Feature
Green Building
IS ON THE RISE IN
RICA
The GBCSA’s Green Star SA rating tools were developed specifically for the South African
context but are also a natural touch point for green building movements and councils in
other parts of Africa. So, the GBCSA seeks to work with other green building councils and
structures like the African Network of Green Building Councils to adapt Green Star SA tools
for specific local contexts – this has been done through what the GBCSA calls a Local Context
Report.
So far, Local Context Reports have been developed for Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda,
Namibia, Mauritius, and Uganda with the GBCSA working in collaboration with the relevant
Green Building Councils to certify buildings in these countries. In this way, the GBCSA is
clearing the path for fledgling green building industries, like those behind the new Green
Star certifications in Rwanda and Namibia.
The Nobelia Office Tower in Kigali, Rwanda has set its sights on being a leading green
building in Rwanda and the wider Central East African region. The 19 storey tower will
have 16 floors dedicated to office space, adjacent to commercial, residential, recreational
and retail zones. It is constructed on previously developed land to prevent urban sprawl.
Manfred Braune, GBCSA’s Chief Technical Officer, reports: “This project scored very high
results in key areas of its rating, including energy consumption, water management,
emissions and transport.
It boasts several
impressive sustainable
building features.”
This includes the
building’s ability to
provide dehumidified
fresh air, solar panels
and on-site water
treatment. Its façade is a
tribute to the building’s
green inner workings,
with mesh that allows
for plant growth and
shading. The building’s
waste management plan
even includes an on-site
composting facility to
improve on soil, plant
Emcon Consulting Group offices, Namibia
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