Cold Solutions Kenya Limited has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certifica
Cold Solutions Kenya Limited has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
This recognition is awarded to buildings that meet stringent global standards for sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility. Notably, Cold Solutions’ temperature-controlled warehouses in Nairobi are now the only facilities in the region to hold such a certification.
LEED Gold certification
LEED is an internationally recognized green building certification program that evaluates the environmental performance of buildings and encourages sustainable design. The certification process assesses various aspects, including energy efficiency, use of sustainable materials, indoor environmental quality, and innovation in design. Buildings can achieve different levels of certification—Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum—based on the number of points earned across these categories.
Achieving LEED Gold certification underscores Cold Solutions’ commitment to environmental stewardship and sets a new benchmark in cold storage technology within East Africa. The company’s facility at Tatu City in Nairobi is now classified as a green building, emphasizing its safety for human well-being, reduced environmental impact, and energy efficiency.
Azhar Rifai, Co-head of Cold Chain Strategy at ARCH Emerging Partners, the investment firm funding Cold Solutions’ operations in East Africa, highlighted the significance of this achievement:
“We are extremely excited to be awarded this prestigious certification and being the only temperature-controlled warehouse in Africa to achieve this status is a vote of confidence in our business. Cold Solutions Kenya Limited continues to raise the bar in storage technology by applying innovation and embracing sustainability in its operations to enhance service delivery.”
The LEED rating system operates on a point-based mechanism, evaluating sustainable systems and design elements employed in building projects. A maximum of 110 points can be awarded, enabling buildings to attain LEED certification and serve as beacons for future sustainable development. The highest level, Platinum, is achieved by attaining 80 or more points.
Each certification level signifies commendable attainment of prerequisites, such as reducing CO₂ emissions, promoting environmental sustainability, enhancing energy efficiency, optimizing indoor air and environmental quality, improving energy performance, and prioritizing materials sustainability.
Cold Solutions’ achievement not only reflects its dedication to sustainable practices but also positions it as a leader in the region’s cold storage industry, setting a precedent for future developments in environmentally responsible building practices.