Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Egypt Independent
Published on 2024-02-20 08:04:41
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has made history as the first building in the Middle East and Africa to achieve the prestigious EDGE Advanced Green Building Certification, the highest green building standard. This certification is a result of the collaborative efforts of SECO and the UK and highlights the museum’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Spanning across 500,000 square meters, the GEM is a sustainable champion with its innovative design that reflects a strong commitment to eco-friendliness. The building incorporates various energy-saving features, such as a reflective roof to keep it cool and external shading to reduce energy needs. Additionally, efficient lighting, plumbing, and smart meters offer real-time data to optimize energy use. These design elements have resulted in a 60 percent reduction in energy costs and a 34 percent reduction in water use compared to a conventional building of its size and type.
The GEM’s eco-friendly design has significant environmental impacts, equivalent to removing 400 vehicles from the road in terms of energy footprint reduction and saving enough water to fill over 63.4 million liters annually. This recognition and certification by the International Finance Corporation affirm the museum’s dedication to sustainability and are in alignment with Egypt’s Vision 2030 for clean energy.
The IFC’s Regional Director for North Africa and the Horn of Africa, Cheick-Oumar Sylla, emphasized the significance of the GEM’s certification, stating that it serves as a testament to Egypt’s growing commitment to sustainability. He also highlighted the resource efficiency and cost-effectiveness of green building practices, urging for more responsible and environmentally conscious construction projects to support Egypt’s journey towards a lower-carbon future.
The GEM’s achievement in obtaining the EDGE Advanced certification is a significant milestone for the IFC’s Green Building project in Egypt. Partnering with the Housing and Building National Research Center (HBRC) has been pivotal in ensuring a thriving ecosystem for green buildings and promoting cost-effective and resource-conscious design choices in construction projects.
The collaboration between the IFC and HBRC focuses on raising awareness in the public sector regarding the financial advantages of green buildings, building expertise in implementing financial incentives for such projects, and ultimately fostering the growth of a local green building market.
The Chairman of the Housing and Building National Research Center, Mohamed Massoud, commended the GEM for setting a new standard for sustainable construction in Africa and acknowledged the power of collaboration between government, international organizations, and the private sector in advancing sustainable building practices.
Minister of International Cooperation, Rania al-Mashat, also praised the GEM’s achievement, highlighting its status as an “EDGE-certified green building” and emphasizing the successful partnership between Egypt and the IFC in promoting sustainable and green infrastructure.
The recognition and certification of the GEM as an EDGE Advanced green building signify a significant milestone in sustainable construction and environmental stewardship in Egypt. It serves as a shining example of innovation and commitment to sustainability, demonstrating the country’s leadership in embracing environmentally responsible practices.
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