During its annual green building convention and exhibition, the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) will award Aurecon Engineering and Rabie Property Group for developing the first 5 star certified green building in South Africa. A leader in global engineering, management and specialist technical services, Aurecon’s new regional office in Century City exemplifies their loyalty and expertise to the green building movement. Energy-saving features go beyond the regular solar heating systems and include the implementation of a ‘green lease’ which ensures that the landlord and tenant follow the outlined green principles.

The Aurecon building makes use of renewable energy in two primary areas. Firstly, its state of the art air-conditioning system has a full economy cycle, meaning that cooling can be freely supplied when outside conditions are favourable. Secondly, flushing toilets use treated effluent irrigation and harvested rain water for their water supply. Further green features include its highly resistant glaze windows that minimise glare and radiant heat and a Building Management System that monitors and controls energy consumption, making it the showcase of the nine certified green buildings in South Africa. Ultimately it was the green building design that secured its five star rating. Its orientation optimises the correct exposure to sunlight and the building rests on a podium to promote natural ventilation to the semi-basement parking level.

The conference will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from the 26-28 October and includes workshops, exhibits and talks led by local and international leaders of the green movement which are sure to inspire. Brands have the opportunity to sponsor convention items and gain targeted exposure whilst companies have a dedicated space to demonstrate green building materials and products as well as eco-friendly services. According to the Green Building Council of South Africa, buildings are responsible for over 40% of the world’s energy consumption, so whether you’re designing a 5 star green building or buying led light bulbs for your home, the built environment can be developed into a sustainable one.