Africa Logistics Properties partners with IFC to promote green building practices in Kenya
Africa Logistics Properties (ALP) has partnered with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to promote green building practices and accelerate the adoption of voluntary green building certification programs in Kenya. The partnership aims to transition Kenya’s real estate industry into a lower carbon and resource-efficient path, helping to slow climate change down.
The building and construction sector is responsible for 34% of all energy demand and produces around 37% of energy-related CO2 emissions, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It is, therefore, crucial for the industry to shift towards sustainable development and adopt green building practices.
The partnership between ALP and IFC will see IFC providing education on the principles and applications of the Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) software, standards, and certification system. EDGE is an international certification system that stipulates measurable factors to be considered in green buildings. Developers who meet the criteria for green buildings are awarded EDGE certification, indicating water and energy resources that have been saved.
ALP will promote sustainable design and construction practices within the industry and present the benefits of using the EDGE certification system to other developers, hoping to green the industry further. ALP North in Tatu City was the first industrial building in Africa to receive EDGE certification for its 41% savings on energy usage, 52% water savings, and 50% less embodied energy in the materials used for construction.
Maruza Chikwanha, ALP Development Director, emphasized the need to transition to green building as a priority for the country. “Already, the government is taking steps to combat climate change, and concerted effort will be needed to bear significant fruit,” said Maruza.
Earlier this year, President William Ruto established the State Department for Environment and Climate Change as part of the government’s commitment to protecting Kenya from the adverse effects of climate change and global warming. Kenya’s president is also the coordinator of the Committee of African Heads of State on Climate Change (CAHOSCC), which will hold the Africa Climate Summit in Kenya later this year.
ALP’s commitment to sustainability aligns with the government’s efforts to combat climate change, and together with IFC, they hope to create a positive impact on the environment. “We are on the path to having 100% of our developments green-certified. In addition to being good for our tenants, this provides a business case for other industrial developers,” said Maruza.
The partnership between ALP and IFC is an excellent example of how collaboration between the private and public sectors can help promote sustainability and combat climate change. By adopting green building practices and promoting voluntary certification programs such as EDGE, Kenya’s real estate industry can reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
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