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Africa Logistics Properties (ALP) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have partnered to accelerate the adoption of green building practices in Kenya.
The two firms are doing this through the promotion of voluntary green building certification programs.
It is based on World Bank’s Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) standards.
EDGE is a green building standard and international certification system by IFC that stipulates measurable factors to be considered in green buildings.
The partnership is expected to enhance collaboration to help transition Kenya’s real estate industry into a lower carbon and resource-efficient path.
IFC will provide education on the principles and applications of the EDGE software, standards and certification system while ALP will promote sustainable design and construction practices within the industry.
Data by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), shows that the building and construction sector accounts for about 34 per cent of all energy demand, and produces close to 37 per cent of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions, thus the need for transition.
ALP development director, Maruza Chikwanha reiterated this noting that the country now needs to prioritize the transition to climate-smart building.
“There is an immediate need for the real estate industry to move towards green development as we try and slow climate change down. ALP will continue to promote sustainable design practices and, jointly with IFC, present the benefits of using the EDGE certification system to other developers, hoping to green the industry further,” Maruza said.
Further, the partnership seeks to boost president Ruto’s administration’s targets to construct at least 250, 000 houses each year, for the next five years, under the affordable housing programme.
The project could see over six million Kenyans living in informal settlements get decent and affordable houses, according to president Ruto.
Earlier this year, he 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.
ALP North in Tatu City was the first industrial building in Africa to receive EDGE certification for its 41 per cent savings on energy usage, 52 per cent water savings and 50 per cent less embodied energy in the materials used for construction.