Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria has received the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) EDGE Green Building Certification for its Lagos headquarters, reinforcing the growing adoption of sustainable building standards within Nigeria’s corporate sector.
The certification, awarded under IFC’s Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) programme, recognises buildings that achieve significant improvements in energy efficiency, water conservation and the reduction of embodied carbon in construction materials.
The development places Standard Chartered among a growing number of organisations seeking to align operational practices with environmental sustainability goals while improving long-term cost efficiency and resilience.
According to the bank, its Lagos head office achieved energy savings of 20.85 per cent, water savings of 23.53 per cent and a 99 per cent reduction in embodied carbon through a combination of resource-efficient building technologies and design measures.
These include roof insulation, high-performance glazing systems, energy-efficient cooling equipment and water-saving fixtures designed to reduce resource consumption and operating costs.
Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria, Mr Deji Adelagun, said the certification reflected the institution’s commitment to integrating sustainability into its operations and business strategy.
He noted that the bank was not only supporting clients in their sustainability journeys but was also applying similar standards within its own operations.
Industry analysts say green building certifications are becoming increasingly important for financial institutions and large corporations as investors, regulators and stakeholders place greater emphasis on environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance.
The certification also highlights the growing role of sustainable infrastructure in Nigeria’s commercial real estate sector, where rising energy costs and climate-related risks are encouraging organisations to invest in resource-efficient facilities.
IFC Regional Director for Central Africa and Nigeria, Ms Dahlia Khalifa, described resource-efficient buildings as critical to achieving lower-carbon and more resilient economic growth.
She said Nigeria’s commercial sector was well-positioned to drive the transition towards more sustainable building practices and environmental stewardship.
Head of Commercial Real Estate and Services at Standard Chartered Nigeria, Mr Celestine Aruoture, said the achievement demonstrated the bank’s commitment to responsible growth and operational sustainability.
According to him, integrating energy, water and material efficiency measures into the workplace supports environmental goals while creating a more resilient environment for employees and customers.
Also commenting, EDGE Expert and Group Chief Executive Officer of GPFI Holdings Ltd., Dr MKO Balogun, said the certification demonstrated how building owners could successfully adopt internationally recognised sustainability standards through effective planning and commitment.
The EDGE certification programme, developed by IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is a globally recognised framework that promotes resource-efficient buildings through rigorous assessment and independent third-party verification.
The certification underscores a broader trend within Nigeria’s corporate sector, where sustainability is increasingly viewed not only as an environmental imperative but also as a driver of operational efficiency, cost savings and long-term business value.