ETHIOPIA is set to welcome its first green hospital, the Roha Medical Campus (RMC), a $130 million multi-specialty facility under construction in Addis Ababa. The hospital recently achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first healthcare project in Ethiopia to gain accreditation for sustainability under the IFC EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) programme. This preliminary certification, awarded by the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA), highlights RMC’s commitment to reducing its ecological footprint through innovative design and operational efficiency.
Setting a new standard in healthcare sustainability
RMC’s environment-first design is projected to reduce energy use by 35 percent, water consumption by 21 percent, and material embodied energy by 24 percent compared to conventional hospitals in the region. Its green features include a thermally activated heating and cooling system, advanced waste management powered by clean technology, and water-saving plumbing systems. The hospital will also integrate solar power generation with battery storage to further enhance energy efficiency.
‘We are building a healthcare facility that balances today’s medical needs with tomorrow’s environmental responsibilities,’ says Welela Haileselassie, General Manager of Roha Medical Campus. ‘Sustainability is at the core of our mission as we redefine healthcare in Africa.’
Additionally, the hospital has planted a Miyawaki forest of over 12,000 native trees on its campus. This green space is designed to provide a natural healing environment, combat air pollution, and support local ecosystems while contributing to RMC’s goal of becoming Ethiopia’s first carbon-neutral hospital.
Impact beyond borders
With a 350-bed capacity, RMC will address the shortage of advanced medical facilities in Ethiopia, the second-most populous nation in Africa. Specialising in orthopaedics, neurosurgery, cardiology, and oncology, the hospital aims to position Addis Ababa as a regional hub for comprehensive and preventive healthcare.
The hospital’s green design also strengthens its potential as a player in Africa’s growing $5bn medical tourism industry. ‘Reducing our carbon footprint is as much a strategic decision as it is an ethical one,’ says Brooks Washington, Executive Chairman of RMC. ‘Lower operational costs enable us to provide affordable, high-quality care while contributing to global sustainability goals.’
Global recognition and local transformation
The GBCSA, which certified the hospital in the absence of a local council in Ethiopia, praised the project for its forward-thinking design. ‘This is the first healthcare facility in Ethiopia to receive EDGE certification,’ says Lisa Reynolds, CEO of GBCSA. ‘The Miyawaki forest and other sustainable elements set an extraordinary benchmark for the region.’
RMC is also pursuing Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, a globally recognised standard for quality and patient safety, aiming to elevate Ethiopia’s healthcare infrastructure to international standards.
‘Through our partnerships with engineering, architecture, and healthcare experts, we are setting a new benchmark for green construction in Ethiopia,’ says Henry Mutenga, Project Director at RMC.
The road ahead
The Roha Medical Campus represents a convergence of sustainability and innovation in Africa’s healthcare landscape. Beyond its environmental credentials, the hospital is poised to significantly improve medical access in Ethiopia while inspiring similar developments across the continent.
As Ethiopia’s first green hospital, RMC is not just a healthcare facility, it is a pioneering step towards a more sustainable and resilient future for Africa.
