South Africa 'shows interest in green building'

Office design news from Morgan Lovell

Published on 13-07-2007

Sustainability in construction is being adopted in South Africa, a new report claims.

According to Engineering News, while the country is not making strides in green building by the standards of the developed world, built environment professionals are beginning to consider the implications of sustainability in construction.

"Common misperceptions such as green building being a costly exercise are not necessarily true, as there is a great deal that can be achieved simply by using good design," Spire Property Services managing director Bruce Kerswill told the publication.

As well as reducing South Africa's carbon footprint, implementing green building practices could improve skills and training in the country and further its economic prosperity, the report suggests.

It cites the development of the Green Building Council of South Africa, set to be established by early 2008, as evidence that sustainability is taking hold.

The organisation is to seek affiliation with the World Green Building Council.

Meanwhile, the US Green Building Council recently accepted its 10,000th member firm.