Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group partners with IFC, a member of the World Bank Group that focuses on private sector development, to promote the design and construction of green buildings in emerging markets.
The Radisson Blu Hotel, Accra Airport is the first hotel in Africa to receive IFC’s EDGE green building certification. CDC Group, the UK development finance institution, is a major investor in the larger real estate development where this hotel is located, and was the main promoter of achieving the certification.
EDGE encourages resource-efficient buildings by demonstrating the most cost-effective ways to reduce resource intensity early in the design process. EDGE includes powerful and free eco-modeling software that makes the business case for using less energy, water and embodied energy in materials.
Ritu Kumar, Director of Environment and Social Responsibility at CDC Group says: “Investing in green buildings is not only essential for a sustainable future, but also makes good business sense. It is vital that the growth in real estate on the African continent is environmentally and financially sustainable and contributes to reaching COP 21 targets. We’re proud to have supported the Radisson Blu reach EDGE certification at The Exchange, our real estate investment in Accra.”
Through the partnership, Carlson Rezidor will use the EDGE eco-analysis software for all of its future hotel projects in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa. As 40 percent of the world’s carbon emissions are generated through the construction and operation of buildings, designing green hotels supports the industry’s responsibility to meet COP21 targets.
The collaboration also strengthens Carlson Rezidor’s long-term commitment to Think Planet and sustainable growth.
Elie Younes, executive vice president and chief development officer at Rezidor, says: “EDGE is a very valuable tool to support our growth strategy in emerging markets. It will be a catalyst to securing financing from hotel investors as it measures a building’s future performance, which reduces risk. EDGE also helps us to promote good corporate citizenship and leverage our sustainable hotel brands.”
Prashant Kapoor, principal green buildings specialist for IFC and the inventor of EDGE, says: “Our landmark partnership with Carlson Rezidor marks an important step forward to greening the growing hotel business in Africa and other emerging markets.
“IFC hopes that other leaders in the hotel industry will follow Carlson Rezidor’s example and consider adopting EDGE. Only by responding to the growing awareness of environmentally concerned customers can we meet their expectations while building a more profitable and sustainable future for all.”