The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, has announced the commencement of the Third Annual EDGE Student Design Competition, inviting aspiring designers to showcase their talents and innovative solutions for sustainable building design.

Supported by Switzerland through the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the EDGE Student Design Competition, now in its third year, is an opportunity for students and recent graduates to exhibit their expertise in developing sustainable and cost-efficient building designs. The competition is an integral part of the EDGE program, which aims to mainstream green buildings worldwide by aligning the interests of financial institutions, property developers, homeowners, and governments.

Participants are invited to design an affordable three-bedroom single-family home within a $30,000 budget, covering an area of 150 m2. The challenge is to incorporate passive design and engineering strategies to create homes that are sustainable, resource-efficient, visually appealing, and suitable for a family of five. The EDGE app, an innovation of IFC, will be a key tool for participants, supporting in design decisions and illustrating potential savings.

“This competition reflects IFC's dedication to innovation in developing resource-efficient buildings,” said Kyle Kelhofer, IFC Senior Country Manager for Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. “By challenging students to think green, we're investing in a new generation of professionals who will lead the way in environmentally sustainable design.”

The competition is open to students enrolled in built environment and construction-related courses at Ghanaian tertiary institutions, recent graduates within three years of their graduation date, and Ghanaian students pursuing similar courses overseas. Entrants must complete the Designing for Greater Efficiency (DfGE) course, a requirement that can be fulfilled within 2-3 weeks during the competition timeframe.

“In today's world, where the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent, it is crucial that we prioritize sustainable practices in the built environment,” said Hon. Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, Minister of Works and Housing. “The future of Ghana depends on our ability to design and construct buildings that are energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and resilient to the challenges we face.”

Prizes for the Third Annual EDGE Student Design Competition include an all-expenses-paid trip to South Africa to attend the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) Green Building Convention, EDGE expert training, publication opportunities, and certificates.