The benefits of EDGE certification include:

Cost savings: EDGE-certified buildings are designed to be more energy and water-efficient, resulting in reduced utility costs for building owners and occupants.

Access to Green Financing: Organizations like International Finance Corporation (IFC), African Development Bank (AfDB), Islamic developmental Bank (ISDB), United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) as well as other organizations offer financing programs specifically designed for sustainable projects. By achieving EDGE certification, buildings may be eligible for these programs, which can offer favorable terms and conditions compared to traditional financing options.

Environmental sustainability: By incorporating energy-efficient technologies and sustainable design practices, EDGE-certified buildings help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve natural resources.

Market differentiation: EDGE certification provides a recognized standard for environmentally friendly buildings, allowing developers to differentiate their projects in the market and attract environmentally conscious tenants or buyers.

Health and well-being: EDGE-certified buildings often prioritize indoor air quality, natural lighting, and thermal comfort, creating healthier and more comfortable spaces for occupants.

Regulatory compliance: In Nigeria, we are on the cusp of the Government beginning to insist on developments being certified as green. EDGE certification aligns with local building codes & upcoming green building regulations, facilitating compliance with sustainability requirements. 

To achieve EDGE certification, a building must meet certain performance requirements. These requirements are based on a comparison between the proposed design and a baseline building that represents the local standard practice. The EDGE software is used to calculate the savings achieved in terms of energy, water, and embodied energy. EDGE certification offers three levels of certification: Standard, Advanced, and Zero Carbon. Each level has specific requirements and performance thresholds that buildings must meet to achieve certification.

Standard Certification
The Standard EDGE certification recognizes buildings that have achieved a minimum of 20% energy, water, and embodied energy savings compared to a local baseline building. To qualify for standard certification, the building must meet the following criteria:
• At least 20% energy savings compared to a local baseline building.
• At least 20% water savings compared to a local baseline building.
• At least 20% embodied energy savings compared to a local baseline building.

Advanced Certification
The Advanced EDGE certification recognizes buildings that have achieved a minimum of 40% energy as well as 20% water, and embodied energy savings compared to a local baseline building. To qualify for advanced certification, the building must meet the following criteria:
• At least 40% energy savings compared to a local baseline building.
• At least 20% water savings compared to a local baseline building.
• At least 20% embodied energy savings compared to a local baseline building.

Zero Carbon Certification
The Zero Carbon EDGE certification recognizes buildings that have achieved a minimum of 100% reduction in operational carbon emissions. This means that the building must generate as much renewable energy as it consumes on an annual basis. To qualify for zero carbon certification, the building must meet the following criteria:
• 100% reduction in operational carbon emissions
• At least 20% embodied energy savings compared to a local baseline building.
• At least 20% water savings compared to a local baseline building.

Achieving Zero Carbon EDGE certification requires a significant investment in renewable energy generation and storage systems. In addition to meeting the above criteria, buildings pursuing Zero Carbon EDGE certification must demonstrate that they have implemented measures to reduce embodied carbon in materials used in construction. 

For new projects that are in pre-construction phase, a Preliminary Certification is attained after satisfactorily submitting an audited design to the certification body. After this certification or if an existing building has been found satisfactory by an authorized auditor, a Standard or Advanced Final Certification is attained.

Preliminary Certification Process:
• Project Registration: The preliminary certification process begins with registering the project with the EDGE certification system. The project team provides basic information about the building, such as its location, type, and size.

• Data Input: The project team collects and inputs relevant data into the EDGE software. This includes details about the building's design, materials, systems, and operational parameters. The software calculates the building's resource efficiency performance based on this data.

• Baseline Comparison: The EDGE software compares the project's resource efficiency performance against a local baseline building that represents the standard practice in the area. The software determines the percentage of resource savings achieved by the project compared to the baseline.

• Optimization: Based on the initial results, the project team identifies areas where further improvements can be made to enhance the building's resource efficiency performance. This may involve exploring design modifications, selecting more efficient equipment or materials, or implementing sustainable practices.

