Because that’s what a Green Star submission really is: proof. Not promises. Not good vibes. Not “we totally did the thing.” It’s the careful stitching together of drawings, calculations, policies, product data, procurement records, photos, sign-offs and narratives that show, credit by credit, that the project truly meets the requirements.

So when you hit submit, you do the sensible things: you check file names, you cross-reference evidence, you run internal quality checks. You tell yourself it’s strong. You remind the team the process is robust and fair.

And then you wait.

Waiting for Round 1 results is always slightly nerve-wracking, because the outcome can go either way. Assessors are highly skilled, but they’re still human — and interpretation can vary. Some are exceptionally detailed and meticulous; others take a more pragmatic, realistic approach while remaining faithful to the tool. Either way, the Round 1 report typically arrives with a range of comments: points to clarify, strengthen or refine before moving into Round 2.

That’s normal. It’s part of the rigour of Green Star.

But it also means Round 1 often determines what your next few weeks look like. A tough Round 1 can trigger a second wave of work: rewriting narratives, digging for missing proof, chasing late sign-offs, and revising documentation while everyone’s already moved on to “the next urgent thing”. A strong Round 1, on the other hand, is like a giant exhale. It’s momentum and confidence, and gives the project team the feeling, “Yes! This is landing the way we intended.”

Across more than 150 submissions, we’ve only had a handful; maybe four or five, where Round 1 came back already at 4-Star level (45 points). Those are the ones you remember, because they mean the documentation wasn’t just adequate but it was clear, complete, and hard to argue with.

And then came last week.

We received Round 1 results for two Green Star Interiors projects in Cape Town, both targeting 6 Stars… and both came back with more than 75 points approved in Round 1.

Let that sink in. More than 75 points. In Round 1. Twice.

It was exciting. It was unprecedented. It was the kind of result that makes you reread the scorecard slowly, just to check you haven’t accidentally opened someone else’s report. And when the reality finally landed, we did what any reasonable sustainability team would do.

We celebrated like we’d won the World Cup.

We danced. We messaged the team with far too many exclamation marks. We enjoyed the sweet relief of knowing we wouldn’t be spending the next few weeks revising and re-uploading document after document. And we soaked up something that’s easy to forget in the daily grind: moments like this are a real validation of quality.

Because results like these don’t happen by accident. They reflect the work done on the project, and the work done behind the scenes: planning credits early, tracking evidence properly, keeping the team aligned, and obsessing (just the right amount) over whether the submission actually tells a clear, defensible story. They also highlight the value of a Green Star AP’s role – turning good sustainability intentions into a certification-ready reality.

In a world where sustainable outcomes must be proven, not promised, a great Round 1 result is more than a score. It’s a celebration of the process done well and a reminder that, sometimes, the hard work really does pay off.

The post When Round 1 Results Feels Like Winning the World Cup appeared first on Solid Green Consulting.

Here, we share the projects that received noteworthy certifications in 2023:

Nedbank Namibia Campus, Windhoek

Client: NedProperties
SQM: 10716
Certification: Office v1.1
Rating: 6-star
Project Stage: As Built
AP: Elri Syfert

Nedbank Namibia Campus, Windhoek

Nexus, Johannesburg

Client: Attacq Properties
SQM: 7363
Certification: Office v1.1 / Net Zero Carbon
Rating: 5-star / Carbon Level 1
Project Stage: Design
AP: Elri Syfert

Nexus, Johannesburg, credit LYT Architecture

110 Oxford Road, Johannesburg

Client: Barrow
SQM: 5433
Certification: Office v1.1
Rating: 4-star
Project Stage: Design
AP: Cebisa Mafukuzela

110 Oxford Road, Johannesburg

View project page

Parklane West, Pretoria

Client: Parklane West Co-ownership
SQM: 19900
Certification: Office v1.1
Rating: 4-Star
Project Stage: As Built
AP: Zendre Compion / Ranjita Pillai

Parklane West, Pretoria

View project page

Balwin Lifestyle Centre: Greenbay Greenbarn, Gordon’s Bay

Client: Balwin Properties
SQM: 1069
Certification: Public & Education Building (PEB) Custom V1 / Net Zero Carbon
Rating: 6-star / Carbon Level 1
Project Stage: Design
AP: Jennifer Dean / Thato Molapo

