Environment House 6-star Green Building
SOUTH AFRICA’S NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN (NDP) 2030 indicates that all new buildings are to meet the energy efficiency criteria set out in South African National Standard 204, by 2030.
In keeping with it commitment to the NDP, the green economy and the environment, the Department of Environmental Affairs commissioned a green building for its new head office in Tshwane.
Environment House is first government building and the first building in the City of Tshwane to be awarded a 6Star Green rating by the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA).
The green building is an investment by government, designed to meet the green output specifications outlined in the Climate Change Policy that emphasises the use of sustain- able materials, promotes urban greening, as well as energy and water efficiency.
President Jacob Zuma officially opened Environment House on 17 October 2014. Speaking at the launch, the President congratulated the DEA for the 6-Green Star rating it received.
“With the opening of this building, we are showing a bold commitment to lower emissions and our commitment to the Green Economy.
“South Africa has relatively high emissions for a developing country and we should make the most of every opportunity to change this trajectory, hence we have developed the National Climate Change Response Policy.”
The President also urged citizens to go green in order to save the country from unexpected drought and less rainfall. “The world is experienc- tors and every South African to go green as much as possible. We should do so to save our planet and to save our country.”
The CEO of GBCSA, Brian Wilkinson, praised the DEA for its green initiative and for promoting the green economy.
“This landmark new green building represents a major commitment by the government to green building and sustainable development.
“We welcome the green leadership shown.” He encouraged the department to continue utilising the natural characteristics it features for future endorsements.
“The DEA’s head office made green building history as the first South African government building to be awarded the 6-Star rating and the second building overall in the country.
“As the biggest owner of property in the country and one of the biggest occupiers of office buildings, the government is a key stakeholder.
“It can play a crucial role in driving the development of green buildings within its own portfolio and incentivising the private sector by occupying office buildings that are green rated.”
Green buildings have the potential to make a significant impact in terms of reducing South Africa’s electricity consumption.
The global economy is rapidly transforming to a low-carbon economy.
A transition to a more sustainable development path will help to open up new investment opportunities and export markets; support the creation of knowledge-based economy and allow South Africa to set standards and demonstrate thought leadership.