FEATURED: BRD, Kigali Independent University partner to construct eco-friendly hostels

The Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) and Kigali Independent University (ULK) on Wednesday, March 20 signed a loan agreement that will facilitate the construction of eco-friendly accommodation for up to 800 students. The concessional loan was presented under the Ireme Invest Credit Facility and aims to support Rwanda’s alteration to smart and sustainable cities. Ireme Invest is Rwanda’s private-sector focused green investment facility which is powered by the BRD and the Rwanda Green Fund. Speaking during the signing event at ULK Campus, Gisozi, on March 20, Kampeta Pitchette Sayinzoga, the Chief Executive of BRD stressed that the project is the first green building the bank has financed under the Ireme Invest Credit Facility. She extended her gratitude to ULK’s vision, openness, and feedback that bolstered the collaboration, highlighting that the university could be a role model for future clients. “We are pleased to partner with ULK to advance Rwanda’s climate action agenda. Through the Ireme Invest Credit Facility, we are investing in climate-friendly student housing and fostering and equipping the next generation of leaders with the values of sustainability and care for our planet,” Sayinzoga stressed. She further acknowledged ULK’s determination and leadership in this process and anticipates extending Ireme Invest Credit Facility to the rest of Rwanda, with the university posing as a perfect test case since it meets all the requirements – a business with a Rwandan vision, aligned to the economy, and supports a sustainable city. Although ULK’s project wasn’t green at first, but BRD through the Ireme Invest Credit Facility transformed it into a sustainable construction. “The project allows us to showcase how many of our business people have a vision and it’s our responsibility as BRD to assist them transition their visions to sustainable ones. This is a testimony of the power of delivery and commitment of the university’s team,” the BRD CEO said. Rwigamba Balinda, Founder and President of ULK University, said the institution will finally get a green and sustainable project. Through strategic design choices, the building is poised to achieve impressive resource savings, with projections indicating energy savings of 44%, water savings of 39%, and embodied carbon savings of 38%. He noted that the project’s achievements and expected energy savings have earned it the distinction of a preliminary EDGE Advanced certification. This accreditation is awarded to real estate projects with a minimum 40 per cent reduction in energy, at least 20 per cent reduction in water use and embodied energy in materials at the design phase. By designing and constructing a project that meets this exceptional level of environmental performance, the project will have a lasting impact not only on those who utilize it but also on the larger community for years to come, the president of ULK added. “ULK is a future-focused higher learning institution and we are proud to partner with BRD and Ireme Invest Facility to build the first ever EDGE certified eco-friendly student accommodation in Rwanda. By building high quality, environmentally sound facilities, we are investing in the well-being of our students and contributing to Rwanda’s vision to be carbon neutral by 2050,” Balinda said. The eco-friendly student accommodation will include a lounge, recreation room and a dining hall equipped with a modern kitchen. It will utilise efficient LED lighting, sensors for water taps and showers, solar water heaters and natural ventilation for low-energy cooling. The project will create up to 325 jobs during construction. After signing the agreement, Balinda, Sayinzoga, and partners from Rwanda Green Fund, and Agence Française de Développement planted trees in line with Rwanda's target for a green future by 2050.

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FEATURED: BRD, Kigali Independent University partner to construct eco-friendly hostels