Balwin Lifestyle Centre: Greenbay Greenbarn, Gordon’s Bay

View project page

Ingress, Johannesburg

Client: Attacq Properties
SQM: Building 1 – 4626 GFA; Building 2 – 4599 GFA
Certification: Office v1.1
Rating: 4-star
Project Stage: Design
AP: Gavin Westbrook / Annelide Sherratt / Jennifer Dean

Ingress, Johannesburg

View project page

Ellipse Cassini (Phase II), Midrand

Client: Attacq Properties
SQM: 16855
Certification: Multi Unit Residential (MUR) V1
Rating: 4-star
Project Stage: Design
AP: Annelide Sherratt / Jennifer Dean / Kamohelo Selepe

Ellipse Cassini (Phase II), Midrand

View project page

Rewardsco A, Durban

Client: Zenprop
SQM: 5762,81
Certification: Office v1.1
Rating: 5 Star
Project Stage: Design
AP: Makhosazana Mthethwa / Thato Molapo

Rewardsco A, Durban

5 Parks Boulevard, Johannesburg

Client: Intaprop
SQM: 9193
Certification: Office v1.1 / Net Zero Carbon
Rating: 6-star/ Carbon Level 1
Project Stage: Design
AP: Annelide Sherratt / Jennifer Dean / Kamohelo Selepe / Thato Molapo

5 Parks Boulevard, Johannesburg, credit GLH Architects and Philip Schedler Photography

View project page

ENSafrica, Cape Town

Client: ENSafrica
SQM: 5941
Certification: Interiors v1
Rating: 5-star
Project Stage: As Built
AP: Elri Syfert

ENSafrica, Cape Town

The Precinct EcoDistrict, Grand Baie, Mauritius

Client: GREA/GRIT
Certification: EcoDistrict Certified
AP: Adrie Fourie

The Precinct EcoDistrict, Grand Baie, Mauritius, credit Lar Photography

18 Holt Road, Johannesburg

Client: Fujifilm South Africa
SQM: 1628
Certification: Net Zero Carbon
Rating: Carbon Level 1
Project Stage: Design
AP: Thato Molapo

18 Holt Road, Johannesburg

Zest WEG, Western Cape

Client: West Property Fund
SQM: 3770
Certification: Net Zero Carbon
Rating: Carbon Level 1
Project Stage: Design
AP: Thato Molapo

Zest WEG, Western Cape

Lapalala Wilderness School, Limpopo

Client: Lapalala Wilderness School
SQM: 4000
Certification: Net Zero Carbon
Rating: Carbon Level 2
AP: Thato Molapo

Lapalala Wilderness School, Limpopo

The First Capital Bank Head Office, Lusaka, Zambia

Client: First Capital Bank
SQM: 3820
Certification: Green Star Office v1.1
Rating: 5-star
Project Stage: Design
AP: Annelidé Sherratt / Kagiso Sebetso

The First Capital Bank Head Office, Lusaka, Zambia

View project page

2 Pybus and 90 Rivonia in Sandton, and Rosebank Link in Rosebank

Client: Redefine Properties
Certification: Net Zero Carbon
Rating: Carbon Level 2
Project Stage: As Built
AP: Jennifer Dean

2 Pybus and 90 Rivonia in Sandton, and Rosebank Link in Rosebank

The post Showcasing our Certifications in 2023 appeared first on Solid Green Consulting.

In light of the many challenges faced by the building industry recently, we are especially proud of this achievement and of our clients for continuing to pursue their green building visions. Over the last decade, we have been honoured to work with trail blazers who have demonstrated both courage and commitment in prioritising sustainability, climate resilience and user wellbeing in the South African property sector.

Our 100^th certification milestone was marked by the successful 4-Star Green Star SA multiple building rating for Phase 1 of The Ingress office development in Waterfall City, Gauteng. This phase comprises the first two of five buildings in a 20,000sqm premium-grade commercial development by Attacq.

The Ingress

This certification follows closely on one of the first Net Positive – Carbon Level 2: Occupant Emissions (modelled) ratings in South Africa, attained by Hotel Nieu, an upmarket off-the-grid boutique hotel in Pretoria.

