now also features a ‘green owner’s commitment’,
making energy, water and waste monitoring and
reporting a priority. Visual displays of these results
and consumption data recorded by water and energy
meters are also displayed in the foyers and lifts of
the refurbished building as a learning resource for
building users to show them their environmental
footprint.
In addition to energy and water sub-metering,
other features of the refurb include occupancy
sensors for all light fittings, daylight harvesting
and dimming of fluorescents lights and an energyefficient, water cooled chiller plant.
Underfloor air distribution via fan coil units has
been put in place and a full economy cycle fresh air
plant has also been provided. This has ensured that
the quality of internal air provided is operating at a
rate 33%, greater than the requirements of SANS
10400-O-2011. The building also makes use of
Energy Star rated appliances and all printers and
photocopy equipment are certified as having low
emissions.
Low volatile organic compounds paint, adhesives,
sealants and carpets were also used throughout
to reduce the internal a ir pollutant levels, and
innovation points were achieved for the reuse of
an existing building as well as having an educated
Green Star SA Accredited Professional (GSSA AP)
design team.
The initiative has not only benefitted Standard
Bank, its people and the building’s visitors, but had
many other far-reaching positive impacts.
As part of the development, the project design
team passed their GSSA AP exam and are now
qualified Accredited Professionals either in the
Green Star SA new building rating tool or Interiors
rating tool.
Marloes Reinink founding member of Solid
Green Consulting, the Green Building consultants
for the projects, notes that Standard Bank made a
real effort to green its building interiors.
“The requirements for the Green Star Interiors
rating are stringent, especially for materials. They
aren’t easy to achieve, but working with a client and
professional team with experience in green buildings
made the process easier. Standard Bank will reap all
the good benefits of its new green interior, including
a healthier workplace, as well as energy and water
savings,” says Reinink.
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Commercial Handbook 2016
Materials used within the fit-out were sourced
locally whenever possible. To further reduce the
environmental impact it was also a requirement for
the majority of all furniture, assembles, flooring and
wallcoverings within the refurbishment to either be
reused, have a recycled content, have a certified label
or alternatively, be designed for disassembly so that
the item could be easily moved or reused at a later
stage.
Reducing the building’s environmental footprint
by keeping cars of the roads and cutting down
harmful emissions, the Standard Bank building also
provides easy access for staff and visitors to amenities
in and around the Standard Bank complex. Public
transport facilities are all located within 800 metres
walking distance of the offices, ensuring both staff
and visitors have access to alternative traveling
options that result in better environmental outcomes
across a variety of impact categories.
At the Standard Bank Century City branch,
the bank has gone the extra mile by continuously
displaying sustainability initiatives implemented
in its fit-out as learning resources for users and
visitors. The branch displays energy and water
consumption data, as well as initiatives to encourage
environmentally responsible steps, in its foyers.
Recycling is encouraged through informative posters
on designated bins to demonstrate waste types that
can be recycle in the branch.
Besides its energy-efficient operation, lowemission equipment and low volatile organic
compound materials, Standard Bank also undertook
an ergonomic assessment of its office furniture and
workstations and achieved innovation points for its
Hazardous Materials Survey and Universal access.
“Green Star SA Interiors Rating tool gives
businesses a competitive advantage. It identifies
industry leaders who are willing to provide smart
and healthy work, shopping and meeting places
that stand out in the marketplace. It is not only a
responsible investment, but serves to heighten a
business’s appeal as an investment, a partner and an
employer,” says Wilkinson.
RESOURCES
The Green Building Council South Africa
www.reimag.co.za