Workable, a premium co-working space provider based in Nairobi, has made history as the first in East and Central Africa to receive the prestigious EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certification from the International Finance Corporation (IFC). This milestone places Workable among a select group of buildings globally recognized for their eco-conscious design, efficient resource use, and commitment to sustainable construction.

What Is EDGE Certification?

EDGE is a global green building standard developed by the IFC, the private sector arm of the World Bank Group. It focuses on making buildings more resource-efficient through measurable reductions in energy consumption, water usage, and the embodied energy of construction materials. To qualify, buildings must demonstrate at least 20% savings in these three categories.

Since its launch in 2015, EDGE has expanded to over 100 countries, certifying more than 65 million square metres of floor space and saving over one million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

How Workable Achieved This Global Milestone

Workable received the EDGE certification after implementing a variety of environmentally friendly practices:

Energy and Water Efficiency: The company realized significant reductions in its energy and water usage during the review period.
Sustainable Materials: Construction materials with low embodied carbon were prioritized.
Operational Efficiency: Workable adopted sustainable practices in building operations, ensuring long-term environmental and economic benefits.

According to Samir Patel, CEO of Workable, “Receiving the EDGE certification is a proud milestone that recognises our efforts in promoting sustainable construction and resource efficiency in building designs and operations.”

Why This Matters for Africa’s Green Building Movement

According to the United Nations Environment Programme, the construction industry is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases globally, responsible for around 37% of all emissions. Much of this impact stems from the production of materials like cement, steel, and aluminium, as well as the energy required to operate buildings.

Workable’s EDGE certification shows what is possible when shared workspaces integrate sustainability into their core values. It’s a sign of a broader shift towards climate-conscious infrastructure across Africa’s commercial real estate sector.

The Kenya Green Building Society (KGBS) lauded the achievement, with CEO Nasra Nanda stating:

“Workable is setting a benchmark for what the future of office space in Africa can and should look like: smart, inclusive, and climate-conscious.”

Workable’s Commitment to Smart, Sustainable Spaces

Workable launched operations in mid-2019 and now offers over 40,000 square feet of flexible office space. Designed with both wellness and efficiency in mind, its facilities include:

Private and custom-built offices
Wellness rooms and themed daily breakfasts
Advanced AV/video conferencing setups
Boardrooms and collaboration zones with premium acoustic design
High-performance HVAC systems for thermal comfort and air quality
Multiple coffee stations and printing services

Workable’s client base spans global enterprises, NGOs, and large local firms, all of whom benefit from its dedication to world-class sustainability standards and an unmatched tenant experience.

IFC and EDGE: Driving Sustainable Development Worldwide

The IFC’s EDGE program is designed to make green building certification fast, easy, and affordable. It is supported by free software, certified auditors, and global best practice benchmarks. According to IFC’s Senior Operations Officer, Evans Kamau,

“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.”

EDGE certification is now recognized by major green finance standards and has become a key tool in streamlining environmental impact reporting, especially in developing markets where resource efficiency is critical.

A Model for the Future of Workspaces

Workable’s EDGE certification is more than just a badge of honor. It signals that sustainable workspaces are not only viable in Africa but also scalable. As demand grows for greener, more resource-conscious commercial spaces, Workable has positioned itself as a trailblazer in the industry.

This development could pave the way for more co-working spaces, office developers, and startups in the region to adopt environmentally responsible practices, ensuring that Africa’s urban growth aligns with global climate goals.