GBCSA takes up residence in a new ‘greener’ office space

The GBCSA has grown from a small start up to a fully-fledged mainstream operator, emphasised GBCSA CEO Brian Wilkinson.

The Green Building Council SA (GBCSA) has taken up residence at its inspired new green office at the Blackriver Park complex in Observatory, Cape Town.

As the commercial property industry in South Africa embraces sustainability, so the GBCSA's capacity and reach has expanded to the point where they outgrew their office space.

The GBCSA has grown from a small start up to a fully-fledged mainstream operator, emphasised GBCSA CEO Brian Wilkinson. "From just one rating tool and one certification in 2008, to four rating tools with another two in development, and almost 40 certified projects today. Close to 5 000 professionals have attended our training programs, almost 500 professionals are Green Star SA Accredited, and 1100 corporates have joined as members, showing an incredible commitment by corporate SA to sustainability in the built environment."

Designing a blank canvass
The GBCSA relished the opportunity to walk their talk, and design a space that will resonate their green building values and principles.

The new open-plan office has been designed to accommodate the future growth expected at the council, and embraces the GBCSA's increasingly flexible, collaborative, and shared approach to office space and the work environment. Besides the tangible sustainable interventions, the GBCSA have also instituted a ‘hot-desking’ system which supports flexibility, team integration and maximizes space.  Staff are also encouraged to use alternative and public transport and not to use their own cars to come to work by having less company-rented parking bays available, than staff employed.

Sharing space
As one of the founding sponsors, the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) enjoys a close collaborative relationship with the GBCSA. The Cape Town based SAPOA representative will be based in the GBCSA’s new offices going forward.

Neil Gopal, CEO of SAPOA, says: “Both SAPOA and GBCSA are committed to advancing the property sector in South Africa and delivering value to members that encourages a quality, sustainable urban environment. We’re pleased to share office space with people who also share our thinking space and look forward to the positive impact of our growing collaboration.”