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GBCSA Head Office

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New interiors rating tool launched by the Green Building Council at recent annual conventionThe Green Building Council South Africa (GBSA) is currently developing an

interiors tool – a green building rating tool that addresses tenant interior

fit outs across different market segments. This has been facilitated through

sponsorship from Standard Bank and Saint-Gobain.

Officially launched in pilot format at the forthcoming Green Building Council

Convention, the tool has been developed in response to demonstrated market

need. The current suite of rating tools cover only base buildings and not interior

fit outs. At the much-anticipated launch, a panel of industry experts involved

in the development of the tool will unpack the credits and invite projects to

register and test the pilot tool.

Brian Wilkinson, CEO of the GBCSA, says: “We are incredibly excited about this

rating tool, as it puts the decision to commit to environmental sustainability

firmly in the tenants’ hands. Tenants can now decide, independently of the

building owner, whether they wish to comply with green building standards

within their own office spaces.”

Standard Bank Group Real Estate Services manages 535 000m2 of commercial

office space spread over 135 properties and 480 000m2 of retail branch space,

spread over 771 branches on behalf of Standard Bank South Africa.

“This puts us in a strong position to be a significant contributor to Group

Sustainability initiatives. By the end of this year alone, we would have

completed well over 100 new branch builds, branch refurbishment and

facelift projects. The interior ratings tool will form the cornerstone of these

refurbishment projects and re-stacking of our commercial office spaces in

the future,” comments Nkosinathi Manzana, Head of Professional & Technical

Services – Group Real Estate Services, Standard Bank.

The Green Star SA – Interiors rating tool assesses the design, construction and

refurbishments of interior spaces in both existing buildings as well as new

buildings. Projects seeking certification must be clearly distinct from other

spaces within the same building.

“The types of buildings to be addressed by the Green Star SA – Interiors rating

tool are intended to be broad, and include tenancies such as offices, retail

stores, restaurants, hotels, galleries, public buildings and healthcare facilities,”

explains Wilkinson.

To date, the GBCSA has had a significant impact in advancing green building,

particularly in the formal, commercial property market in South Africa. This

new tool, however, has enormous potential to influence a much broader target

group when compared to the other GBCSA rating tools – predominantly due to

the high volumes of tenancies and their regular fit outs.

Green offices are good for staff healthResearch and case studies have found that green offices boost productivity and

performance, enhance worker satisfaction, reduce sick leave, stress leave and

absenteeism, and are a powerful recruitment and retention tool.

They are better offices because there is an 11% gain in productivity from

fresher air, 23% gain from good lighting and access to views, and 18%

improvement from access to daylight and operable windows. People who work

in green offices also have 25% better functioning memory because of their

access to views.

“Saint-Gobain South Africa’s commitment to energy efficiency and

performance-based standards prompted them to lead and drive the writing

of standards for energy efficiency in buildings. However, the Energy Efficiency

Regulations only cover new buildings and with South Africa’s huge stock

of existing energy-inefficient buildings – and buildings that do not take

into account the principles of green building – Saint Gobain welcomed

the opportunity to sponsor the Interior’s rating tool,” says Lisa Reynolds,

Sustainability Director of Saint Gobain.

“It was a natural progression for us to become more involved in the holistic,

green approach to buildings, where more than energy efficiency is considered.

The performance-based, measurable characteristics of the GBCSA’s rating tools

are in alignment with Saint-Gobain’s Global drive.”

About the GBCSA

Founded in 2007, the GBCSA is an independent, non-profit organisation

that was formed to lead the transformation of the South African property

industry to environmental sustainability. One of 92 World Green Building

Council members, it aims to ensure that all buildings are designed, built and

operated in an environmentally sustainable way, allowing South Africans to

live and work in healthy, efficient and productive environments.

For more information about Green Star SA rating tools, the certification

process, the Green Star SA professional accreditation and courses offered by

the GBCSA, visit www.gbcsa.org.za or email info@gbcsa.org.za.

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Leaders in green design and innovation were honoured and

recognised at the 6th annual 2013 Green Building Council of

South Africa Convention and Exhibition which took place at the

CTICC from 16 – 18 October.

