Zimbabwe's Energy Ministry is constructing a "green building" that will generate its own electricity and recycle water. The ministry hopes the model will be adopted for new buildings to help lighten the load on the country's energy grid. CGTN's Farai Mwakutuya reports.

The completely self-sufficient structure will be fitted with solar panels and heat absorbing windows to generate its own electricity, solar powered geysers for water heating, and ventilation louvers for natural temperature regulation. It will also take care of its own water requirements.

PATSON MBIRIRI, PERMANENT SECRETARY MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT "All the water from the site and from building, run off water, is captured into an underground reservoir and then used in the building. Equally waste water from the building from toilets of the building is captured in a biogas set up on the ground floor and the energy that is set up can be used for cooking and of need for lighting in the building."

Excess power generated will be fed onto the national grid. The 300,000-dollar building is expected to influence construction projects.

FARAI MWAKUTUYA HARARE, ZIMBABWE Parts of Harare's CBD like other cities across the country, are in desperate need of a facelift. Government hopes that as developers make the upgrade they follow its lead.

Despite the steep set up costs, authorities believe going green is a no-brainer.

PATSON MBIRIRI, PERMANENT SECRETARY MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT "Just the idea of solar water heating would knock out of your bill something like 40 percent of your bill. Instead of incurring that expense on a monthly basis you will basically be having your bill for electricity. Anybody who has done the sums it's an attractive proposition.

For a country facing an energy deficit and short of scarce foreign currency to import power, conservation is a priority. That's why government is encouraging local production of solar equipment to make it more affordable and intends to ban electric water heaters.

"Those that already have electric geysers five year period to adjust but those that are building new buildings new house, we shall insist that's instead of fitting an electric geyser which takes so much electricity they should fit in solar water geyser."

Once its green building is finished, government will move from do as we say, to do as we've done. FM, CGTN, H, Z.