The Jubilee Insurance Headquarters in Upper Hill, Nairobi is a landmark retrofit project that showcases how older, well-designed buildings can be upgraded to meet modern sustainability standards. Originally developed by Coca-Cola approximately 13 years ago, the building featured strong passive design foundations suited to Kenya’s climate. Jubilee Insurance undertook major renovations to further enhance environmental performance, updating all major mechanical and electrical systems. UGC was engaged from the early design stage to support the project in aligning with EDGE certification standards. Through detailed modelling and advisory, UGC helped the team integrate efficiency upgrades and optimise building performance. In 2025, the project successfully achieved EDGE Advanced Final Certification, making it a leading example of sustainable retrofits in East Africa’s commercial sector.
Project Sustainability Features
- 60% energy savings, via reduced glazing ratio, high-efficiency air-cooled chiller system, solar water heating, efficient lighting with motion sensors, and rooftop solar PV
- 39% water savings, achieved through dual-flush toilets, water-saving faucets, urinals, and kitchen tap efficiencies
- 71% reduction in embodied carbon in materials, due to reuse of existing structure and walls, combined with material-efficient finishes
- Demonstrates annual operational CO₂ savings of 91.12 tCO₂/year
- Exemplifies the potential of retrofitting legacy buildings to meet modern green standards without full redevelopment
UGC Services Provided:
- Building performance analysis
- Retrofit strategy development
- Full EDGE certification support
Project Info
Location
- Upper Hill, Nairobi, Kenya
Square Meters
- 13,976
Completion Date
- 2025
Certification
- EDGE Advanced Final
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