Melcom Limited has achieved the Edge Green Building Certification for two of its locations by International Finance Corporation (IFC)-World Bank Group.
EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) is an internationally recognized certification system under IFC, focused on verifying the resource efficiency of a building.
The EDGE Green Building certification program, supported by the UK Government with initial funding from Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, SECO, recognizes Melcom’s innovative approach infusing retail and sustainable designs.
Melcom Mall, Spintex is expected to achieve a 97% reduction in energy use, a 39% reduction in water use, and a 47% reduction in embodied carbon in materials.
Similarly, the Shopping Center, Boundary Road is projected to achieve a 70% reduction in energy use, a 38% reduction in water use, and a 29% reduction in embodied carbon in materials.
Both shopping centers feature sustainability measures such as reduced window-to-wall ratios, insulated roofs, on-site renewable energy generation, efficient water fixtures, and low carbon materials, reflecting Melcom’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Addressing a gathering in a short ceremony in Accra, the Group General Manager, Francis Sam, highlighted Melcom’s 35-year journey since its establishment in 1989.
The company now operates over 62 stores nationwide, with two more openings planned at the Accra Mall and Achimota Mall by the end of the year. Additionally, Melcom has introduced innovative retail formats, including nine mini-stores inspired by the 7-Eleven concept and 12 Cash ‘n’ Carry outlets.
Mr. Sam revealed that Melcom’s footprint extends beyond retail, managing over 1.8 million square feet of retail space and 650,000 square feet of state-of-the-art warehouse facilities at the Tema Free Zone enclave.
These facilities include cold storage with a capacity of 45 forty-foot containers, the largest in sub-Saharan Africa at the time of completion.
He continued that the company’s workforce exceeds 5,000 employees, with a commitment to providing sustainable employment for Ghanaian youth, women, and the general public.
“Melcom also leads major franchise operations in Ghana, including Pizza Hut, Hallab Gourmet 1881, Yolé (a Spanish ice cream and frozen yogurt concept), and Giordano, a global clothing brand”, Mr. Sam said.
The company remains a champion of “Made in Ghana” products, providing a reliable distribution network for local manufacturers of beverages, foods, and household goods. Its e-commerce platform, Melcom.com, garners over 350,000 monthly visitors, making it one of the largest online retail platforms in Ghana.
The Group Managing Director of Melcom Limited, Ramesh Sadhwani, who also addressed the gathering said, “The EDGE certification is more than just a badge. It’s a powerful statement about who we are as a company and what we believe in. It signifies that we are meeting international standards for energy efficiency, water conservation, and the use of sustainable building materials. It’s proof that we are not just talking about sustainability we are making it happen”.
These reductions in energy, water, and embodied carbon, he added, are expected to result in significant cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint for the shopping centers. The buildings will lower carbon emissions and support sustainable water management, enhancing their sustainability and potentially increasing their market value.
IFC Senior Country Manager, Kyle Kelhofer, said, “IFC is proud to expand its collaboration with Melcom to certify an additional 21 stores and install over 5 megawatts of solar rooftops across 30 locations.”
“This initiative, along with the piloting of electric scooters for home deliveries, underscores our shared commitment to advancing green building development and promoting cost-effective and sustainable business practices in emerging markets.”
