The ACES Awards recognised Gensler’s transformative impact through initiatives such as the Gensler Cities Climate Challenge (GC3), which aims to achieve carbon neutrality across the built environment by 2030. GC3 encompasses a robust strategy to reduce operational and embodied carbon by incorporating advanced technology, sustainable materials, and strategic procurement. With a significant presence across APME, Gensler has been instrumental in developing tailored solutions for regional climate and sustainability challenges, setting an industry benchmark for environmental stewardship.

David Calkins expressed his pride in Gensler APME’s commitment to sustainable design, stating, “Our work in the APME region showcases the depth of Gensler’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. Receiving the Green Initiative Award and Outstanding Leaders in Asia Award is a testament to our team’s relentless drive to push the boundaries of sustainable architecture and design. This recognition reflects our shared vision for a carbon-neutral future, where every project contributes positively to the environment and communities we serve.”

Theresa Sheils, Gensler’s Co-Regional Managing Principal for APME, highlighted the importance of collaboration in driving sustainable outcomes, remarking, “Sustainability is woven into the fabric of everything we do at Gensler. We see it as an ongoing commitment that goes beyond projects to include research, partnerships, and active community engagement. Our team’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding this direction, and their dedication to sustainability and innovation continues to set new standards across the region.”

Building on these efforts, Gensler has recently expanded its Product Sustainability (GPS) Standards to include 20 building product categories and furniture, setting a new benchmark for reducing the environmental impact of interior materials used across its projects globally. The GPS Standards address emissions, resource use, and wellness considerations, empowering clients to make sustainable choices aligned with their ESG goals. Through its focus on carbon reduction strategies, renewable energy, and collaboration with manufacturers, Gensler is driving industry-wide advancements in greener products and helping to reshape cities for a more sustainable and resilient future.

Shanggari B, President of ACES Awards, noted, “Gensler’s work in the APME region exemplifies how a clear purpose in sustainable design can redefine the architecture industry. Their Gensler Cities Climate Challenge is an ambitious goal that’s setting a new standard, not only for carbon neutrality but also for the integration of sustainability into every aspect of the design process.”

As Gensler continues to expand its efforts in sustainable architecture, this recognition from ACES reaffirms the firm’s commitment to creating positive change through design and to setting a benchmark in environmental responsibility that inspires others across the industry.

Building on Mukuru’s trusted capabilities, which support more than three-million Zimbabwean customers, the wallet has several benefits, including its standout features: two pockets that allow users to send and receive money locally and internationally from mobile phones, safe storage of funds as well as a free cashout on international transfers.

Marc Carrie-Wilson, Send Money Home Zimbabwe CEO says: “The Mukuru Wallet is a significant development in the country because we have built a reputable brand by consistently ensuring cash availability when needed. To avoid disappointing people who travel long distances to receive their remittances which they use for food, school fees and other essential services, we now have 250 of our own service points. With a network stretching across urban and rural areas, we can reach more people than ever, providing constant cash availability and valuable digital solutions, such as the Mukuru Wallet, to the underserved communities.”

Mukuru Zimbabwe Financial Services CEO, Doug Tait-Knight, says: “Mukuru takes its role as a fintech driving financial inclusion seriously. With this wallet, we tap into our strength which lies in our robust network and technology, as well as our crispy notes that are always available, making this an exciting moment in our evolution in Zimbabwe.

“The wallet environment enables us to start providing additional value such as allowing more affordable domestic money transfers, supporting safety by eliminating the need for customers to walk around with large sums of money, and providing convenience and cost savings, such as paying for electricity, buying airtime, settling DSTV bills and paying for insurance from their couch. Our use of multiple channels also ensures accessibility for our customers,” explains Tait-Knight.

While currently focusing on private end users, soon organisations will be able to partner with Mukuru to make use of its local capabilities and global footprint to facilitate payments, such as distributing money to farmers, supporting payroll for small businesses and securing traceable aid distributions. Various organisations such as Cottco and the United Nations, through the World Food Programme, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) already partner with Mukuru.

Kevin Nyakotyo, Mukuru’s Enterprise Sales Manager for Zimbabwe and Zambia, added, “Our success in the end-user sector has enabled us to set in motion plans to enter the business sector. Whether it is for tobacco or cotton, payments made to farmers are often large sums of money. The Mukuru Wallet will make receiving these large sums of money far safer because beneficiaries won’t need to draw all their cash at the same time.

“We have a mandate to educate the market based on trends we see, and with this wallet, we are reaching out to both organisations and individuals and giving them peace of mind to know their funds will be safe and can be collected at any time. They can draw an amount that suits them with full confidence the cash will be available wherever they are, whenever they need it,” says Nyakotyo.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mukuru.

Download Image (1): https://apo-opa.co/3PxElyw

Image Caption (1): Marc Carrie-Wilson, Mukuru Send Money Home Zimbabwe CEO

Download image (2): https://apo-opa.co/425kC0y

Image Caption (2): Doug Tait-Knight, Mukuru Zimbabwe Financial Services CEO

Download Image (3): https://apo-opa.co/3C5FnP0

Image Caption (3): Kevin Nyakotyo, Mukuru’s Enterprise Sales Manager for Zimbabwe and Zambia

Download Audio file (1): https://apo-opa.co/3C6LWkj

Audio file Caption (1): Soundbite – Doug Tait-Knight, Mukuru Zimbabwe Financial Services CEO