The EDGE certification is awarded to institutions that demonstrate
resource efficiency of at least 20 per cent in energy, water and
embodied energy in materials. This is the first warehouse in Ghana to
receive this certification
EDGE is an online platform and international green building
certification system that promotes green building standard. An
innovation of IFC, EDGE certification is supported by the government of
the United Kingdom (UK) with initial funding by the Switzerland State
Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).
By creating a green building certification system for emerging
economies, IFC addresses climate change, while simultaneously helping to
boost prosperity through the construction of buildings with improved
operational costs.
LMI Holdings is a diversified Ghanaian company with interests in the
construction, industrial park development, real estate development,
warehousing and logistics, utilities and information and communications
technology (ICT) sectors.
It is the primary developer of the Tema Free Zones enclave, which
hosts more than 80 companies operating in various sectors, including
building materials and agro-processing.
As EDGE Champions, LMI Holdings mega warehouses have committed to
continuing to build green and to certify most of their portfolio with
EDGE. At a ceremony to present the certification to the company on
Monday, April 29, this year, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LMI
holdings, Kojo Botsio Aduhene, said the achievement reaffirmed LMI
Holdings’ commitment to sustainable practices and environmental
responsibility, adding that going forward, LMI Holdings would prioritise
the environment as its contribution to Ghana's climate agenda.
Kyle Kelhofer (left), IFC's
Senior Country Manager, presenting the certificate to Emmanuel Apatae
Manu (2nd from left), MD of LMI Logistics Group, Kojo Botsio Aduhene
(2nd from right), CEO, LMI Holdings. With them are Joseph Ocran (right),
Board Member, and Annabelle Obeng-Frimpong (middle), Business
Coordinator, LMI Holdings
“We are honoured to receive the IFC Green Buildings EDGE
Certification. We see it as a testament to our dedication to
environmental responsibility. Our team is committed to continuous
innovation, and this recognition fuels our passion to set new industry
standards for eco-friendly operations,” Mr Aduhene said.
The CEO of LMI Holdings said the green certification aligned with the
company’s broader sustainability vision, which was further supported by
a $30 million loan from the IFC in 2022 to develop a 16.8-megawatt
rooftop solar plant that will power businesses operating in the Tema
Free Zone. The investment is projected to increase Ghana’s solar
capacity by nine per cent and reduce carbon emission by over 10,000
tonnes a year.
Benchmark
The IFC's Senior Country Manager for Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone,
Kyle Kelhofer, said despite the clear business case for green building,
current investment in the area was minimal due to market barriers such
as insufficient government incentives, limited green construction
capacity and high perceived costs.
He said the EDGE Green Building Certification awarded to LMI Holdings
Mega Warehousing was a significant step towards sustainable industrial
development which set a benchmark for the sector.
The Team Lead, EDGE Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria Climate Business
Department, Dennis Papa Odenyi Quansah, said in assessing the 100,000
square metre LMI Mega Warehouse, the team took into consideration LMI’s
innovative technology and designs that included sustainability features
such as reduced window-to wall ratio, a reflective roof, high
performance glass, efficient ceiling fans, efficient water fixtures and
low carbon materials that reflected LMI’s commitment to environmental
conservation.
Writer’s email: Benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh
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