Kenyan firm gets global certification for cold storage technology

A Kenyan-based cold storage solutions firm has been awarded the prestigious Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED Gold) certification.

Cold Solutions Kenya Limited was granted the certification by the U.S Green Building Council (USGBC) following an assessment of its temperature-controlled warehouses in Kenya, making it the only facility in the region to have such kind of certification.

Azhar Rifai, Co-head of Cold Chain Strategy at ARCH Emerging Partners – the investment firm funding Cold Solutions operations in East Africa said the certification sets new standards in cold storage technology.

 Rifai said the company set up its operations in Kenya only two years ago. The award is the second topmost cluster in the certification criteria after an evaluation of its facilities in Nairobi that met the global standards for green buildings.

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LEED certification is an international rating system created by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) that evaluates the environmental performance of buildings and measures their sustainability.

The certification prioritises energy efficiency, sustainable materials, indoor environmental quality, and innovation.

Based at Tatu City, the certification elevates the firms’ business operations to international standards as the facility is now classified as a green building, making it safe for human well-being, reduced environmental impact and energy efficient.

“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 on 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,” said Mr Rifai.

For an organisation to obtain a LEED Gold certification, a point system called the LEED credit library is utilised to track the environmental aspects addressed by the LEED project. This entails reducing carbon emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and safeguarding the health and environment of the project's surroundings.

“Achieving LEED Gold certification proves a project’s sustainability with dedication to environmental responsibility and human well-being. For an organization to achieve LEED Gold or Platinum status, strict adherence to all components of the rating system is crucial,” he said.

The certification underscores the fact that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are minimised with efficient equipment, renewable energy solutions (solar Power), water reclamation and Ammonia refrigeration hence supporting our clients in significantly reducing emissions.

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Rifai said 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 point is Platinum which is achieved by attaining 80 plus 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.