By Juliet ETEFE
LMI Holdings’ Mega Warehouse has received the International Financial Corporation (IFC) EDGE Green Building Certification, making it the first warehouse in the country to receive this certification.
EDGE Certification recognises businesses that demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices and show leadership in green initiatives within their industry.
The recognition of Mega Warehouse is also attributed to its focus on efficient energy and water usage, as well as the use of low-carbon construction materials such as cement, steel and glass.
The certification programme also acknowledges LMI’s innovative technology and designs, which are projected to achieve a 26 percent reduction in energy use, a 20 percent reduction in water use, and a 73 percent reduction in embodied carbon in materials.
As a leader in the development sector and the primary developer of the Tema Free Zone Area (Tema FZ), LMI hosts over 80 companies across various sectors, including building materials, manufacturing and agro-processing.
The 100,000 square metre LMI Mega Warehouse incorporates sustainability features, including a reduced Window-to-Wall Ratio, a reflective roof, high-performance glass, efficient ceiling fans, water-efficient fixtures and low-carbon materials, showcasing LMI’s commitment to environmental conservation.
The green certification aligns with LMI’s broader sustainability vision, bolstered by a US$30million loan from IFC in 2022. This funding aims to develop a 16.8 MWp rooftop solar plant to power businesses operating in the Tema FZ. The project is projected to increase Ghana’s solar capacity by 9 percent and reduce CO2 emissions by over 10,000 tonnes per year.
Prioritising ESG
Speaking to the media, Kojo Aduhene, the Chief Executive Officer of LMI, noted that the recognition establishes his company’s environmental credentials.
He emphasised their commitment to allowing environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles to take precedence in their operations.
“We are honoured to receive the IFC Green Buildings EDGE Certification and see it as a testament to our dedication to environmental responsibility,” he said.
He reiterated that the recognition confirms LMI’s commitment to contributing to efforts aimed at reducing carbon emissions and prioritising the environment.
He noted his team’s commitment to continuous innovation and their passion for setting new industry standards for eco-friendly operations.
Sustainable practices
For his part, Emmanuel Apotae Manu, the Managing Director of International Warehousing Company, emphasised the company’s unwavering commitment to customer-centricity and sustainability.
He expressed optimism regarding the company’s growth trajectory, driven by strong demand and a proactive approach to meeting customer needs.
Speaking on the certification, he said it signifies his outfits’ dedication to meeting global standards, ensuring that corporations – including multinationals – can confidently choose LMI as their preferred logistics partner in the country.
Beyond enhancing customer confidence, he said the certification has positioned LMI as a pioneer in the Ghanaian commercial warehouse sector.
Looking ahead, Mr. Apotae Manu said LMI anticipates full occupancy of its warehouse space, and for the rest of the year will prioritise effective maintenance, enhancing customer support, optimising power distribution through Enclave Power, and further improving safety standards to ensure a conducive operating environment.
He took the opportunity to express gratitude for the support received from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in this endeavour.
Collective effort
IFC Senior Country Manager for Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, Kyle Kelhofer, noted that the EDGE Green Building Certification awarded to LMI Holdings’ Mega Warehouse is a significant step forward for sustainable industrial development in Ghana and sets a benchmark for the sector.
Commending LMI Holdings for setting an example of environmentally responsible practices in the construction sector, he called for a collective effort while toward attaining sustainability.
“At IFC, we are glad to support eco-initiatives that foster both economic and environmental benefits. For over three decades, LMI Holdings has been a visionary leader in innovation in Ghana. The company’s commitment to sustainability is exemplified by the Mega Warehouse, through the implementation of eco-friendly building practices.
“This approach reduces the warehouse’s carbon footprint and serves as a benchmark for the industry. This further distinguishes it as Ghana’s premier warehouse to be recognised for its exceptional dedication to green building standards,” he said.
Programme Lead at IFC, Dennis Papa Odenyi Quansah, also applauded LMI efforts, saying its dedication to efficiency and environmental responsibility reflects a broader commitment to combatting climate change and maximising resources for a more sustainable future.
EDGE Certification
The EDGE green building certification programme is supported by the United Kingdom (UK) Government, with initial funding from Switzerland State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).
IFC sets universal standards for green construction through EDGE, a software application and certification system that is helping developers design energy-efficient and cost-effective buildings with low emissions.
LMI Holdings
LMI Holdings, a highly diversified Ghanaian company with a presence in the construction, industrial park development, real estate development, warehousing and logistics, utilities and ICT sectors in Ghana, is the primary developer of the Tema FZ, which hosts more than 80 companies operating in various sectors, including building materials, manufacturing and agro-processing.
LMI Holdings’ ambitious strategic vision, which is to contribute to the building of a developed Africa by providing sustainable infrastructure, is the anchor in the establishment of all its subsidiaries.
