KWAL first Kenyan firm to Earn EDGE Certification
Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL), a subsidiary of Heineken Beverages International, has become the first Kenyan manufacturer to earn the globally recognised Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) certification, with its Tatu City plant attaining EDGE Advanced status.
EDGE is an international green building certification system developed and backed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and has been adopted in more than 170 countries. The standard was created to provide a measurable way of proving the financial case for building green.
KWAL delivered a 44 percent reduction in energy use, a 28 percent reduction in water consumption, and a 53 percent reduction in embodied energy in materials at the plant, according to IFC.
“KWAL’s achievement of EDGE Advanced certification is a remarkable demonstration that economic growth and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. Through practical, commercially viable solutions, KWAL has delivered results that represent real resources conserved every single day,” said Gill Rogers, IFC Head of Country Office, Kenya.
The certification distinguishes KWAL as a leader in sustainable manufacturing, recognising the company’s achievements in energy and water savings. The company says the accomplishment reflects a long-term strategic vision to embed sustainability into its core operations.
A key cornerstone of the certification is KWAL’s recent commissioning of a 700-kilowatt rooftop solar power plant. Completed in just eight months, the plant currently meets 20 percent of KWAL’s annual power consumption needs and has cut the company’s annual energy costs by an estimated 10 percent.
The investment directly addresses Kenya’s high energy costs while strengthening operational resilience against grid instability, a challenge that has weighed on manufacturers’ margins in recent years.
“KWAL continues on its journey to lead the way in responsible manufacturing. We are deepening the synergies between our transformative growth and expansion ambitions to create a future-proof, sustainable business,” said Lina Githuka, Managing Director, KWAL.
KWAL’s achievement was made possible through several initiatives, including the adoption of a Power Purchase Agreement model for the solar plant, a water recycling initiative, and motion sensor lighting in its offices.
Building on this momentum, KWAL has confirmed plans to more than double its solar capacity to 1,500 kilowatts, underscoring its push toward greater energy independence.
KWAL has adopted Heineken’s global “Brew a Better World” ambition, focusing its sustainability efforts on areas where it can make the greatest positive impact while building long-term business value.
Under its healthy watersheds and nature ambition, Heineken has committed to improving water efficiency and replenishing water used in water-stressed areas, alongside a commitment to decarbonise operations through energy-efficiency initiatives and increased use of renewable energy.
Real ESG impact doesn’t happen in panels alone, it happens in the rooms where financiers, operators, and policymakers actually align. Our GreenShift Forum 2026 cuts the noise, bringing together the people rewiring Africa’s sustainability and energy frameworks for one focused day in Nairobi. Secure your seat.
Follow us on WhatsApp, Telegram, Twitter, and Facebook, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter to ensure you don’t miss out on any future updates. Send tips to econews@techtrendsmedia.co.ke