This premier sustainability event,revitalised with the

thought-provoking theme “ReWire” – Connecting Minds.

Building Value is one of the highlights on the South African

sustainability calendar. This year the event was integrated with

the WorldGBC Congress - the largest international network

influencing the green building marketplace, comprising 92

global councils – making this the most distinctive sustainable

building gathering ever hosted on the continent.

Amongst the activities that took place over the course of the

well-subscribed Convention was the launch of the latest Green

Star SA PILOT Tool for Interiors and the much anticipated

Existing Building Performance tool. Furthermore the global

gathering saw the launch of the world-first PILOT Socio-

Economic Category for suite of Green Star SA rating tools and

the announcement of the Green Star SA Leadership Awards

winners for 2013.

Green Star SA Leadership AwardsThese awards were launched in 2012 in recognition of the

significant transformation that has taken place in South Africa

and to acknowledge green building champions who have

demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the green

building movement.

In the project and organisation award category the winner

of the 2013 Green Star SA Leadership Award for the highest

rated building is the Department of Environmental Affairs

building which received a 6 Star Green Star SA Office Design

v1 certification from the Green Building Council South Africa

(GBCSA).

This is the first government building in South Africa to achieve

a 6 Star Green Star SA rating, as well as being the first 6 Star

rated green building in the City of Tshwane. A further stellar

accomplishment was that it achieved a total of 82 points -

the highest score for a large commercial office space of this

magnitude awarded by the GBCSA to date.

The Accredited Professional on the building was Michael

Aldous of Green Building & Sustainability Services, Mott

MacDonald PDNA and the award was received by the DEA

project manager, Mbulaheni Edwin Maseda. The winner of

the 2013 Green Star SA Leadership Award for the Best Quality

Submission is Marloes Reinink from Solid Green for the

Grahamstown National English Literary Museum (NELM)which

achieved 45points of the 69 targeted in Round 1 submission.

In the individual awards category the award for the Established

Green Star leader for 2012/2013 went to Marloes Reinink from

Solid Green, whilst the award for the Rising Green Star went

to Georgina Smit of Arup, honouring them for their significant

contribution to the green building movement and the

commendable leadership they have demonstrated.

Eric Noir from WSP received the Chairman’s Award for his

tireless passion and enthusiasm in promoting green building

practices. Special recognition was given to his encouragement

and guidance in the establishment of Green Building Councils

throughout Africa - these initiatives have been instrumental in

the adoption of the Green Star South Africa rating system by 5

African countries.

The Green Building Council Australia received the Chairman’s

Award for their generous support and guidance in the

establishment and continued success of the GBCSA and the

award was received by Romily Madew, CEO Green Building

Council Australia. “It is unquestionable that without their

generosity of spirit and collaboration, the GBCSA would not

have been in a position to achieve the milestones nor the

market impact that it has in such a short period,” says Brian

Wilkinson, CEO of the GBCSA.

“We are inspired by the bold leadership that has been

demonstrated in South Africa – and want to continue to

acknowledge and commend the market leaders on the

transformation exhibited so far. Whilst we believe that all

Green Star SA certified projects are, by definition, very special

and demonstrate leadership and commitment, we use this

opportunity to recognise those that have really pushed

the limits and achieved world class excellence,” concludes

Wilkinson.

Green Building Council SA Convention honours 2013 Green Champions

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s the commercial property industry in South Africa embraces

sustainability, so the GBCSA’s capacity and reach has expanded to the

point where they outgrew their office space. The GBCSA has grown from

a small start-up to a fully fledged mainstream operator, emphasised

GBCSA CEO, Brian Wilkinson.

“It has grown from just one rating tool and one certification in 2008,

to four rating tools with another two in development, and almost 40

certified projects today. Close to 5 000 professionals have attended

our training programmes, almost 500 professionals are Green Star SA-

accredited, and 1 100 corporates have joined as members, showing an

incredible commitment by corporate SA to sustainability in the built

environment.”

