Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa February 2015 | Page 50

TOP INVESTOR

Sally

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Goes Green

Q: What has attributed to your success?
A: “My determination and passion for what I do is a
large contributor to the success of my business. My
dream from the beginning has always been to be
involved in green building. I have established a broad
understanding of all the different facets of green
building and sustainability - this has been an integral
part of my success.”
Q: What trends do you foresee in the local green
commercial building industry in 2015?
A: “Green building and sustainability is a rapidly growing
trend in the South African commercial sector.

Investors in South Africa are interested in more
socially and environmentally responsible businesses.
Green buildings offer a range of significant benefits
such as tenant retention, lower operating costs, rental
premiums and enhanced marketability. Therefore,
reducing the liability and risk of an asset, thereby
yielding higher returns and being more profitable than
conventional buildings.

Tenants are driving this change and are not only
starting to be mindful of the environmental impact
of a building, but are looking for the benefits a green
space offers, such as lower operating costs and increased
productivity of their employees.”
Q: What insights can you share from your experience
as a Green Consultant?
A: “Working closely with the management team and
professionals involved. Being there to influence
real-time decision-making. Involving tenants and
building operations staff in the process. Education
and communication is vital in order to maximise the
benefits for all involved and streamline the submission
50

February 2015 SA Real Estate Investor

Sally Misplon, a winner of the
2014 Rising Green Star Award,
talks about how she helps commercial
buildings to go green.

process. Efficient task and time management is crucial.
Planning ahead – co-ordination and obtaining correct
information from parties involved can be challenging.
Enjoy the process; the asset will be more valuable as a
result.”

Q: What was the first building development you were
involved in?
A: “I was appointed by Black River Park to develop a
green strategy and manage the Green Star submissions
for all eight buildings at the office park.

The North Park Building was the first building
that I submitted for an Existing Building Performance
(EBP) rating in 2014. North Park was the first
building in South Africa to be submitted for this Green
Star Certification. The submission of this building took
six months.”
Q: What is the Existing Building Performance Tool
that you helped to develop for this project?
A: “The Tool assesses the environmental performance of
existing buildings. The rating is valid for three years.
Energy, water monitoring and management policies
are required to achieve the rating. It encourages both
landlord and tenant to focus their efforts towards a
common green goal.”

RESOURCES
Misplon Green Consulting
www.reimag.co.za