Architect and Builder Magazine South Africa September/October 2014 | Page 63

“This is fundamental to a larger economic
transition that will produce much greater inclusivity
and social justice,” says Edgar. “Put differently,
unless we are able to overcome the false dichotomy
between environmental sustainability and economic
development, we cannot address the manifold
challenges that mark our cities.”

• Using environmentally friendly, non-toxic materials.
• Reducing waste and using recycled materials.
• Water-efficient plumbing fittings and water
harvesting.
• Using renewable energy sources.
• Sensitivity to the impact of the development on the
environment.

Wilkinson reiterates, “The green building movement addresses what are becoming the major issues
of our time: excess energy consumption and the
related CO2 emissions from burning carbon fuels; the
pollution of air, water and land; the depletion of natural
resources; and the disposal of waste. Green building
incorporates design, construction and operational
practices that significantly reduce or eliminate the
negative impact of development on the environment
and people. Green buildings are energy efficient,
resource efficient and environmentally responsible.
A wealth of local and international research makes
the unarguable case for green building: not only do
they contribute to environmental sustainability, health
and productivity, green buildings are cost-efficient
to operate.

The green building movement in South Africa has
reached a major milestone, with 50 projects now Green
Star SA rated. Predicted and potential performance of
the 50 certified green building project is impressive. In
addition to the environmental impact, green buildings
demonstrate additional benefits for both owners and
tenants such as lower operating costs, higher returns
on assets, increased property values, enhanced
marketability, reduced liability and risk, retaining
government and other major tenants, responsible
investing, increased productivity, attracting and
retaining talent and minimising churn.

We are confident that the wealth of demonstrable
evidence about the benefits of sustainable solutions
stand to address these issues and do so in a
positive way.”
In practice, green building measures include:
•
Careful building design to reduce heat loads,
maximising natural light and promoting the
circulation of fresh air.
• Energy-efficient air conditioning and lighting.

Wilkinson says, “We have evidence that
demonstrates minimal cost differences in the use of
green building practices and the long-term benefits
for both building owners and tenants. This evidence
has resulted in an impressive sixty-plus green building
projects being Green Star SA certified by the GBCSA.
In total this is over 2 million square meters that are
either already certified as green buildings, or have
registered their intent to apply for certification. We
have a further 150 or so projects in the Green Star
SA registration pipeline, which shows the interest of
property professionals in our country and, stemming
from these projects, the positive green building
impact is set to increase significantly.”

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Green Building

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