The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has been awarded the EDGE Advanced Green Building Certification, making it the first museum in Africa and the Middle East, and one of a handful worldwide, to receive this prestigious accolade.
The certification recognises the GEM’s resource-efficient and climate-smart design and construction, which enable the museum to save more than 60 per cent in energy costs and reduce water use by 34 per cent, compared to a conventional building of its type and size.
GEM project supervisor Atef Moftah said the museum, which stands on 500,000 square metres, has a reflective roof, external shading for thermal comfort, resource-efficient lighting and water fixtures, and uses of smart metres for energy consumption.
The GEM’s commitment to sustainability aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030 for clean energy, Moftah added.
The EDGE Advanced certification is part of the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) Green Building project, developed in partnership with the Government of Egypt’s Housing and Building National Research Centre (HBRC), to enhance the green buildings ecosystem in Egypt and promote cost-effective, resource-efficient design choices in construction projects.
The GEM’s impressive collection of eight ISO certificates underscores its commitment to environmental sustainability. These certificates, which cover energy, health and safety, environment, and quality, validate the museum’s adherence to international green building standards.
Additionally, the museum’s recognition as the best green building project during the Environment and Development: The Road to the Sharm El-Sheikh Climate Change Conference (COP27) forum further highlights its dedication to eco-friendly practices.
The Gold Certificate for Green Building and Sustainability from the Egyptian Green Pyramid System, awarded by the Housing and Building National Research Centre, consolidates the museum’s position as a beacon of environmental responsibility. By achieving these milestones, the GEM sets an inspiring example to other institutions worldwide.
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