Hotel Nieu

Other significant certifications this year include:

• The new SABIS® International School – Runda in Nairobi, which achieved a 4-Star Green Star Africa-Kenya PEB (Public & Education Building) v1 Design Rating in April 2020. This was a Green Star regional first, and the school was presented as a case study at the World Green Building Week (21-25 September).
• The REID Lifestyle Centre, which received a 6-Star Green Star (PEB) rating. As part of a Balwin Properties upmarket lifestyle estate situated close to the Marlboro Gautrain station, the building is also targeting a Net Zero Carbon Level 2 rating.
• Growthpoint and Serra® Services recently achieved the first Green Star Existing Building Performance (EBP) rating for an industrial building in Gauteng, with a 5-Star certification for a 7400sqm facility in Meadowbrook, Germiston.

Our achievements have been made possible due to the leadership of our clients, the dedication of the professional teams we have worked with, and the ongoing hard work of our staff – thank you all!

The post Celebrating 10 Years and 100 Certifications! appeared first on Solid Green Consulting.

Steve Brookes, CEO and founder of Balwin Properties explains:

Balwin Properties is a proudly South African residential development company. We pride ourselves on developing affordable, eco-friendly apartments and strive to be national leaders in building green. Our valued clients reap the benefit of this

Over the years we have introduced several innovations to make our developments more energy efficient, helping our customers manage their carbon footprint while reducing the burden of the cost of energy. Now our customers can apply for an ABSA Eco Home Loan, an added benefit of purchasing an EDGE-certified Balwin Properties home.

The Reid lifestyle centre includes business, leisure and sporting amenities such as boardroom facilities; a restaurant, cinema and games room; a children’s play area; and a gym, swimming pool and sports fields.

As a fundamental part of the offering to residents, the lifestyle centre’s focus was on passive design and responding to the development’s unique context. Photo credit RDF Photo for Balwin Properties.

Photo credit RDF Photo for Balwin Properties.

Wetland Rehabilitation

Nomamfengu Mbele, Sustainable Building Consultant at Solid Green Consulting, explains that the siting of the project provided interesting opportunities for the professional team.

The site – to the east of the N3 (Eastern Bypass), south of Marlboro Drive (M60) and north of London Road (M40) in the Linbro Park area – falls outside the Central Business District, and contains a wetland. This challenging location encouraged the team to consider sustainability initiatives which ensure that the development is contributing to its environment – including the development of a watercourse management plan; wetland rehabilitation; and a focus on ensuring minimal light pollution from the lifestyle centre.

The upgrade to the degraded wetland system, which is directly adjacent to the lifestyle centre, included using the wetlands as an attenuation and water treatment system for stormwater. The lifestyle centre opens towards the wetland area, and the landscape design integrates the swimming pool and restaurant with the wetland area. A nature trail through the wetland is also part of the wetland rehabilitation plan.

The pool and its water fountain are biophilic elements that create both visual and auditory interest. Photo credit RDF Photo for Balwin Properties.

Photo credit RDF Photo for Balwin Properties.

Resource Efficiency

Mbele explains that, as the lifestyle centre is targeting a net-zero carbon rating, its 15kWp photovoltaic solar system will be expected to meet 100% of the building energy’s needs – which is also possible thanks to the array of energy efficiency measures that have been implemented. All enclosed spaces are individually switched, making it easy to light only occupied areas. And zoning does not end at the lighting system – the HVAC units have motion sensors that switch the units off if spaces remain unoccupied for a predetermined time. Balwin is targeting an overall energy consumption of -9kWh/m2/year, far less than the 125kWh/m2/year SANS10400 XA requirement.

Air quality sensors were installed to continuously measure the air quality, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter (dust) and nitrogen dioxide in the centre. This information, together with data on energy and water consumption, is displayed publicly throughout the building as a learning resource, because the behaviour of users is critical to reducing consumption. Circuit level monitoring has also been implemented, which allows for a more specific data collection process from individual circuits to optimise operations and align with net-zero carbon reporting requirements.

