Mombasa County makes history with major certification for green public buildings

Mombasa County has made history as the first sub-national government in Africa to secure EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certification for a portfolio of public buildings, marking a significant milestone in sustainable infrastructure and climate leadership.

The Kenya Green Building Society (KGBS) announced the achievement, praising Mombasa for setting a precedent for green governance across the continent.

The certified facilities include the Mombasa County Assembly, the Office of the Governor, Port Reitz Sub County Hospital’s Operating Theatre and Maternity & Examination Blocks, and Kongowea Market.

These buildings now stand as models of energy efficiency, water conservation, and reduced embodied carbon, enhancing service delivery while minimizing environmental impact.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir said: "This certification is more than a badge of honor - it is a bold declaration of Mombasa's commitment to climate leadership, sustainable development, and efficient public service delivery.

By greening our public buildings, we are not only reducing our environmental footprint but also enhancing the dignity and quality of services offered to our people. Mombasa is proud to be Africa's first sub-national government to achieve portfolio EDGE certification - and we hope this inspires other counties to act with equal ambition and urgency."

The achievement aligns with Kenya’s national climate goals, including the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Nasra Nanda, CEO of KGBS and Chairperson of the Africa Regional Network, World Green Building Council, said: "Securing Africa's first portfolio EDGE certification for public buildings is not only a win for the county - it is a continental milestone that demonstrates what visionary, sub-national climate-smart leadership can deliver. This moment matters because it proves that green public infrastructure is achievable, impactful, and essential for resilient service delivery."

The EDGE certification, an innovation of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), promotes resource-efficient building designs that reduce energy, water, and material-related emissions by at least 20 percent.

The program, supported by donors including the UK, Austria, and Canada, streamlines green finance reporting and aids in achieving zero-carbon goals.