Workable Bags IFC’s Global Eco-Friendly Certification

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has awarded Workable, a premium, Kenyan co-working space, the EDGE global certification, which recognizes environmentally friendly practices in buildings that minimize the use of water and energy. Workable realized significant savings on energy and water consumption during the period under review, and invested in the use of construction materials with less embodied carbon for its co-working space.

This recognition from the IFC, the private sector arm of the World Bank, highlights Workable’s dedication to sustainability using the IFC’s green building solution, EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies).

EDGE is a global green building standard and an international certification system, which has seen exponential growth since its inception in 2015. It focuses on making buildings more resource-efficient by reducing the water and embodied energy consumption in materials.

The United Nations Environment Programme states that the construction sector is by far the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, accounting for 37% of global emissions. These emissions have been exacerbated by the production and use of materials such as cement, steel, and aluminum that have a significant carbon footprint. In addition, the operational phase of buildings is a major source of carbon emissions due to the reliance on fossil fuels for energy. Green construction, therefore, plays a crucial role in achieving global sustainability by reducing environmental impact and improving the quality of life for people worldwide. It uses environmentally responsible building materials and techniques to minimize the buildings’ carbon footprint, enhancing their overall performance.

Workable, which launched its operations in Nairobi in mid-2019, becomes the first co-working space in East and Central Africa to receive the EDGE certification, having committed to prioritize green building practices, in line with its objective of providing premium, shared, flexible, and sustainable co-working space solutions.

Workable’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Samir PATEL, says: “We’re committed to providing a co-working space that not only supports the needs of our clients but also minimizes our impact on the environment. Receiving the EDGE certification is a proud milestone that recognizes our efforts in promoting sustainable construction and resource efficiency in building designs and operations.”

Sustainable construction involves using renewable and recyclable materials on building projects to reduce energy consumption and toxic waste.

Mr. PATEL adds: “Our clientele includes global enterprises, non-governmental organisations, as well as large local firms that have significant office needs. Workable, as a building occupier, continues to benchmark and invest in best-practice building approaches that are aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of construction, refurbishment, and operation, while at the same time creating healthier, comfortable, and more sustainable spaces.”

To date, EDGE has certified more than 65 million square metres of floor space globally as green, saving more than 1 million tonnes of CO₂ annually, equivalent to the emissions of almost 300,000 fuel-powered passenger vehicles.

The IFC’s Senior Operations Officer, Mr. Evans KAMAU, says: EDGE – Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies- is an innovation of IFC, helping governments and developers alike build and brand green through measurable impacts. With support from free software, certified auditors, and global best practice benchmarks, EDGE makes it easier and more affordable to reduce resource use by at least 20% in energy, water, and materials. Workable demonstrated consistency towards attaining the certification’s threshold, and the IFC commends it on becoming the first co-working space in East and Central Africa to qualify for this recognition.”

The CEO of the Kenya Green Building Society (KGBS), Ms. Nasra NANDA, says: “We are proud to see Workable become the first co-working space in East and Central Africa to achieve IFC’s EDGE green building certification. This recognition marks more than just a milestone for one company – it signals a broader market shift toward sustainable, resource-efficient workspaces. As demand grows for greener, more responsible commercial environments, Workable is setting a benchmark for what the future of office space in Africa can and should look like: smart, inclusive, and climate-conscious.”

Since its launch, this IFC certification has become the global standard for EDGE-certified buildings in about 100 countries.

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