The overall water demand of the building has been reduced to 800m³ per annum through the use of water efficient fittings, xeriscape landscaping and a grey water system installed to reuse water used in the laundromat.

As client, contractor and quantity surveyor on the project, Balwin Properties paid attention to the selection of construction materials as well as waste management practices. This includes specifying concrete types which result in a 40% reduction of the quantity of Portland cement, steel products with 90% recycled content, and masonry units with a minimum of 20% perforation. Balwin also committed to 20% of the project contract value being dedicated to products sourced within 400km of the site; and 1% of the project contract’s value comprises recycled/reused materials. An internal waste recycling storage area has also been provided, which allows for occupants to further divert waste away from landfill.

Large overhangs and clerestory windows enable ample natural light without glare. Photo for Balwin Properties.

Indoor Environment

The concept for The Reid was urban living surrounded by natural beauty, and the interior spaces are all aimed at creating a mood of rest and wellbeing through the use of colour, light and texture.

Gabriel Hugo of LYT Architecture says that focus was placed on creating ambient light without glare, that changes over the course of the day as the sun shifts. “This was done using large overhangs, south-facing clerestory windows and rotatable shading screens. The ample natural light thus provided, together with views over the adjacent wetland, provide a strong sense of seasonal and diurnal cycles.”

“Balwin’s Lifestyle Centres are a fundamental part of their offering to residents,” says Verissimo Tavares, Director at VTC Architecture.

From an architectural perspective, the focus was on passive design and responding to the development’s unique context. Natural lighting and ventilation, together with insulation for optimal thermal control, have created a very pleasant interior environment.

Sustainability is also about how the building is used by people, now and into the future. This lifestyle centre building is people-centred and fit-for-purpose, with a scale that is appropriate to this development. I believe that it works well for the residents and will serve its purpose for a long time to come.

The centre’s windows have openable sections and, in spaces where this was not possible, wall vents have been installed to allow fresh air to circulate. In the gym, wall fans have been installed in strategic positions, to push the fresh air through the space.

To enhance the connection to nature, several biophilic features were incorporated. These include the use of natural material such as timber and stonework in the interiors, views over the wetland, and elements that evoke nature – such as the pool and its water fountain which creates both visual and auditory interest. The objective of this connection with natural systems is to heighten both awareness of nature and, hopefully, encourage environmental stewardship of the surrounding ecosystems.

Healthy materials were also specified where possible which, Hugo says, is becoming a norm in the industry.

Most construction industry suppliers are conscious of green design so there is quite a wide variety of products available. This dynamic has changed a lot in the last 10 years – sustainability has become a selling point for suppliers.

Interior spaces are all aimed at creating a mood of rest and wellbeing through the use of colour, light and texture. Photo credit LYT Architecture for Balwin Properties

Photo credit LYT Architecture for Balwin Properties.

Knowledge & Innovation

“Growing the knowledge economy is essential in these times of climate- and health-related stresses,” says Marloes Reinink, Director at Solid Green.

In order to respond responsibly to user needs, clients and professionals need up-to-date, quality, accessible data to inform their decision-making processes on new projects. This is why we applaud two of Balwin’s initiatives that allowed us to target Green Star Innovation points for this project – financial transparency and upskilling of the professional team.

Mbele explains that Balwin committed to sharing the financial information related to the design, construction and operation of The Reid Lifestyle Centre with the GBCSA, thus contributing to the body of research regarding assumptions surrounding ‘additional costs’ associated with sustainable developments. The project also committed to providing the contracting and design team with greater knowledge and skills on the entire Green Star certification process through the GSSAAP Online Course, which will also benefit future Balwin projects.

Additional Innovation points were gained by targeting two certifications – both the 6-Star Green Star PEB Design rating and the Net-zero Carbon Level 2 (Operational Emissions) rating. This encouraged the team to rethink their typical development processes to include sustainability initiatives from the outset of the development. In addition, the Residential Density of the estate was increased to over 70du/ha, and motorized transport was discouraged by ensuring that living units are within walkable distance of the Lifestyle Centre with its many amenities; and by designating parking spaces near building entrances for occupants with zero to low carbon-emitting modes of transport.

