Abland earns 4-Star Green rating on R1.7bn Alice Lane mixed-use development

Located in the heart of Sandton, the prominent 4-Star Green Building forms part of Abland’s larger R1.7-billion mixed-use development on Alice Lane, which will comprise of three phases.

Sandton’s select address, Alice Lane is now home to a 4 Star Green Star SA rated office, as developer Abland receives certification from the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) for the design of their prestigious Sandton project.

Located in the heart of Sandton, with easy access to the Gautrain station, malls, embassies, hotels and offices, the prominent new green building forms part of Abland’s larger R1.7-billion mixed-use development on Alice Lane, which will comprise of three phases.

“Abland is very proud of having achieved this Green Star SA rating, and has committed to constructing the second and third buildings at Alice Lane as Green Star SA buildings, to create the first Green Star rated precinct in the area,” says Abland project manager Janet Glendinning.

Solid Green owner and consultant Marloes Reinink explains that Abland, in conjunction with the future tenants of the building, started with the Green Star SA certification early on in the design process, making it simpler.

The development of the Alice Lane site will involve the construction of three new office towers linked by a central landscaped piazza - a pedestrian friendly, naturally greened environment. A first for the Sandton area, it will be an asset to tenants and visitors, incorporating convenience and service retail such as a bank, restaurants, hairdressers, dry cleaners and convenience food outlets.

The first 18 000m2 building, on Fredman Drive, is under construction and will be completed and occupied by August this year. The second building, situated on the Alice Lane side of the property will be 16,000m2 and will be ready for occupation in September 2014.

The third, and final building on the property, will be on the prime Alice Lane and Fifth Street corner.

Green Lease unlocks benefits
The building will also be one of the first in South Africa to negotiate a ‘Green Lease’, which is vital to ensuring that green buildings live up to their promise, and operate at optimum levels. Reinink notes that developing a Green Lease is a significant achievement, particularly since there are numerous parties involved, including developers, tenants, facilities managers, and lawyers, for example.

From the outset, all involved in the development were aware of their roles, and the different benefits they would derive from the green building.

Green features
Location to amenities such as public transport, and facilities within the building, such as the gym and coffee shops, play a significant role in achieving the Green Star SA rating, as this makes transport (with its associated emissions) and access to the building more efficient.

The building boasts green features such as energy efficient lighting and air-conditioning systems, and is designed in such a way that a maximum amount of natural light is let into the building.

The offices will be finished with paints, adhesives and carpets that are low in volatile organic compounds, thus making it a healthier space to work in.

GBCSA milestone
The awarding of Abland’s Green Star SA certification brings to 30 the number of certifications awarded by the GBCSA - another milestone signaling the transition of green building into the mainstream in South Africa.

Established in 2007, it has taken the GBCSA time and effort to gain momentum, but a tipping point has been reached, and the number of Green Star SA certifications has doubled every year since 2009 year-on-year.

Considering the number of developments registered for certification, the GBCSA looks forward to increasing the total number of certifications in South Africa to 60 by the end of 2013.

“The 30 certifications achieved to date have made a significant difference to the built environment in South Africa,” emphasises GBCSA Technical Executive Manfred Braune.

Over 3 000 people have attended educational courses run by the GBCSA, and there are now more than 400 Green Star SA accredited professionals in South Africa.

The combined dedication of the GBCSA, property developers such as Abland, accredited professionals in the form of consultants, architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, and contractors means that South Africa is transforming and lessening the impact of the built environment on the natural environment, and enhancing quality of life, whilst making greater business sense.