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Project: Vodafone Site Solution Innovation Centre in Midrand, South Africa

Sara Pepitone -- Interior Design, 10/1/2012 4:33:00 PM

Project: Vodafone Site Solution Innovation Centre (SSIC)
Location: Midrand, South Africa

Architect: GLH and Associates Architects
Completed: January 2012
Square feet: 5,000

The Vodafone Site Solution Innovation Centre in South Africa is the first building to achieve 6-Star Green Star SA certification, which is similar to LEED Platinum. It is, in fact, is the only 6-Star rated building to date and was build as a concept building, to showcase innovative techniques and design for construction, electrical, mechanical, and wet services. But it's also the working home of innovation for the telecommunications firm, generating 215% of it's own power requirements.

"The financial case for green buildings is being proven worldwide, and the message of improved returns from buildings, lower operating costs, and increased productivity is an important part of our work," says Bruce Kerswill, executive chairman, Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA), which recently released "The Rands and Sense of Green Buildings," a study on the benefits of green building. Research shows that sustainble structures use 25 to 50% less energy and water, rent at fees 5 to 6% higher, are valued between 11 and 12% higher, see staff productivity improvements of between 5% and 20%, show improved ability to attract and retain tenants, and more.

It seems the Vodafone SSIC will soon see healthy competition from a crop of new, high-performing green buildings in South Africa.