News
Green Star – Communities Pilot Projects Launch in SA
The Green Building Council South Africa announced the launch of the locally applicable version of the Green Star Communities rating tool in South Africa. This tool acts as a valuable framework that drives the development of more sustainable precincts and neighbourhoods, ultimately making African cities more sustainable.
Brian Wilkinson, Green Building Council South Africa CEO, says that green building and sustainability in the environment is about more than merely buildings. It is also about the connections, spaces and infrastructure between the buildings, a neighbourhood, precinct or a city. At this scale, it’s easy to see the real impact of sustainability, and make the connection between numerous daily activities between work, home, gym, entertainment and school.
Evaluating the Sustainability Attributes of Cities
The Green Star – Communities was developed by the Green Building Council Australia, and is charged with evaluating the sustainability attributes of the planning, construction and design of large-scale development projects at a neighbourhood, precinct or community level. This tool also assists governments, contractors and development project teams who aim to deliver large-scale sustainable developments to provide diverse and affordable, inclusive places to work, live and play.
It also helps to protect, maintain and restore the natural environment, by reducing the ecological footprint of developments. The tool is being launched in South Africa through a stakeholder engagement process including a number of pilot neighbourhood scale projects. By focussing on sustainability in commercial buildings as well, this tool sets the benchmark for green rated buildings, helping future landlords and owners to make informed purchasing decisions.
It also helps to keep energy costs down, while reducing business’ dependence on electricity. This can, and will eventually, have a big impact on the value of buildings and their appeal to forward thinking companies, as more businesses look towards minimizing their carbon footprint.
Image courtesy of : The Green Building Council SA