DON ROBERTSON

South Africa will be going green from next month when the first part of an environmental rating system is introduced to architects and property developers at a function in Cape Town.

The rating system is based on a programme in Australia and was adopted because climatic conditions in the two countries are much the same.

The Australian Green Building Council offered its local equivalent assistance in establishing a South African version of the system.

Bruce Kerswill, chairman of the Green Building Council of SA, said the proposal for the Green Star SA rating system was made public in July and 220 formal comments were received.

“The voluntary Green Star SA rating system is now being finalised and will be presented to the public at the beginning of next month,” he said.

A building is considered to be “green” if it is environmentally efficient. It would incorporate reduced heat loads, maximise natural light and promote the circulation of fresh air. Its air conditioning, lighting and waste management would be energy- efficient, and it would use renewable energy sources and be built of environmentally friendly materials.

For property owners there are significant benefits in going green.

The fact that green buildings are preferred by tenants suggests that they will pay premium rentals and the building will have a higher occupancy rate.

Green buildings do not necessarily cost more to build, but there can be big savings in electricity and water costs for property owners.

The rating system will be based on factors such as indoor environment, energy, water and materials used, land use and emissions.

The Green Building Council will host a convention in Cape Town from November 2 to 4 at which the Green Star rating system will be promoted.

Source: The Times