Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Sustainability is no longer just a trend, but a necessity. This is the standard we align to.
buildings. The rating ensures that the original environmental intentions in the design phase were adhered to, and includes environmental monitoring of procedures on site during construction, as built ratings can only be awarded once buildings have been completed and occupied.
“SA has two certified Green Star multi-unit residential projects: No 2 Silo is the first project to be certified under MURT v1 and another multiuse residential development has previously been certified under the pilot rating scheme,” says GBCSA chief executive Brian Wilkinson.
The GBSA developed the Green Star rating system to provide an objective measurement for green buildings and to recognise and reward environmental leadership. Sustainable buildings are designed and constructed according to high environmental standards, minimising energy demand, reducing water consumption and making use of materials with a low impact on the environment.
The aim is to create healthier and more productive environments for people to live and work in.
For the No 1 Silo Green Star rating various sustainability factors were considered, such as environmental initiatives contained in the building plan, management, indoor environmental quality, energy, transport, water, materials, land use and ecology and emissions and innovation.
V& A chief executive, David Green, says that sustainability is balancing the human need for natural resources while preserving the environment so that these needs can be met in the present and for generations to come.
“Sustainability is no longer just a trend, but a necessity. This is the standard we align to. Sustainable building and greening practices are at the core of business practice and past, current and future developments at the V&A Waterfront,” says Green.
“No 2 Silo draws on international best practice design to offer functional cutting-edge environmental solutions. Examples include the use of low-energy lighting and high-performance glass with excellent temperature and acoustic insulation properties. Timber has been sourced from suppliers that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Other environmental innovations include the use of seawater as a cooling agent, a centralised solarheated hot-water system and external solar shading. Water-efficient showers, toilets and energy and water-efficient kitchen appliances, energy saving devices and a website allowing homeowners to track and manage their water and energy consumption, are all included.”
Other features include a communal rooftop entertainment and relaxation area.
Facilities comprise a gas braai area, an ozonated solar-heated pool and a waterwise garden – all with sea and mountain views. As part of the 24/7 urban philosophy, No 2 Silo residential development will also offer a 24-hour security system, private secure parking for all residents, and a concierge service that will attend to all management and security issues.
The seven-storey No 2 Silo residential development, on the water’s edge in Silo Square next to No 1 Silo, will have 31 apartments with one or two bedrooms, ranging in size from 70m² to 157m².
Silo Square will embrace the historic landmarks of the former grain elevator and silo buildings, which will become the centrepiece of a public plaza that will incorporate public space and commercial development, says Green.