The GBCSA relished the opportunity to walk their talk, and design a

space that will resonate their green building values and principles. The

new open-plan office has been designed to accommodate the future

growth expected at the council, and embraces the GBCSA’s increasingly

flexible, collaborative and shared approach to office space and the work

environment. Besides the tangible sustainable interventions, the GBCSA

Walking the talkThe Green Building Council SA (GBCSA) has taken up residence at its inspired new green office at the Black River Park complex in Observatory, Cape Town

APhotographs by Sally Wellbeloved – CynaminArt

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BCSA

have also instituted a ‘hot-desking’ system

that supports flexibility, team integration and

maximises space. Staff are also encouraged to

use alternative and public transport and not to

use their own cars to come to work by having

less company-rented parking bays available,

than staff employed.

Sharing space

As one of the founding sponsors, the South

African Property Owners Association (SAPOA)

enjoys a close collaborative relationship with

the GBCSA. The Cape Town-based SAPOA

representative will be based in the GBCSA’s

new offices going forward.

Neil Gopal, CEO of SAPOA, says: “Both SAPOA

and GBCSA are committed to advancing the

property sector in South Africa and delivering

value to members that encourages a quality,

sustainable urban environment. We’re pleased

to share office space with people who also share our thinking space and look forward to the positive impact of

our growing collaboration.”

The GBCSA also aims to get the new office certified under the Green Star SA Commercial Interiors rating tool,

which was released at the GBCSA’s Green Building Convention in Cape Town in October. The retrofit of the new

office meant that the GBCSA could walk the talk, and ensure sustainability at every turn. The site was chosen

because it is a reused old warehouse building, and Blackriver Park prioritises efficiency and recycling. It is close to

public transport nodes, as well as having great amenities within the office park, and more within walking

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Sustainable lighting design solutions

Qualified design expertise with 18 years of technical lighting experience enabling sustainable lighting solutions for retail, commercial and residential projects

Julie Sharman B Sc Interior Design (USA)

julie@foresightdesign.co.za

021-683-4677

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ourt

esy G

BCSA

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gbcsa offices

distance. Blackriver Park has also installed the largest rooftop solar

photovoltaic installation in South Africa, which will provide 1.2MW of

renewable energy, once complete.

The professional team involved in the office retrofit did extensive

performance modelling to see where interventions could be made

to boost green building characteristics, and the final design made

significant sustainability improvements. When it came to furniture,

products and equipment required for the new office, products meeting

sustainability criteria were specified and installed.

Drawing inspiration from commonalities in colour and style that run

through the worldwide green building council network, the GBCSA

also wanted to reflect our African roots, which we have done through

colour and textures. There are three ‘zones’ in the open-plan office – the

internal office workspace (green), the structured meeting spaces (blue),

and the in-between zones (warm reds and browns), which can be used

for a mixture of social and work.

Site selection

Black River Park (BRP) business complex in Observatory was chosen as

the new home for the GBCSA after a stringent site selection process.

BRP has green principles that are aligned with the GBCSA’s ambitions,

and choosing the right location helps to meet important green goals,

particularly within the transport, energy and materials categories of

Green Star SA.

The building itself is a repurposed old warehouse, meeting the

preference for a recycled building. The mix of amenities within the park,

including a coffee shop, canteen and café, gym and physiotherapist,

salon, spa and car wash, encourages walking within the park. It is very

close to public transport nodes, major road networks, and in close

proximity to both the airport, and the city centre. All waste is sorted

on site, with recycling managed by a contractor. Energy efficiency

is encouraged among all tenants, fluorescent lighting is responsibly

disposed of, and non-potable water is used for landscape irrigation at

BRP.

Improving indoor environmental quality, while ensuring the space meets

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the functional needs of the GBCSA was top priority. Major acoustic and

internal noise-level improvements were achieved through consultation

and advice from Pro Acoustic, while the new air conditioning system,

supplied by Samsung, significantly reduces environmental noise levels in

the office. The professional team, led by project managers Collaboration,

ensured the specification of non-hazardous materials. The paint supplied

by Dulux is low in VOCs and the flooring and carpet installation by

Kevin Bates & Albert Carpets (KBAC) uses an adhesive-free method of

installation with zero VOC content.

