As one arm of Kenya’s Big 4 agenda, the provision of affordable housing is currently being implemented through large scale projects in urban and peri-urban areas in the country. Through the efforts of green advocates like KGBS, a decree was passed by the Kenya State Department of Housing & Urban Development that all buildings under this scheme would be constructed as Green Certified Buildings. The certification would be issued using the international ‘EDGE’ Green Building standard developed by the IFC, a part of the World Bank Group.
What is EDGE?
EDGE (“Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies”), is an International Finance Corporation (IFC) certification program that spells out the cost advantages of building green by helping developments identify ways to reduce energy and water consumption, as well as reduction in energy embedded in materials.
EDGE is a measurable way for builders to optimize their designs, leading to a more investment-worthy and marketable product. Case studies have shown that Green Buildings not only help reduce environmental impact, but save costs for developers as well as tenants through reduced utility and maintenance costs. By keeping certification fast and inexpensive, EDGE keeps pace with the momentum that developers need to stay at the forefront of the green building trend.
Benefits of EDGE Certification
- Improved business model through reduced input costs
- Increased value to investors and financiers
- Access to green market financing products
- Increased credibility as a sustainable business/brand
How do you achieve EDGE certification?
EDGE provides an online platform that developers can register their designs and then quickly identify the most cost-effective ways to reduce energy use, water use and embodied energy in materials. Once the designs are audited and verified to reach the minimum 20% reduction in consumption and energy in materials, the building can officially be EDGE certified.
One practical and cost effective method of reaching the 20% reduction in water and energy consumption is the use of onsite wastewater management technology. The reduced lifetime costs associated with this technology helps developers achieve their goals in building more resilient and efficient buildings regardless of size and location.
To learn more about about Wastewater Management and its role in Green building, sign up for our Masterclass in collaboration with KGBS here