Balwin’s ambitious targets for The Reid Lifestyle Centre have created a new standard for developments of this nature, by demonstrating that a more responsible way of developing and operating can become business as usual.

Large overhangs and clerestory windows enable ample natural light without glare. Photo credit RDF Photo for Balwin Properties.

Professional Team:

Owner: Balwin Properties
Main Contractor: Balwin Properties
Project Manager: Balwin Properties
Quantity Surveyor: Balwin Properties
Architects: VTC Architecture
Electrical Engineer: RWP Taemane
Electrical Contractor: Romor Electrical Wholesalers
Mechanical Engineer: Airtech Services
Traffic Engineer: Kantey & Templer
Landscaping Consultant: LEAP
Interior Architect: LYT Architecture
Sustainable Building Consultant: Solid Green Consulting

The post REID Lifestyle Centre targets Green Star & Net-Zero certifications appeared first on Solid Green Consulting.

78 Corlett – developed by Legaro Properties, designed by Daffonchio & Associates Architects and with Solid Green Consulting as green building specialists – won the prestigious OVERALL GREEN AWARD. As one of the first projects in Africa to be certified Net Zero, 78 Corlett Drive in Johannesburg is leading the local green building sector into a new phase of evolution. The project was awarded a Net Zero Carbon (Pilot) Level 1 Certification in late November 2017, and a 6-star Green Star Office V1.1 Design certification in January 2018.

According to SAPOA Awards committee chairperson, Zinon Marinakos, the convention is hailed as the most prestigious networking event on South Africa’s built environment calendar, and this year commands even more prominence as a milestone for the industry across the country and beyond. Marinakos said:

The Judges reviewed each submission per category based on the evaluation criteria. Over and above the category winners, there were also overall awards including the Transformation Award, Heritage Award, Overall Green Award and The Overall Winner for 2019.

The accolades were awarded as follows:

• CORPORATE OFFICE DEVELOPMENTS: Discovery Joint Venture
• COMMERCIAL OFFICE DEVELOPMENTS: Sable Park – Century City
• INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT: Cummins Southern Africa
• INNOVATIVE AWARD: Witklipfontein Eco Lodge
• INTERIORS AWARD: Discovery Place Interiors
• OTHER DEVELOPMENT: Norval Foundation
• REFURBISHMENTS: 33 Baker Street
• REFURBISHMENTS RETAIL: Eastgate Redevelopment and Contemporisation
• RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS: Embassy Towers
• RETAIL DEVELOPMENTS: Flamingo Shopping Centre
• RURAL DEVELOPMENTS: Thavani Mall
• INTERNATIONAL: Hilton Garden Inn
• OVERALL TRANSFORMATION AWARD: CTICC II
• OVERALL HERITAGE AWARD: Battery Park
• OVERALL GREEN AWARD: 78 Corlett Drive
• OVERALL WINNER: Discovery Joint Venture

The post 78 Corlett wins Overall Green Award at SAPOA appeared first on Solid Green Consulting.

The office park is designed to be a flagship of 21st century conurbation lifestyle, focussing on sustainable values and quality of life where professional, private and social needs are met within an inclusive community that has a genuine local spirit and cosmopolitan flavour. Located within convenient proximity to the SSR International Airport, its cargo logistics, Freeport zones, and the business-oriented Holiday Inn hotel, Mon Trésor Business Gateway specifically serves airport-related business and transits.

Mon Trésor Business Gateway

As part of the Mon Trésor Smart City, the office park is developed around a ‘live-work-play’ concept, incorporating environmental and sustainable practices from design through to construction. The building compromises a basement level, a podium level and three office blocks, all complete with roads, infrastructure, external works, hard landscaping, and related facilities. The nearby Airport Mall provides convenient access to facilities such as a pharmacy, gym, bank, cinema, post office, retail outlets, hair salon, convenience store, restaurant and playground.

Because consumption information is key to understanding and managing building systems efficiently, and to assessing opportunities for energy savings, the building was fitted with an integrated BMS system to record and log all energy and water usage within the building. This data can be displayed in real time. Sub-meters, linked to the BMS for the monitoring of energy consumption, were installed for substantive energy uses of 100kVA or more and separately for lighting, power and HVAC in each distribution board on each floor.

