I&M Bank Rwanda Plc Building Receives International Environmental Certification

By Elias HAKIZIMANA.

I&M Bank Rwanda PLC has been awarded a certification by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, recognizing that the bank’s headquarters building was constructed with environmentally friendly practices.

This makes it the first commercial building in Rwanda to receive this international certification.

The certification, known as ‘The EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies)’, is awarded internationally to buildings constructed in an environmentally sustainable manner, promoting a shift from traditional construction practices.

The promotion of environmentally friendly building practices has also been supported by the Rwandan government, which launched the ‘Green Building Minimum Compliance System: GBMCS’.

The headquarters of I&M Bank Rwanda PLC earned this certification from the IFC for its 58% energy efficiency, 51% water efficiency, and 21% overall material efficiency during construction.

Benjamin Mutimura, CEO of I&M Bank Rwanda Plc, expressed his satisfaction with the award, stating that the bank is committed to contributing to beneficial programs for its stakeholders and the community at large.

“At I&M Bank, we are committed to participating in sustainable development in our operations and bringing positive changes to the lives of our stakeholders. The certification of our headquarters building is a testament to our commitment to environmental protection and responsible operations,” he said.

This was reiterated by Mary Porter Peschka, IFC Director for East Africa, who stated that the certification awarded to I&M Bank Rwanda PLC also reflects the bank’s role in Rwanda’s development.

“We are proud to award I&M Bank Rwanda the ‘EDGE Advanced Certification’, recognizing the steps it has taken in both development and environmental conservation. This milestone highlights I&M Bank’s leadership in promoting the construction of environmentally friendly buildings and in advancing Rwanda’s future development,” she said.

Key factors for the certification included the building’s water efficiency measures, such as water-saving fixtures in restrooms, and its energy-saving systems, including the use of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels for renewable energy and other environmental conservation features.

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