Edge Certification: Developers to gain Support for Eco-friendly Buildings – Mayor

Mayor of Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA), Anthony K.K. Sam, has disclosed that his outfit’s intention to support businesses whose projects are certified by EDGE, a professional credentialing and project certification consortium.

According to the Major, the STMA has green-lighted a policy to give developers 30% discount on project permit fees if their project is certified by EDGE and follows its “green” or eco-friendly standards.

Speaking at an event in celebration of “green” buildings and its certification today, the mayor asserted that, Ghana’s environment, particularly Sekondi-Takoradi, is characterized by “high temperature, high humidity and rainfall”. This dynamics according to him has to be factored in the planning and strategizing of buildings as ensured by EDGE standards.

He lauded the cost effectiveness of EDGE initiatives, and declared his intention to make all building projects – Schools, Hospitals, and offices under his jurisdiction conform to standards provided by EDGE.

Addressing the audience at the event, Managing Director of the Meridian Group, Radwan Dakmak, noted that, EDGE certified buildings help the developers save money in the long run.

“Though you seem to spend a little bit more on the surface, it’s more cost efficient [in the long run] as you spend a lot less in energy consumption”.

He described EDGE certified buildings as “money saving, energy efficient and water saving” projects, hence, they respond positively to the environment.

According to Mr Dakmak, Edge certified building are also “hugely marketable” and backed by international bodies in banking support applications.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Goldkey Properties, Fusena Abu, argued that it is important to “look after the environment and minimize our footprints”, which is why the need to collectively embrace the standards provided by EDGE.

 She added that the EDGE certification recommendations are reasonable in the commercial sense because “in the long run it will save you and your tenants money”

Stakeholders at the event urged the Ghanaian community to embrace green building standards as offered by EDGE.

EDGE is certified by SGS, Ghana and thinkstep in the United Kingdom (UK), making it an internationally recognized and certified standard for green certification.

Source: Jonas Danquah || ghananewsonline.com.gh