The developer behind Mombasa's first modern gated community, Megna Homes, has made history as the first real estate firm in the county to obtain EDGE certification.

Megna Homes received recognition for its design choices for the Santana project, situated in Mtopanga, adjacent to Bamburi in the Kisauni constituency.

EDGE represents an international standard for green building and a certification system utilised in over 170 countries. It was established by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group.

The certification was granted based on the Santana project’s exceptional performance in energy efficiency, water conservation, and minimised embodied energy in materials.

According to EDGE evaluators, the project’s design aims to achieve energy savings ranging from 31% to 46%, facilitated by features such as insulated walls and roofs, energy-efficient lighting, natural ventilation systems, skylights, and solar-powered street lighting.

An award letter stated that Megna Homes' development will result in a reduction of embodied energy by as much as 55% due to the use of locally sourced or recycled materials and the adoption of optimised structural designs that minimise overall material consumption.

“We commend your dedication to sustainable innovation and environmental excellence. Your leadership on this project illustrates to the world that it is possible to create remarkable indoor environments while safeguarding our natural resources,” read part of the award letter.

Situated on a 12-acre parcel, Santana represents the inaugural modern gated community initiative in Mtopanga, comprising 816 residential units alongside 64 commercial spaces.

The project features a variety of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, complemented by amenities such as an Olympic-sized swimming pool, jogging paths, a fitness centre, a football field, green areas, sufficient parking, and a community centre.

Additionally, it incorporates a police post and upgraded infrastructure, including enhanced roads and drainage systems, which are crucial improvements in a region susceptible to seasonal flooding.

Megna Homes Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ahmed Badawy, characterised the certification as a significant achievement for both the company and the city of Mombasa.

"We are privileged to be the first developer in Mombasa to receive EDGE certification. This marks a substantial advancement in our goal to provide functional, affordable, and environmentally sustainable living environments," Badawy stated.

"We are convinced that development should benefit both individuals and the environment,” he added.

earlier reported that, due to the low uptake of affordable housing units, there is a need for the government to prioritise public sensitisation.

According to Myspace Properties founder Mwenda Thuranira, high prices and a lack of access to financing are some of the causes of the low uptake.

Thuranira said a policy change to ensure the initiative serves the underprivileged would help address the challenge.

Source: TUKO.co.ke