Goldkey Properties Ghana: PwC Tower Receives EDGE Certification for Environmental Sustainability

PwC Tower located in Cantonments City is one of Goldkey’s latest office developments. Not only does it have the stunning design that Accra has come to expect of Goldkey, but it has also received EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certification for environmental sustainability.

EDGE, operated by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), is a certification system that seeks to address the negative impact of buildings on the environment. This is achieved by sustainability in three areas; direct energy consumption, water consumption and the energy footprint of construction materials. Energy and water-saving technologies are incorporated into buildings, thereby saving resources and limiting carbon emissions.

PwC Tower is environmentally sustainable in the following ways:

• Water and Waste management. A bio-digester converts human waste into methane and water. While the methane is used to power biogas plants the water is piped back into cisterns in the washrooms and is also used to water the Cantonment City garden. Meanwhile, hand-washing water in the washroom hand-basins is potable water from the mains, but its use is managed through low-flow motion technology which avoids waste of this valuable resource.

• Limiting the carbon footprint of construction materials. One way to reduce the embodied energy in materials is to use less concrete and steel. The “waffle slab” ingeniously uses less concrete than a conventional flat slab, but actually produces a stronger flat surface area. It presents a flat top surface but the underside is moulded into a honeycomb or “waffle” effect which reduces the volume of material used, while the ribs of the waffle under-structure increase the strength of the rigid area constructed, also reducing the amount of steel reinforcement required.

• Energy conservation. Glazed curtain walls have been installed throughout the development to reduce demand for electricity. These allow for natural lighting to filter into office spaces which then require only minimal supplementation with artificial lighting; here energy saving light bulbs are used in indoor and outdoor spaces. Also, instead of conventional high energy cost air-conditioning, PwC tower benefits from a modern HVAC system. This integrated system for filtering air, replenishing oxygen and controlling temperature is not only an energy saver, but unlike ordinary air conditioners circulates air and maintains its quality throughout the building.

In building PwC Tower, Goldkey adhered strictly to EDGE specifications whilst also meeting PwC’s global standard expectations. The outcome is a building that is environmentally responsible, functional and healthy; and this in turn yields savings in energy and water.

“Making PwC Tower a green building is an important part of Goldkey’s commitment to utilizing modern trends in developing facilities while ensuring safety for users and the environment. Being EDGE certified means we have done everything possible to house occupants in a facility that is highly sustainable,” said Alex Dordor, Head of Commercial Development at Goldkey Properties.

According to the 2013 Ghana National Climate Change Policy (NCPP), increased temperatures, rainfall variability, unpredictable extreme events and sea level rise are signs of the direct manifestations of climate change in Ghana. The impact of climate change on the economy and livelihoods has been well documented and societies across the world are constantly looking for ways to mitigate it. One of the most effective ways to ease the burden of climate change, according to experts, is to build climate-resilient infrastructure and minimize Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Goldkey is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring a safe greener environment. PwC Tower is one of the most attractive and dynamic working environments in Accra. It is an ultramodern commercial facility, boasting high-end interior finishes, modern architectural design, and state-of-the-art mechanical systems and technology, offering the highest quality office space.

Fuseina Abu, Managing Director of Goldkey Properties, stated: “Having seen the great benefits that accrue to the occupants and to us, the developers, we at Goldkey are poised to make future developments conform to EDGE specifications. Developers have a responsibility to protect the earth and it is one that we accept. Our goal is to outpace conventional buildings in style and innovation, while improving the quality of life for generations to come. We shall do so one building at a time.”

Goldkey Properties, developers of PwC Tower, have demonstrated expertise in building technology for over two decades, and continue to revolutionize building strategies and style, offering functional urban spaces in both commercial and residential facilities. PwC Tower is their first ultra-modern commercial space to receive EDGE certification and will serve as a beacon of sustainable building a for a modern Accra.

ABOUT GOLDKEY PROPERTIES: Goldkey has been at the forefront of Ghana’s real estate market for over two decades. During this period, the company has developed an area of over 150,000sqm for sale and rent in prime locations across Accra. Goldkey is renowned for its industry leadership and proven-competency in commercial and residential development as well as for its customer service-driven property management culture. Goldkey’s services include property sales, rentals, development and management.

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