The concept of living a green lifestyle and indulging green infrastructure and building construction projects and developments was perceived to be “cool” and a great way of attracting column space and exposure in media platforms. It cost money to be a “greenie”, whether on a personal or business level, making it an indication of wealth and ingenuity.

Thankfully this perception is now recent history and the investing in green buildings is not a luxury reserved for a select few.

South Africa remains ranked as one the world’s most energy intensive nations; however, it is also fingered as one of the worst performing in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. This makes for unsurprising analysis as the country’s energy production stems from the burning of coal.

Worldwide, the coal industry is experiencing increasing pressure as it is recognised as one of the significant forces behind climate change and ecological destruction. With these factors in mind the South African government is taking steps to improve the country’s energy efficiencies.

The Department of Environmental Affairs is leading the charge towards a greener economy and will soon occupy its green head office building in Pretoria. The completely green approach taken in the design and construction of the building, bears testimony to the department’s commitment to a low-carbon and resource-efficient green future.

Chief Director: facilities management, Department of Environmental Affairs, Edwin Maseda, says, “Our new head office complex is energy efficient, resource efficient and environmentally responsible as it it incorporates design, construction and operational practices that significantly reduce or eliminate the negative impact of development on the environment and occupants.”

South Africa’s greenhouse gas emission profile reveals that the bulk of our emissions are from the energy sector as it contributes 79% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions. The Department of Environmental Affairs’ new head office building has 10% of its energy being generated by a mini solar plant on its roof. The plant comprises 1 200 photo-voltaic solar panels which can generate some 425 kWp.

The combined green technologies used in the building have earned it a 6-Star rating by the Green Building Council of South Africa.