Sponsors for the GBCSA new office project

As a non-profit, member-driven organisation, the GBCSA

was committed to achieving the highest green credentials

at the lowest cost, and was able to achieve this through

sponsorship from their member community and suppliers

of sustainable products and services. A total of 38 sponsors

came on board in a short space of time to achieve a very

ambitious goal. “We have been overwhelmed by the

generosity of sponsors, and the products and services that

have been made available to us. It is a great recognition

of what we do,” says GBCSA Education Manager& resident

architect Donné Putter.

Sponsors included: Arper; Collaboration; Collaboration Site;

Cape Contours; Comfort Creations; CN Business; Foresight

Design; Greenbuild; Pro Acoustic; Sutherland Engineering;

Terramanzi; Aquatrip; Clicks; CO Designs; Corporate

Connections; Dulux; Duravit; Execuflora; Foresight Design;

Formfunc Studio; Hansgrohe; Inova; Interface; Kevin Bates

& Albert Carpets; Luminos Blinds; Obbligato; Osram; Pret n

Pot; Philips; Radiant Lighting; Samsung; Soft Craft; Somfy;

Steelcase; Saint-Gobain; Starke Contrast; Tactile; Tesla

Automation; and Voltex Lighting.

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gbcsa offices

intelligent DALI-controlled ballasts provided by Voltex Lighting. Blinds

and screens within the office are also automatically controlled. Blind

automation was provided by Somfy, which manages daylight and

reduces artificial light requirements, as well as contributing to lighting, or

shading options, reducing glare and optimising thermal comfort.

The roller blinds were crafted specifically for the GBCSA office by

Luminos Blinds, which works in collaboration with Somfy. Luminos

ensures that best fabric is chosen to reflect light and absorb heat, and

the alu-backing assists with thermal control, which will save on heating

and cooling requirements. Starke Contrast supplied LEDs for the project,

and Osram, Philips and Radiant lighting also provided energy-efficient

lamps and luminaires specified for the project, ensuring further energy

saving.

Preventing water loss and wastage through leaks will be continuously

done through smart metering. AquaTrip has installed water-saving

systems, which are permanent systems installed to detect leaks, burst

pipes, faulty geysers and toilet cisterns and urinals, as well as dripping

taps. Water-efficient fittings for the new office were supplied by Duravit,

as well as Hansgrohe’s ‘EcoSmart’ range. Hansgrohe’s Crometta 85 Green

is an EcoSmart showerhead that uses less water in terms of its flow rate

per minute – saving water and energy. Similar technology is at work,

combining air with water to create volume in the basin mixer, again

saving water and energy.

Indoor plants were carefully selected to produce maximum oxygen

and sequester carbon dioxide, thereby enhancing the IEQ. The plants

were supplied by Execuflora and the plant that was chosen was

Sansevieria Trifasciata (Mother in Law Tongue), which removes volatile

organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. The design and layout of the

office encourages external views, making the most of the location’s

picturesque vantage of Devil’s Peak, while the lighting design

encourages natural light, and ensures daylight glare control.

The office is powered with renewable solar energy from the roof-

mounted solar PV array at BRP. Greenbuild Consultants conducted the

building performance modelling, which included concept design studies

of the existing systems and inputs, and modelling for SANS 10400-XA, as

well as modelling to meet certain Green Star SA requirements. The new

office makes significant savings in energy thanks to the new Samsung

air conditioning system, as well as the insulation with products supplied

by Saint-Gobain. Lighting also plays a big role, and Foresight Design

lighting designer, Julie Sharman, has a core focus on resource efficiency.

Foresight Design was responsible for the lighting layout on the project,

as well as specifying all energy efficient light fittings and lamps. Time

was spent understanding the design elements in the space, and making

sure that those were properly accentuated. Focus was on lighting

specific task areas, as well as illuminating walls and vertical screens to

increase the vertical luminance, providing the perception of more light.

