CDM initiatives. The structure of a CDM programme aided by the new
DAP was presented and discussed. This study shows that integrating CDM into the DAP of buildings in
Uganda is possible if assessment of carbon emissions is incorporated in the existing DAP. The overall
findings suggest that CDM could promote market-based mechanisms of enhancing sustainable construction
in developing countries.