Architect and Builder Magazine South Africa May/June 2014 | Page 13

GBCSAMEMBERS PARAGON ARCHITECTS NO 1 SILO, V & A WATERFRONT - 6 STAR - GREEN STAR SA OFFICE V1 DESIGN CO2 emissions from burning carbon fuels; pollution of air, water and land; depletion of natural resources; and disposal of waste”. Benefits flowing to the environment, property owners, tenants and employees from green buildings include: • Lower operating costs • Higher returns on assets • Increased property values • Enhanced marketability • Reduced liability and risk • Minimising churn • Retaining government and other major tenants • Responsible investing • Increased productivity • Attracting and retaining talent • Combatting climate change With a further 150 or so projects in the Green Star SA registration pipeline, the positive green building impact is set to increase significantly. A key component of the added impetus comes with the release of two new rating tools (currently in pilot) for existing buildings and for interior fit-outs. All commercial property owners now have an added incentive to improve the efficiency and marketability of their buildings. With current operational costs being a significant expense of any building or portfolio owner, we ask the question: what is the cost of not building green? “While the GBCSA created the tools, it is industry leaders, the pioneers, who have used our tools to carve and create a whole new movement for change. Green building is about leaders, and it is together Green Watch that we are inspiring better buildings and changing the way the world is built”, says Brian Wilkinson. WHAT REACHING 50 MEANS Predicted or potential performance of the 50 certified green building projects is impressive. In submissions for certification by the GBCSA, developers expect annual savings of 76 million kw hours (the amount 57 115 % MORE SAVINGS ON GHG EMISSIONS million kgCO2 predicted to be saved per annum 250 million kgCO2 predicted to have been saved to date WHICH IS EQUIVALENT TO 28,000 COROBRIK Web: www.corobrik.co.za Driving continuous improvement in the sustainability of Corobrik and the products we manufacture is what we are about. Our holistic approach to the wider greening of the business has advanced the eco-friendly attributes of our processes and products assuring their low carbon footprint in line with international best practices for the different technologies and firing fuels Corobrik employs. 6,000 Full Boeing flights from Cape Town to Joburg (one way) Taking Tel: [phone] E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.paragon.co.za Paragon Architects is a dynamic and innovative architectural design business, based in Johannesburg, South Africa, active since 1997. It is the originator of the Paragon Group of design businesses. As a Group we believe that as South Africans, we need to acknowledge our commitment to Africa. Our roots are here, we have much to offer and we would like to share in our mutual development. Paragon Architects has built and had accredited 150,000m2 of Green Star rated buildings. Sustainability is now an integral part of our architectural design. cars off the road per annum KEVIN BATES FLOORI 9(