Absa Bank Kenya has been awarded the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) global certification for implementing green building technologies that meet international sustainability standards.
The bank invested nearly Sh45 million to retrofit five branches—Nkrumah, Kisii, Queensway, Westend HQ, and Bishops Gate Head Office—with energy-efficient LED lighting, water-saving fixtures, and eco-friendly infrastructure. These upgrades cut energy consumption by 30% and water usage by 33%, translating to annual savings of Sh25 million.
Jane Waiyaki, Absa Bank’s Head of Sustainability, emphasized the initiative’s alignment with the bank’s 2040 net-zero goal. "This certification reflects our commitment to reducing environmental impact while enhancing employee well-being and operational efficiency," she said during the 2022 East Africa Property and Investment Summit in Nairobi.
The International Energy Agency’s 2019 report noted that the building sector accounts for 40% of global energy-related carbon emissions. Green building practices, such as those adopted by Absa, aim to minimize environmental harm through sustainable design, construction, and maintenance across a building’s lifecycle.
Waiyaki highlighted the initiative’s contribution to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including affordable energy, sustainable cities, and responsible consumption. "Our efforts support long-term environmental and community prosperity," she added.
IFC’s Corinne Figueredo praised Absa’s role in advancing green building adoption in Africa. The bank also became a founding member of the Kenya Green Building Society in 2020 and adheres to global sustainability principles through the United Nations Global Compact.