The automated lighting control system has been supplied and installed

by Tesla Automation and includes daylight harvesting and occupancy

control, with energy-saving T5 fluorescent luminaires, equipped with

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The building itself is a renovated old warehouse, meeting the criteria

for building reuse. Reuse of materials in the office was encouraged, and

the previous tenant took with them many fittings and furniture for their

new space, while the GBCSA made every effort to reuse much of the

material, such as prefabricated partitioning, and bricks removed when

walls were knocked down. Timber found on site was used to construct

a welcome desk, a bar table and will further be reused as wall panelling.

Tactile Trading sourced and supplied the specified tiles for the kitchen

and bathrooms from manufacturers that have stringent environmental

policies in place – looking at all aspects, from raw materials to packaging

of products. Furniture was carefully selected based on recycled content,

product stewardship, sustainable forestry practices and careful analysis

of furniture accreditation schemes. Further assessment was done by

an ergonomist, who advised the project team throughout the design

process.

Dulux South Africa is proudly living up to its pioneering status as a Silver Founding Member of the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) by ensuring that its sustainability solutions play an integral part in being specified for many of South Africa’s most sustainable and Green Star Rated building projects.

“Being part of AkzoNobel, which tops the latest rankings in the chemicals supersector of the esteemed Dow Jones Sustainability Index, our worldwide

commitment to sustainability is also a major factor in their decision-making process. They know they are getting involved with an organisation that is extremely serious about sustainability, treating it as a core aspect of overall operations and activities,” says Mayan Desai, Marketing Manager - Professional.

Significantly, the Dulux Trade brand with its Ecosure range of products has been specified in many sustainably focused projects. Some of these include:

• Nedbank Head Office Phase II (Sandton);

• ABSA Towers in downtown Johannesburg;

• 24 Richefond Circle, Umhlanga Rocks; • SANRAL Head Office, Tshwane; • Eastgate 20, Sandton; • Lincoln on the Lake, Durban; • Mayfair on the Lake, Umhlanga Ridge; • Hotel Verde, Cape Town;• Standard Bank Rosebank; • No 1 Silo development at the iconic

V&A Waterfront in Cape Town; • Grundfos Head Office, Johannesburg.

This impressive repertoire of projects is a testament to the quality, reliability, durability and the capacity to allow “green projects” to meet their sustainability targets by using the Dulux Ecosure range of coatings. Clearly illustrating these qualities, Dulux was one of the main sponsors of the ‘greening’ of the new head office of the GBCSA at the Blackriver Park complex in the Cape Town suburb of Observatory.

Dulux saw this sponsorship as an ideal opportunity to assist the GBCSA in futhering their aims. GBCSA aims to have the office space certified under the new Green Star Commercial Interiors rating tool. The Ecosure range, proved to be ideal for the refurbishment of GBCSA’s new head office building.

Selected colours from the Dulux Trade Light & Space range were used in the building. It is more reflective of light than conventional emulsions, thereby ultimately improving energy efficiency, and contributing to employee wellbeing. It is also classified as low VOC and safely falls within the maximum VOC limits as per the Green Star SA rating tools.

A genuine commitment to sustainability

Clean and greenWhile the use of water-based paints

goes a long way towards protecting the

environment, the run-off from washing

paint products as a result of their

binders is still harmful, particularly

when this is allowed to drain into soil.

A greener way of cleaning painting tools

is the Dulux Envirowash system, which

helps decorators and contractors alike

achieve best practice when it comes

to waste management on commercial

construction sites.

The Envirowash system minimises

the impact of waste disposal and offers

an environmentally friendly way of

washing out paint tools such as brushes

and rollers. Converting waterborne

paint washings into a small amount of

inert solid waste which can be safely

disposed of, clear water is also produced

that can be recycled thereby saving

water in the process. The EnviroWash

system is a value added service that

is offered by Dulux to

selected sites.

Contact

Head office: 011-861-1100

ICI Dulux (Pty) Limited

56 Emerald Parkway Road,

Greenstone Hill ext. 21,

1609 Johannesburg

www.akzonobel.com

Grundfos Head Office

GBCSA Head Office

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