The project will be structured in two components: Component 1: Development and Implementation of EDGE Voluntary Certification. This component will be implemented through two sub-components: 1.1: Development of Local Capacity for Voluntary Certification. This sub-component will seek to develop local capacities with regards to green building and EDGE voluntary certification. More specifically, this component aims to increase the capabilities and skills of each Local Partner and other important stakeholders such as architects, engineers, developers etc. 1.2: Implementation of EDGE Voluntary Certification. The launch of the certification program in a given geography will be phased. First, a pilot of at least two project will trial run the certification process, then the program will be rolled out in the specified geography (city/region/country). Component 2: Dissemination of the results and lessons learned. The aim of this component is to promote green buildings in the selected countries in LAC, to capture experiences and lessons learned to disseminate them as a means to further help the deployment of green building projects across LAC and in other regions. Knowledge sharing is essential to provide key (private and public) stakeholders with space to interact, share experiences and develop partnerships to replicate good practices related to green buildings. IFC Specialists as well as experts from LAC and other regions will also be brought together for sharing of best practices.

The overall objective of the project is to contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions in the construction sector in five LAC countries by promoting the design and construction of cost-effective resource efficient (green) buildings. This will be achieved by strengthening the local capacity to implement an EDGE-based voluntary green building certification system. This intervention will be mainly focused in the mass housing and commercial buildings segments.