Green buildings save water and the planet

WHAT saves enough water to meet the daily needs of 550 000 people each year? Just 300 resource-efficient buildings certified by the Green Building Council South Africa, said chief executive Dorah Modise.

“The Green Building Council is meaningfully contributing to the planet,” Modise told a crowded conference room at the 10th Green Building Convention held in the Century City Conference Centre this week.

In 2018, the proportion of green buildings will climb from 2017’s 41% to 61% of all South African building projects. The council certifies buildings according to the Green Star rating system, and these buildings are recognised for their resource efficiencies, which are rated in minute detail using sustainability indicators on every aspect of the development, from light and water fixtures to paint and carpeting.

Local job creation is the result. “If developers want a high Green Star rating for their building, the Local Content category points, gained for using a local supply chain of sustainable materials and skills, is a key contributor,” Modise said. As established corporates order new green products from SMMEs, the general skills base increases to accommodate the growing demand.

Initiating this cycle are a growing number of green building council-accredited sector experts. This year one training group consisted of 200 individuals.

Most firms give the motivation for their green builds as “the right thing to do”, said Modise. However, with extended irregular rainfall affecting the country, especially the Western Cape, along with continued increases in electricity and fuel prices, the right thing to do is also often the most financially prudent. Beyond cheaper running costs, green buildings show a higher return on investment.

Rudolf Pienaar, chair of the green building council, said: “Green buildings consider people first, and we urgently need to build better to enable thriving communities, better businesses, efficient cities and a sustain- able economy.” The council strategy has matured since the South African Property Owners Association’s initial sponsorship paid for the development of a rating tool relevant to South African conditions. “Today there are 10 rating tools, including a world-first framework to build better places for people,” said Pienaar.

The council continues to grow exponentially. “It took six years to certify the first 100 buildings, and just two and a half years to certify the next 200. Plus we’ve signed up all municipalities in the country through an agreement with the South African Local Government Association,” said Pienaar. Local Context Reports have been developed for Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda, Namibia and Mauritius to initiate growth in their green building sectors.

The success of the green building council as an economic and social imperative depends on collaboration, said Pienaar. Citing hurricanes in the Americas, the crippling drought in the Western Cape and violent storms in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal this week, he said the effects of global warming are real. “A significant 23% of greenhouse gases stem from buildings. If we don’t act now, and fast, there will be no chance of achieving reduced carbon emission targets.” – Property Writer