Energy strategies were implemented to reduce overall energy consumption and its associated cost, together with greenhouse gas emissions associated with operational energy consumption. An energy model of the building was generated in the design stage, which showed an improvement over a SANS 10400 notional building. The HVAC system, the most efficient available at present, is a cooled air system making use of minimal water usage.

With occupant wellbeing in mind, a high level of thermal comfort was ensured by addressing the internal operative temperatures through modelling. Due to the local climate, no heating was required, and the HVAC system provides temperature control to individual delimited areas. No hot water is provided, further reducing energy consumption.

The whole building is equipped with low consumption LED lights with light intensity and motion detector sensors, and fixed shading equipment for luminosity control. The sensors allow the building management team to set the general light level in the office space or to individually set a specific light intensity in a specific zone.

Water closets, urinals and tap fixtures were all specified to be water efficient with a low flow flush rate to reduce and control water consumption. This consumption is effectively monitored by water meters for all major water uses and an effective automated mechanism for monitoring water consumption data. This monitoring system will also be able to detect leaks and alert the FM team accordingly, ensuring that little to no water is wasted.

Water for irrigation purposes is sourced from an existing sewerage treatment plant (STP) located at the nearby Holiday Inn Hotel. In addition, the development was designed to minimize storm water run-off and the pollution of natural watercourses.

In terms of encouraging non-motorised transport, 48 secured bicycle bays and changing facilities with 58 lockers were provided for staff, as well as 16 visitor bicycle bays. Convenient cycling routes were identified between the office development and the adjacent street network, marked with specific signage. 20 parking bays were reserved for fuel-efficient transport, and 20 for 2-wheeled vehicles.

Finally, a waste recycling storage area was provided to encourage recycling of resources used within the building to reduce waste going to landfill – for paper and cardboard; plastic, glass and cans; metals; and general waste.

With this certification, the Mon Trésor Business Gateway has succeeded in setting a new benchmark for commercial developments in Mauritius. Annelide Sherratt, the Accredited Professional on the project from Solid Green Consulting says:

It is a great privilege to be part of a project that is a first in its country, demonstrating leadership in sustainability. Through their effective relationship, Solid Green Consulting and local partner Enerxis Solutions where able to ensure that the project achieved it’s targeted 4-Star Green Star SA Office v1.1 Design rating. We look forward to commencing with the As Built certification.

For more information about this project, see the project page for Mon Trésor Business Gateway.

The post Mon Trésor: Mauritius’ first Green Star certification appeared first on Solid Green Consulting.

Over the last eight years, Solid Green has committed to creating a better living environment for all, not only through its extensive consultancy and certification services, but also through the research and development of online tools to better service its clients’ needs – Solid XA and Solid Insight. And, with all 12 team members qualified as Green Star SA Accredited Professionals (GSSAAP), and key team members also holding LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), EDGE AP (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) and WELL AP accreditations, Solid Green is actively harnessing its expertise to serve this sector through advocacy and mentorship.

Mon Trésor Business Gateway is the first Green Star certified project in Mauritius.

Two important ‘first’ Green Star certifications in the last year include the Mon Trésor Business Gateway, the first Green Star certified project in Mauritius which achieved a 4-Star Green Star SA Office Design v1.1 certification in July 2018; and 78 Corlett Drive, which received a 6-Star Green Star SA Office Design Rating as well as a Net Zero Carbon Pilot Rating from the GBCSA at the end of November 2017.

78 Corlett Drive achieved a 6-Star Green Star SA Office Design Rating as well as a Net Zero Carbon Pilot Rating at the end of November 2017.

Moving beyond buildings into the public realm, Solid Green is currently consulting on four of the first thirteen projects that are piloting the GBCSA’s new Green Star Sustainable Precincts tool, including Sandton Gate and Oxford Parks. The company was also the EDGE Auditor on Belhar Gardens Rental Estate in the Western Cape, the first affordable housing project in South Africa to achieve an EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certification from the GBCSA.

Sandton Gate (above) and Oxford Parks (below) are two of the first thirteen projects that are piloting the GBCSA’s new Green Star Sustainable Precincts tool.

