The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has successfully concluded the Third EDGE Design Students Competition in Ghana, aimed at promoting sustainable design practices and empowering the next generation of designers to contribute to a greener future.

The competition, themed “Promoting Affordability and Efficiency through Passive Design,” attracted 90 participants, including students and young professionals. They were tasked with designing an affordable, three-bedroom home with a $30,000 budget, covering 150 m².

The designs needed to incorporate passive strategies to ensure sustainability, resource efficiency (Energy, Water and Materials), and aesthetic appeal for a family of five. Participants relied on the EDGE app, an IFC innovation, to guide design decisions and showcase potential environmental and financial savings. Projects were evaluated on four criteria: innovation, sustainability, feasibility, and impact.

"Through initiatives such as the EDGE Design Students Competition, IFC is committed to fostering sustainable development and resource efficiency,” said Kyle Kelhofer.

“By collaborating with local partners and supporting young talent, we are building a foundation for a low-carbon future that aligns with Ghana’s sustainable development goals."

The top three winners were recognized for their outstanding solutions, with Joel Jojo Osam Mensah from Central University taking first place for his innovative design of an affordable, sustainable three-bedroom home for a family of five, featuring passive design and lowmaintenance landscaping for comfort.

Dinko Abdul-Nasir Mor-Tumah, also from Central University, earned second place, while Emmanuel Amadu from Kumasi Technical University secured third.

Winners received an all-expenses-paid trip to South Africa to attend the Green Building Council
South Africa (GBCSA) Green Building Convention, as well as EDGE expert training, publication
opportunities, and certificates.

“At the Ministry we are committed to promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly building
practices in Ghana,” said Mr. Jesse Agyepong, Technical Advisor on behalf of Hon. Kojo OppongNkrumah, Minister of Works of Housing. “The designs we celebrate today are a shining example of what can be achieved when we combine our talents with a shared vision for a sustainable future.”

The building sector is responsible for nearly 40% of global energy consumption and 30% of greenhouse gas emissions. However, with innovative design and technology, we can reduce our carbon footprint and create buildings that not only minimize harm but also promote well-being and prosperity.

Supported by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the competition gives
students and recent graduates a platform to showcase their skills in sustainable, cost-efficient
design. It forms part of the EDGE program, which aims to mainstream green buildings globally by
aligning stakeholders from finance, development, and government sectors.

“Sustainability and skills developments are top priorities for SECO. Switzerland strongly believes that investment in these areas are investments that will enable Ghana to build on strong fundamentals of tomorrow’s designers,” said Magdalena Wuest, Acting Head of Cooperation, Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, SECO.

“If they have the skills, the knowledge and the attitude they will support the built environment in moving onto a low-carbon path.”

IFC has played a key role in expanding green building practices in Ghana by providing technical assistance and tools like the EDGE app. EDGE makes it easy to design and certify resource-efficient and Zero Carbon buildings of all types, in any location.

In Ghana, 51 projects totaling 800,000 square meters—including offices, homes, hospitals, retail stores, warehouses, resorts, and light industry —have been EDGE-certified. By collaborating with local partners, IFC is fostering a green building market that contributes to Ghana’s sustainable development goals and a low-carbon future.