Kenya’s cold chain industry has achieved a remarkable sustainability milestone, with Cold Solutions Kenya Limited receiving the prestigious Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification from the US Green Building Council (USGBC). This makes it the only temperature-controlled warehouse in Africa to attain this recognition, setting a benchmark for environmental sustainability in the sector.
Cold Solutions Kenya Limited, which commenced operations two years ago, operates a state-of-the-art cold storage facility in Tatu City, Nairobi. The warehouse, with a capacity to store up to 18,000 pallets, plays a crucial role in preserving perishable goods, including food and pharmaceutical products.
LEED certification is an internationally recognized rating system that evaluates the environmental performance of buildings based on energy efficiency, sustainability, and innovation. The Gold certification, which is the second-highest tier in the system, demonstrates Cold Solutions’ commitment to reducing environmental impact and enhancing operational efficiency.
Azhar Rifai, co-head of Cold Chain Strategy at ARCH Emerging Partners, the investment firm backing Cold Solutions, highlighted the importance of this achievement. “Being the only temperature-controlled warehouse in Africa with this status is a strong endorsement of our approach to sustainable storage. We are continually adopting innovative solutions to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact,” Rifai stated.
LEED certification is based on a point system that evaluates various sustainability factors, including energy efficiency, carbon footprint reduction, use of eco-friendly materials, and indoor air quality. A building must accumulate a significant number of points to reach Gold status.
To achieve this certification, Cold Solutions implemented several green initiatives, including:
- Solar Power Integration – Harnessing renewable energy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
- Water Treatment Systems – Enhancing water conservation and recycling processes.
- Natural Gas Refrigeration – Using environmentally friendly cooling systems to minimize emissions.
- Sustainable Construction Materials – Incorporating eco-friendly building materials to reduce the facility’s overall environmental impact.
By adopting these measures, the company has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability, aligning its operations with global best practices.
In addition to LEED Gold certification, Cold Solutions has earned several other industry accreditations, including:
- YUM! Certification – Recognizing compliance with food safety standards.
- FSSC 22000 – A globally recognized food safety management system certification.
- World Health Organization’s Good Distribution Practice (GDP) – Ensuring quality and safety in pharmaceutical distribution.
- Kenya’s Pharmaceutical Poisons Board Approval – Authorizing the storage of pharmaceutical products under regulated conditions.
Cold Solutions is not stopping at this milestone. The company has ambitious plans to expand its cold storage network across the region, with new facilities planned for Mombasa, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania. These upcoming projects will also adhere to international sustainability standards, reinforcing Cold Solutions’ role as a leader in Africa’s cold chain industry.
The demand for temperature-controlled storage is rising in Kenya and across Africa, driven by the need for efficient food preservation and pharmaceutical logistics. With climate change posing challenges to food security and supply chains, sustainable cold storage solutions are becoming increasingly vital.
Cold Solutions’ achievement sets an example for other businesses in the industry to pursue green certifications, which not only enhance operational efficiency but also contribute to environmental conservation. As more companies embrace sustainability, Kenya’s cold chain sector is poised for growth, ensuring the safe and eco-friendly storage of perishable goods.
By prioritizing sustainability and innovation, Cold Solutions Kenya Limited is not only setting a new benchmark for the industry but also paving the way for a greener and more resilient cold storage infrastructure in Africa.
