Sustainable Innovation at Tatu City: Green Building
Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen
Publication (Outlet/Website): The Good Men Project
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2025/05/22
CCI Kenya CEO Rishi Jatania discusses the company’s flagship sustainable facility in Tatu City, designed to align with global sustainability goals while fostering business efficiency. The facility prioritizes energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable materials, earning EDGE certification. Tatu City’s infrastructure and sustainability focus made it the ideal location. Innovations like self-shading façades and high-performance glass enhance employee well-being while reducing energy use. Local sourcing supports the economy, and partnerships like BuildHer promote workforce diversity. CCI Kenya plans to expand with a second facility, creating 5,000 jobs and reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development and economic empowerment.discusses the company’s flagship sustainable facility in Tatu City, designed to align with global sustainability goals while fostering business efficiency. The facility prioritizes energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable materials, earning EDGE certification. Tatu City’s infrastructure and sustainability focus made it the ideal location. Innovations like self-shading façades and high-performance glass enhance employee well-being while reducing energy use. Local sourcing supports the economy, and partnerships like BuildHer promote workforce diversity. CCI Kenya plans to expand with a second facility, creating 5,000 jobs and reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development and economic empowerment.
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: What motivated CCI Kenya to invest in a flagship sustainable facility in Tatu City?
Rishi Jatania: The development of the flagship sustainable facility in Tatu City was driven by the vision to create an environmentally responsible space that meets the needs of modern businesses while aligning with global sustainability goals. This included a commitment to minimizing environmental impact through energy efficiency, water conservation, and the use of sustainable materials, all in line with green building standards. The facility was also designed with future-proofing in mind, aiming to be resilient and adaptable to climate change, supporting long-term growth and operational efficiency. Additionally, the development sought to integrate seamlessly into the local community, offering a sustainable environment for people to thrive in. Positioned in Tatu City as a modern, international business hub, the facility was designed to meet the growing demand for high-performance workplaces that balance business success with environmental stewardship. This flagship facility represents a forward-thinking approach to urban development, fostering both local and global sustainability goals while contributing to a thriving business ecosystem.
Jacobsen: Why did CCI Kenya select Tatu City as the location for this project?
Jatania: Tatu City offers a prime location with easy access to Nairobi, key transportation networks, and proximity to both local and international markets, making it ideal for CCI’s expanding operations. The city features advanced infrastructure, including state-of-the-art contact centre and reliable power and water systems, providing a solid foundation for efficient business operations and connectivity. Additionally, Tatu City’s focus on environmentally sustainable development aligns perfectly with CCI’s commitment to sustainability, with its green spaces and eco-friendly practices making it the ideal location for CCI’s flagship sustainable facility.
Jacobsen: What sustainability criteria did CCI Kenya prioritize in order to achieve EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certification and secure recognition at the African Business Awards?
Jatania: To earn EDGE certification and win prestigious awards like the African Business Awards, a project must meet stringent sustainability criteria focused on resource efficiency. The flagship facility in Tatu City exemplifies this by reducing energy consumption by 20% through efficient systems, renewable energy, and advanced HVAC and lighting. It also cuts water usage by 20% with the use of low-flow fixtures, water-saving appliances, and rainwater harvesting systems. True to Tatu City’s commitment to sustainable development, the facility uses locally sourced, recycled, and low-impact materials, further minimizing its carbon footprint. Designed to promote natural light and improve air quality through smart building design, the facility is built for resilience against extreme weather and climate change. Additionally, the construction process minimizes waste, promoting recycling and reuse of materials. These sustainability features not only align with Tatu City’s green vision but also set a benchmark for future developments in the region.
Jacobsen: How do the self-shading façades and high-performance glass in the building align with CCI Kenya’s commitment to energy efficiency and employee well-being?
