Standard Chartered cuts energy, water use as Lagos HQ wins IFC certification

Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited has received the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) Green Building Certification for its Lagos head office, reinforcing the lender’s commitment to sustainable operations and responsible business practices.

EDGE is a globally recognised green building standard that promotes resource-efficient buildings. The certification process involves a comprehensive assessment of a building’s design and performance, including independent third-party verification, to ensure compliance with internationally accepted sustainability benchmarks.

The certification recognises Standard Chartered’s investment in energy efficiency, water conservation and low-carbon building materials. It also reflects the bank’s broader strategy of embedding sustainability across its operations while contributing to a more resilient built environment.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Deji Adelagun, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria, said the certification demonstrates the bank’s commitment to integrating sustainability into its business operations.

“This certification reflects our commitment to embedding sustainability into the way we operate and create long-term value. It demonstrates that we are not only supporting our clients and communities on their transition journeys but also holding ourselves to the same high standards,” Adelagun said. “We are proud that our Head Office in Lagos now stands as a strong example of how responsible business practices can deliver both environmental impact and operational resilience.”

Dahlia Khalifa, IFC regional director for Central Africa and Nigeria, said the certification highlights the role of resource-efficient buildings in supporting lower-carbon and more resilient economic growth.

“Standard Chartered has shown that sustainability begins at home by holding its own offices to the same standards it encourages among its clients,” Khalifa said. “As part of the World Bank Group, IFC sees resource-efficient buildings as central to lower-carbon, more resilient growth, and Nigeria’s commercial sector is well positioned to lead that change.”

Celestine Aruoture, head of Commercial Real Estate and Services at Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria, said the certification underscores the bank’s efforts to reduce its environmental footprint while creating a more sustainable workplace.

“By integrating energy, water and material efficiency into our workplace, we are reducing our environmental footprint while creating a more resilient and future-ready environment for our colleagues and clients,” Aruoture said.

Dr. M.K.O. Balogun, EDGE Expert and Group CEO of GPFI Holdings Limited, said the project demonstrates the importance of collaboration between building owners and real estate teams in achieving sustainability targets.

According to the bank, its Lagos head office achieved 20.85 percent energy savings, 23.53 percent water savings and a 99 percent reduction in embodied carbon in materials. The performance was driven by measures including roof insulation, high-performance glazing, efficient cooling systems and water-saving fixtures.

The certification highlights the growing role of green buildings in improving operational efficiency, reducing costs and supporting Nigeria’s transition to a lower-carbon economy.