Sintali-SGS verified that ProCredit Bank Bulgaria has achieved EDGE Zero Carbon certification. The bank’s head office in Sofia is the first building in Europe to achieve this prestigious recognition.

“Achieving the EDGE Zero Carbon certification was an important milestone for us, as it validates our commitment to become a carbon neutral organization and serves as an example to our clients that reaching net zero is possible,” said Konstantin Kirov, Head of Environmental Department at ProCredit Bank Bulgaria. “We have worked closely with SGS and Sintali to achieve this certification, and their support has been invaluable. The team provided us with technical support and ensured the certification and auditing process was smooth and efficient, making it easier for us to focus on meeting our sustainability goals.”

To reach this goal, ProCredit Bank Bulgaria first ensured the build was as resource-efficient as possible, implementing a variety of measures from efficient insulation materials through efficient HVAC equipment and lighting solutions. To achieve EDGE Zero Carbon, the bank installed a solar-powered system to produce some of the locally needed electricity. The additional electricity that could not be produced on-site was acquired exclusively via contracts with suppliers that only use renewable sources. The rest of the heating consumption was offset by a local Gold Standard Wastewater Treatment project, to count all of the building’s energy consumption as zero.

“Achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions is essential for mitigating the climate crisis. ProCredit Bank is helping the world to meet the global goal of net zero by 2050, both by reducing its own carbon emissions and by creating an example for other companies to follow.” said Eleni Polychroniadou, Commercial Director at Sintali.

ProCredit Bank has also partnered with SGS and Sintali to support its clients in undergoing EDGE green building certification through the development of special green building financing programs.

“To accelerate the uptake of green buildings globally, we need to see more banks take on positions of leadership and support companies,” said Harry Fernau, Global Product Manager of Energy and Green Building at SGS. “We work closely with Sintali to develop bespoke processes for investors, like ProCredit Bank, to help them streamline their green financing due diligence and verification processes. EDGE is a very powerful tool, and paired with the appropriate financing, will help companies around the world transition to net zero.”

EDGE Zero Carbon Certification is available in all countries around the world. For further information, please contact edge@sintali.com

About ProCredit Bank (Bulgaria) EAD

ProCredit Bank (Bulgaria) EAD was founded in October 2001 by an alliance of international development-oriented investors. Today, the bank’s sole owner is ProCredit Holding, based in Frankfurt am Main (Germany). ProCredit Holding is the parent company of the development-oriented ProCredit Group, which consists of commercial banks for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and whose main operational focus is on South Eastern and Eastern Europe. The primary remit of ProCredit Bank EAD is to support the development of SMEs and to foster a favorable environment for the growth of the Bulgarian economy.

About EDGE

EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies), is a green building certification system of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), focused on making buildings more resource-efficient. EDGE was developed by the IFC to empower emerging markets to scale up resource-efficient buildings in a fast, easy, and affordable way.

About Sintali-SGS

Sintali and SGS collaborate to act as an EDGE global certification partner. Operating as a one-stop shop for EDGE certification and audit services, Sintali-SGS deliver the highest quality service for clients around the world. Clients receive a single contract, an all-inclusive price and expert advice at no additional cost. Through state-of-the-art systems and the latest technologies, clients also access innovative solutions that support cost-effective and efficient processes. With a rich history in auditing, developing and operating green building standards, Sintali-SGS bring global expertise to local markets and through a unique network of offices and partners around the world provide local support.