• Preliminary Certification Report: Once the project team is satisfied with the design optimization, they compile a Preliminary Certification Report. This report includes all relevant documentation, calculations, and evidence of compliance with EDGE requirements. It is submitted to the EDGE certification body for review.

• Review and Feedback: The EDGE certification body reviews the Preliminary Certification Report and provides feedback to the project team. They may request additional information or clarification to ensure compliance with EDGE criteria.

• Preliminary Certification: Upon successful review and approval of the Preliminary Certification Report, the project is awarded a Preliminary EDGE Certification. This recognizes the project's commitment to achieving resource efficiency and sustainability goals.

Final Certification Process:

• Construction and Implementation: After receiving preliminary certification, the project moves forward with construction and implementation following the optimized design and sustainability strategies outlined in the Preliminary Certification Report.

• Documentation Preparation: Throughout the construction phase, the project team gathers documentation related to the building's systems, materials, energy performance, water efficiency, and other relevant aspects. This documentation will be used to support the final certification application.

• Final Certification Application: Once construction is complete, the project team compiles all necessary documentation into a Final Certification Application. This includes updated information on actual energy consumption, water usage, and other performance indicators.

• Final Certification Audit: An independent EDGE-certified auditor reviews the Final Certification Application and conducts an on-site audit of the completed building. The auditor verifies that the project meets all EDGE criteria and validates the accuracy of the submitted documentation.

• Verification and Approval: After completing the audit, the EDGE-certified auditor submits their findings to the EDGE certification body for verification and approval. The certification body ensures that all requirements have been met and confirms that the building qualifies for EDGE certification.

• Final Certification Award: Upon successful verification and approval, the project is awarded a Final EDGE Certification. This certification acknowledges that the building has achieved a high level of resource efficiency and sustainability performance according to EDGE standards. It's important to note that the specific steps and requirements may vary depending on regional or local adaptations of the EDGE certification system. QBCC can help navigate through the process and ensure compliance with all necessary criteria for both preliminary and final certification. 

These deliverables may vary based on the specific requirements of the project and the needs of the client, but they generally include the following:

Initial Assessment: Conducting an initial assessment of the project to determine its eligibility for EDGE certification. This involves evaluating the project's design, specifications, and sustainability goals to ensure alignment with the EDGE certification criteria.

Design Optimization: Collaborating with the project team to identify opportunities for design optimization that align with EDGE requirements. This may involve recommending energy-efficient technologies, sustainable materials, water-saving measures, and other strategies to enhance the project's resource efficiency.

Documentation Support: Assisting the project team in gathering and organizing the necessary documentation for the certification process. This includes providing guidance on which documents are required, ensuring they meet the certification body's standards, and helping to compile a comprehensive documentation package.

EDGE Software Application: Utilizing the EDGE software to input project data and perform calculations to determine the building's resource efficiency performance. This includes entering information related to energy consumption, water usage, materials, and other relevant parameters.

Certification Submission: Preparing and submitting the certification application on behalf of the project team. This involves ensuring that all required documentation is included, double-checking accuracy and completeness, and submitting the application within the specified timeline.

Coordination with Certification Body: Serving as a liaison between the project team and the EDGE certification body. This includes facilitating communication, addressing any queries or requests for additional information from the certification body, and ensuring a smooth flow of information throughout the certification process.

Post-Certification Support: Providing post-certification support to ensure ongoing compliance with EDGE requirements. This may include monitoring energy and water usage post-construction, assisting with reporting obligations, and offering guidance on maintaining sustainable practices in the building's operations. It's important to note that specific deliverables may vary depending on the scope of work agreed upon with the client and the specific requirements of the EDGE certification program.

As your EDGE Expert, our role is to guide and support the project team throughout the certification process, providing expertise and assistance to help them achieve their green building certification goals.

At QBCC, we value your time and resources. We are committed to ensure that the certification process is as hitch-free as possible, putting you on track towards your green goals. 

We treat you with the utmost confidentiality, making sure that any intellectual property used during the project is preserved.