A. About EDGE (“Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies”)

EDGE is a green buildings platform that includes a green building standard, a software application, and a certification program for more than 150 countries. The platform is intended for anyone who is interested in the design of a green building, whether an architect, engineer, developer or building owner.

EDGE empowers the discovery of technical solutions at the early design stage to reduce operational expenses and environmental impact. Based on the user’s information inputs and selection of green measures, EDGE projects operational savings and reduced carbon emissions. This overall picture of performance helps to articulate a compelling business case for building greenery.

The suite of EDGE building types includes:

• Homes
• Hospitals
• Offices
• Hotels
• Retail buildings
• Education buildings

The building typologies are supported by user guides.

EDGE is an innovation of IFC, a member of the World Bank Group.

B. A Global Green Standard

To achieve the EDGE standard, a building must demonstrate a 20% reduction in operational energy consumption, water use and embodied energy¹ in materials as compared to typical local practices. EDGE defines a global standard while contextualizing the base case to the occupants and their location.

Only a handful of measures are required for better building performance that results in lower utility costs, extended equipment service life and less pressure on natural resources.