Jatania: At CCI, we prioritize both sustainability and the well-being of our employees, and the self-shading façades and high-performance glass in our building reflect this. These design elements work in tandem to block excess sunlight, keeping the building cooler during the summer and warmer in the winter. As a result, we reduce the need for air conditioning and heating, significantly saving energy. Beyond energy efficiency, these features help improve the workplace environment by allowing more natural light to flow into the building. This boosts employee mood, enhances focus, and drives productivity. Moreover, by maintaining a stable indoor temperature, we create a comfortable work setting with fewer distractions caused by temperature fluctuations. These innovations not only contribute to a healthier, more productive workspace but also align with our overall sustainability goals at CCI.
Jacobsen: In what ways did sourcing local timber and stone contribute to the sustainability goals and the local economy? ( Sent the question to GRIT/GREA)
Jatania: As per the representative at Eneo, use of timber and stone in the building was minimal, and where these were incorporated, they were sourced locally. By sourcing locally, this promoted responsible sourcing from certified timber mills and quarries. Local sourcing also reduced the project’s overall carbon footprint as it eliminated the need for long distance transportation. Additionally, it provided direct benefit to the local businesses in timber processing, quarrying and transportation fostering job creation and supporting the circulation of money within the local economy.
Jacobsen: How has the collaboration with BuildHer supported CCI’s efforts toward workforce inclusion and diversity?
Jatania: CCI’s partnership with BuildHer focuses on empowering women in leadership, with a strong emphasis on providing training and employment opportunities in sectors where women are often underrepresented. This collaboration has enabled women to gain valuable skills for career advancement and has supported the development of a diverse and inclusive workforce. By increasing female representation in our workforce, we are not only promoting gender equality but also encouraging innovation and diverse perspectives within our company.
Through this partnership, we are breaking down gender barriers by challenging traditional stereotypes and offering equal opportunities in industries previously dominated by men. The collaboration also aims to build a skilled and sustainable workforce, contributing to CCI Kenya’s growth and enhancing the country’s labor market. Our commitment to women’s empowerment is further reflected in our leadership structure, with 67% of leadership positions held by women. Beyond the company, this partnership has had a positive impact on the wider community, inspiring other businesses to adopt similar workforce inclusion practices and supporting the economic empowerment of women across Kenya.
Jacobsen: What key innovations in this project do you believe will set a new standard for future call center developments in Kenya?
Jatania: The CCI Kenya flagship facility in Tatu City sets a groundbreaking bechmark for a call center developments in Kenya. It’s 97% sustainable state-of-the-art building that features, solar panels, energy efficient, self-shading façade and high performance glass that optimizes energy used by reducing reliance on air conditioning and heating while allowing natural light to penetrate the space.
Achieving EGDE certification is a recognistion for excellence in sustainability, energy and water effeciency – the facility illustrates how a business can embrace sustainable building practices without compromising operational performace. The integration of renewable energy, low-flow water fictures, and rain water harvesting systems exemplifies a commitment to large-scale resource convservation.
Jacobsen: Does CCI Global have plans to replicate this sustainable approach in other regions, and what lessons can be shared with other organizations from this initiative?
Jatania: Our second building in Tatu City is currently under construction and is set to play a pivotal role in driving both economic growth and social impact in the region. Once completed, it will create an additional 5,000 jobs, providing meaningful employment opportunities to individuals from underserved communities. This expansion aligns with our commitment to supporting local development and fostering economic empowerment, particularly in areas where access to quality employment has been limited.
The jobs created will span various roles, ranging from customer service to managerial positions, and will help upskill the local workforce through specialized training programs, ensuring long-term career growth for individuals in the community. This initiative will not only contribute to the economic stability of the region but will also encourage a more inclusive, diverse workforce, where people from all walks of life have the chance to thrive.
By providing these job opportunities, we aim to uplift the community, promote financial independence, and enhance the overall well-being of those who may otherwise face limited employment prospects. Furthermore, this development will strengthen the local economy by attracting further investment, boosting infrastructure, and fostering a sustainable cycle of growth that benefits everyone. Our second building is more than just an expansion—it’s an opportunity to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of thousands of people.
Jacobsen: Thank you for the opportunity and your time, Rishi.
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