Story by, Nsor Paul Mensah
Accra, Ghana, Access Bank Ghana PLC. a leading universal bank in Ghana has received the IFC EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) Green Building Certification for its banking Headquarters complex located in Osu-Accra
The EDGE Green Building certification program supported by the UK Government's Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) with initial funding from Switzerland's State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, SECO recognizes Access Bank's commitment to sustainable building practices and its efforts to reduce energy соnsumption water usage and embodied carbon in building materials
Access Bank Ghana PLC-Head Office is expected to achieve a 29% reduction in energy una, a 25% reduction in water use, and a 99% reduction in embodied carbon in materials The building features sustainability measures such as reduced window-to-wall ratios, insulated exterior walls, high performance glass, efficient cooling system, efficient interior Lighting, low-flow water fixtures, and low embodied carbon materials, reflecting Access Bank a commitment to environmental responsibility. The building implemented retrofits to meet the EDGE water standard This included installation of aerators on faucets to reduce the flow rates. These reductions in energy, water, and embodied carbon are expected to result in significant cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint for the Head Office
Speaking at the certification hand-over ceremony, Managing Director of Access Bank (Ghana) PLC. Olumide Olatunji said, at Access Bank, sustainability is at the core of our operations, and achieving IFC's EDGE certification for our head office building is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainable banking. This milestone reflects our deliberate efforts to integrate resource efficiency, environmental responsibility, and innovation into our operations As we continue to champion green finance and eco-friendly practices, this certification reinforces our pledge to build a future where business growth and sustainability go hand in hand, creating lasting impact for our customers. communities, and the planet
We are delighted to award Access Bank with the EDGE Green Building certification Access Bank's commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency sets a strong example for other financial institutions," said Dahlia Khalifa IFC Regional Director for Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa "This certification underscores the importance of integrating green building practices to create a positive impact on the environment and society"
The EDGE certification is a globally recognized standard for green buildings, designed to ngs more resource efficient. The certification process involves a rigorous assessment of a building's design and construction, including independent turd-party audits, ensuing that it meets the highest standards of sustainability
IFC's EDGE program aims to promote green building practices globally by providing a standardized approach to designing and certifying resource-efficient buildings. The program has been utilized in nearly 200 countries, with over 100 million square meters in certified floorspace, enabling developers worldwide to create buildings that reduce energy use water consumption, and embodied carbon.
Globally, IFC collaborates with financiers, governments, developers, and building Owners accelerate green building development in emerging markets. In Ghana, cumulatively. Over 800,000 square meters of offices, homes, hospitals, retail stores, warehouses. resorts, and light industry are EDGE-certified IFC also supports green projects in Ghana such as the investment in LMI Holdings 16.84-megawatt single solar rooftop project
About IFC
IFC a member of the World Bank is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing counties in fiscal year 2024, IFC committed a record $56 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions, and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet.
About EDGE
An innovation of IFC, EDGE helps property developers to build and brand green in a fast, easy and affordable way. EDGE is supported by free software that offers up solutions to reduce energy, water and the energy embodied in building materials by at least 20 percent EDGE certification is recognized by the major green finance standards and streamlines green debt reporting requirements. The simplicity and low cost of EDGE, plus its focus on quantifying emission reductions makes it invaluable to map and track a path to zere carbon. The program has been generously supported by the following donors The United Kingdom, Austria, Canada. Denmark, ESMAP, EU. Finland, GEF. Hungary, Japan, the Netherlands.
Access Bank (Ghana) Pic is a leading full-service universal bank offering banking services to Retail Corporate, Commercial, and Institutional clients. Operating from more than 700 branches and service outlets in 22 countries in Africa and the rest of the world Including the UAE, UK, Hong Kong, and France along with three representative offices in China, India, and Lebanon, Access Bank is committed to setting standards for sustainable business practices that ignites the talents of employees, and create superior value for our stakeholders. Access Bank Ghana has been recognized for its outstanding sustainability practices through various prestigious awards including 2024 Best ESG Bank by Euromoney and remains committed to impacting lives now and in the future
The bank's sustainability strategy is built on three pillars. Sustainable Operations which aims to minimize environmental impact and optimizing resources to support economic, social and environmental goals, Corporate Social Investment (CSI) to support community focused initiatives in education, environment, health and economic empowerment, and Sustainable Development Finance. These pillars demonstrate the bank's dedication to championing innovation and investment in sustainable solutions that dive long-term value.