One of the continent’s greenest precincts
CAPE TOWN’S V&A Waterfront now has 12 Green Star ratings awarded to various buildings within its precinct. It is, according to Green Building Council SA’s executive Director , Manfred Braune, testament to the power of long-term planning and how everyone can be brought along through gradual changes.
It is South Africa’s most-visited destination and attracts roughly 24 million visitors each year. While it is still technically a working harbour it is divided into five shopping districts: Victoria Wharf, the Watershed, The Alfred Mall, Pierhead, The Clock Tower and Breakwater Point that stretches across 123 hectares, the equivalent of 180 rugby fields.
Congratulating the professionals involved, Braune declared it a fantastic achievement and making the massive tourist attraction “one of the greenest precincts on the continent.”
The first 6-Star Green Star – Office v1 As Built Rating in South Africa was awarded to Allan Gray’s No. 1 Silo five years ago. It was followed by:
A 6-Star Green Star – Office As Built Rating for 5 Silo (a multi-tenanted commercial building, including PwC), making it one of only four buildings in South Africa to have achieved a 6 Star As Built rating;
A 6-Star Green Star – Existing Building Performance v1 rating for the Watershed, the property’s unique craft market and home for African design at the Waterfront;
A 5-Star Green Star – Custom Hotel Design rating for the 6 Silo which houses the new Radisson Red Hotel in the Silo District;
Two 4-Star Green Star – Existing Building Performance v1 ratings were also awarded for the West Quay Offices on Port Road and the Granger Bay Court offices on Beach Road.
V&A chief executive, David Green, says sustainability underpins the entire development strategy and lies at the heart of everything they do. “As a business we are pragmatic and commercial, but it is also our responsibility to ensure that the legacy we build today does not negatively impact on the future.”
An ongoing environmental programme promotes green business practices as a strategic focus point throughout the property. For example, since 2009 electricity savings of 35 percent and a 25 percent reduction in water consumption have been achieved and waste recycling has improved by 50 percent.
In addition, by implementing appropriate systems, the V&A has actively reduced greenhouse gas emissions associated with operational activities and increased awareness about environmental management among staff, tenants and visitors.