Oxford Parks

Belhar Gardens Rental Estate in the Western Cape was the first affordable housing project in South Africa to achieve an EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certification.

A strong believer in leading by example, Solid Green’s own office in Rosebank, Johannesburg, is the first project in Africa to make it onto the Biophilic Map. The map, which is hosted by the International Living Future Institute’s Biophilic Design Initiative, recognizes exemplary projects in articulating and applying Biophilic Design principles to the built environment.

Belhar Gardens Rental Estate in the Western Cape was the first affordable housing project in South Africa to achieve an EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certification.

The company’s office was awarded a prestigious LEED Platinum certification for Commercial interiors and the first 6-Star Green Star SA Interiors v1 certification in 2016; and won the Highest Rated Building category at the Green Star SA Leadership Awards in July of the same year.

Solid Green offices.

The company is also actively involved in policy development throughout Africa and, on 29 August 2017, Nigeria’s first Building Energy Efficiency Code (BEEC) was officially launched in Abuja by the Federal Minister for Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN). Solid Green was commissioned as technical consultant on the project, and Director, Chilufya Lombe, spoke at the launch event. Lombe says:

With the energy scarcity that is common in Africa, energy efficiency becomes very important in allowing and maintaining development. In Nigeria, we have found that it is easier to build a building to consume 30 to 40% less energy than to pay to add renewable technology onto an inefficient building. In other words, we are talking about buildings that perform well from a first principles point of view.

Advocacy is a crucial part of the company’s mandate. In 2016, Marloes Reinink, founding Director, signed up to become South Africa’s first ambassador for the Living Building Challenge. Possibly the most rigorous green building certification programme and sustainable design framework in the world, the Living Building Challenge is developed by the International Living Future Institute (ILFI) with the mandate of leading transformation toward a civilization that is socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative. Solid Green is currently working with US-based architectural firm, A-I-R Inc, on two residential projects in Cape Town that are registered to be Full Living Buildings under the Challenge. Reinink says, “This work keeps me motivated and realistic that there is still a long way to go in terms of greening the built environment.”

The Living Building Challenge Standard is possibly the most rigorous green building design framework in the world.

In addition to advocacy, training and mentorship form part of the Solid Green mandate. Three staff members sit on the GBCSA faculty, providing training to enhance the understanding of Green Star tools and certifications in the building industry. A contingent of five also sits on the GBCSA assessment panel, carrying out submission assessments; while two more representatives serve on the GBCSA Assessment Committee, whose responsibility it is to ensure that the certification assessments and assessment processes remain of the highest quality.

In addition, Lombe is currently mentoring start-up organisation, Khora Group – headed up by Katlego Mothapo – which was accepted into the Innovation Hub’s Climate and Innovation Centre (CIC). This incubation programme provides advisory and support services, networking opportunities and access to finance for start-up companies in the green or sustainable sector.

And, in its quest to change mindsets and stay at the forefront of thought leadership, Solid Green is proud to be a partner in the newly-launched GreenED, an online resource offering best-in-class online and contextual learning on sustainable design in the built environment and green rating certifications.

The company has been acknowledged on numerous occasions for its dedication and hard work. Since 2011, directors, staff members and projects have received fourteen Green Star SA Leadership Awards in total, with the Established Green Star awarded to Marloes Reinink in 2013, and Chilufya Lombe in 2014. Last year, the company was Runner Up for the ‘10 Year Award for the Consulting Company with the Highest Number of Certifications’ in South Africa.

Says Reinink:

We are proud of our achievements and meaningful contributions to the green building sector. Our vision for the future is to maintain our current services in the South African industry and grow our activities and impact into Africa, where real change is needed in terms of how buildings are delivered in order to keep up with the current pace of development on the continent.

The post Solid Green scores its Half Century on Green Building Certifications! appeared first on Solid Green Consulting.

In the piece, Marloes gives experienced advice on the many misconceptions in the Green Building Industry (such as the expensive vs benefits), the changes and trials to be expected moving forward, as well as offering some solid advice to aspiring Green Building Consultants.

The full article can be downloaded in pdf here.

Earth Works magazine can be accessed here.

The post Marloes featured in Earth Works Magazine appeared first on Solid Green Consulting.