We help clients across Africa unlock the benefits of smart, resource-efficient buildings through EDGE certification
EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) is a green building certification system developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
It enables designers, developers, and owners to deliver buildings that:
Are at least 20% more energy efficient and use at least 20% less water
Have at least 20% less embodied energy (energy associated with materials use)
Have sustainability embedded into construction processes
Lead to long-term environmental savings
Sell better, are affordable and lead to long-term economic savings
Contact us for a free quote
EDGE Certification is a measurable way to optimise the performance of their building design with many benefits:
For Developers and Owners
EDGE certification helps you build smarter, greener, and more cost-effective developments. By cutting energy, water, and material use by at least 20%, you reduce operational costs and increase long-term asset value all while meeting sustainability expectations from buyers, investors, and regulators.
For Architects and Engineers
EDGE supports practical, performance-driven design. With its intuitive software and measurable targets, you can easily integrate resource efficiency into your projects, delivering high-impact sustainability without compromising budget or creativity.
For Occupants and Tenants
Living or working in an EDGE-certified building means lower utility bills, better indoor comfort, and reduced environmental impact. It’s a smarter, healthier, and more affordable space designed with peopleand the planet in mind.
Some of our EDGE certified projects:
Newinbosch Neighbourhood Estate
Newinbosch is a sustainable precinct development, located in Stellenbosch, South Africa with 1334 units which are pursuing EDGE advanced.
Equites Property Portfolio
Equites’ properties have a number of warehouse projects that have received or are targeting EDGE Certification.
Okavango
Place
A new, high density residential complex that is currently being built for Cosmopolitan Projects and is located in Cosmo City, Gauteng.
Shoprite Centurion Workshop Facility
A new workshop facility that is the first EDGE Advanced certified building in Equites’ Shoprite distribution centre portfolio in Centurion.
Frequently asked questions
- A self-assessment of the proposed design is conducted by the developer/professional team. This can be done with the help of a sustainability consultant.
- The next step is for the developer to, if desired, secure preferential finance from an investor which will be contingent on achieving certification.
- The professional team, sometimes with the help of a sustainability consultant, compiles the documentation to show compliance.
- An accredited EDGE auditor is appointed by the developer to act as the independent assessor of the submission. This is done in two phases: The interim audit to an assess the design documentation and the final audit to assess the as-built documentation and site.
EDGE Project Admin (Ideally an EDGE Expert):
- Owns and manages the certification process.
- Responsible for ensuring the project meets EDGE standard.
- Responsible for registering the project.
- Responsible for supplying all relevant “marked up” information.
EDGE Auditor
- Responsible for auditing information provided by the EDGE Admin.
- Responsible for undertaking site audits and testings
- Responsible for the recommendation of certification (if project deemed compliant).
There are two additional roles of certifier admin and reviewer. These roles are selected by the certifier to review or provide quality control.
EDGE is faster and more cost-effective for emerging markets, focusing on measurable performance inenergy, water, and materials.
Typical projects take 4–6 months, depending on documentation and timelines.
We offer tailored pricing. Contact us for a free quote based on your project’s size and scope.
A Preferred Service Provider is an established business with proven technical expertise and a demonstrated history of successfully completed EDGE certifications. Premier providers have additional recognition for their long standing work and professional services on EDGE buildings.
Why Choose Ecolution Consulting to guide or audit your EDGE Certification?
Our track record is proven! As EDGE is a relatively new certification scheme by the International Finance Corporation, there aren’t many companies that can claim experience in both residential and commercial projects. Ecolution Consulting was responsible for guiding the first EDGE residential and first EDGE commercial project to receive final certification in South Africa, and have since completed a dozen more. We are authorised to assist in the roles of both Expert and Auditor on behalf of clients across Africa for certification by the GBCSA, GBCI, or thinkstep-SGS. We also have a proven track record in reducing the overall cost of certification and advising on project-appropriate saving measures, thereby optimising change of success, driving down costs and increasing project margins.