The project targeted a Green Star Innovation
point for Financial Transparency. According to the
GBCSA Technical Manual, the aim of this credit
is to “encourage and recognise the sharing of
costs/financial information related to the design,
construction and operation of green buildings in the
context of the Green Star SA certification process,
that will create greater market transparency and
awareness of the cost trends related to green
buildings.” The data is also used as input in a
research project by the University of Pretoria to
provide insights into the cost of going green on
buildings in South Africa.
The project team estimated the Green Building
cost premium to be as little as 1%. This is due to
an already high quality Abland baseline building
standard that incorporates green design principles.
Reduced potable water and energy consumption
are also anticipated to significantly lower the
building’s operational utility bills.
BUILDING D: SECTION
Post Covid-19 Building Strategies
“Climate risks have become part of the mainstream
building conversation over the last decade, further
highlighted by serious energy and water supply
issues,” says Reinink.
In planning for a post-COVID-19 building
strategy, health-related risks will join the
Resilience conversation – requiring changes to
design and construction methodologies for all
building typologies.
As the links between urbanisation, climate
change and public health become more apparent,
current building practices are expected to
fall under scrutiny, and projects like Westend
Building C will point the way forward. Building D
is in the process of applying for its 4-Star Green
Star Certification.
BUILDING D: OFFICE LEVEL (Above) PARKING (Below)
Westend 55