Popularly known for being the first developer to set up a modern gated community in Mombasa, Megna Homes has become the first real estate company to receive EDGE certification.
Its design for the Santana project located in
Mtopanga next to Bamburi has immensely contributed to the certification award.
EDGE is an international green building standard and a
certification system for more than 170 countries.
It was developed by the International Finance Corporation
(IFC), a member of the World Bank Group.
The EDGE certification was awarded following the Santana
project’s outstanding performance in three key areas including energy
efficiency, water savings, and reduced embodied energy in materials.
According to EDGE evaluators, the design for the project
sets to achieve 31% to 46% energy savings, thanks to features like insulated
walls and roofs, energy-efficient lighting, natural ventilation systems,
skylights, and solar-powered street lighting.
In their report, they noted that the project will achieve
water saving of up to 36% through the use of low-flow fixtures, water recycling
from a sewage treatment plant, and water-efficient landscaping.
In an award letter, Green Business Certification Inc Vice President Ken Simpson said the development by Megna Homes will see a reduction in embodied energy of up to 55% because of using locally sourced or recycled materials and employing optimized structural designs that reduce overall material use.
“We applaud your commitment to sustainable innovation and
environmental excellence. Your leadership with this project demonstrates to the
world that we can build amazing indoor environments while protecting our
natural resources,” said Mr Simpson.
The recognition places the development company at the forefront of sustainable development in the Coast region and signals a major shift in how urban communities are being designed to adapt to both environmental and social needs.
Located on a 12-acre site, Santana is the first modern gated
community project in Mtopanga, featuring 816 residential units and 64
commercial spaces.
The development offers a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom
apartments integrated with amenities such as an Olympic-sized swimming pool,
jogging tracks, a fitness centre, a football pitch, green spaces, ample parking,
and a community centre.
It also includes a police post and enhanced infrastructure like improved roads and drainage systems which are key additions in an area prone to seasonal flooding.
Megna Homes CEO, Ahmed Badawy, described the certification
as a proud milestone for the company and the city of Mombasa.
“We are honoured to be the first developer in Mombasa to
attain EDGE certification. This is a huge step forward in our vision to deliver
functional, affordable, and spaces friendly to the environment,” he said.
The certification comes as demand grows in Kenya for housing
solutions that address both climate risks and urban growth challenges. For
Mombasa, Santana stands as an example of how private developers can lead the
way in combining smart design with long-term community impact.
EDGE was created in response to the need for a measurable
solution to prove the financial case for building green and help jumpstart the
mainstreaming of green buildings.
