The Vodacom Cape Town regional head office in Century City recently received the coveted Green Building Council SA accolade, signifying Vodacom's commitment to promoting the transformation of the built environment towards one that is sustainable (buildings and cities that are environmentally sensitive, economically viable, socially just and culturally significant).
The Century City building, which was constructed in the year 2000, underwent a significant refurbishment, which includes improvements in energy and water consumption, as well as indoor environmental quality. The building now employs green cleaning principles, indoor air quality management and follows a rigorous occupant feedback process. The R16 million investment in energy optimisation has yielded electricity savings of 20 Gwh and reduced our carbon footprint by approximately 20 000 mtCO2. Vodacom has collaborated with WSP Africa to implement sustainable interventions at the telco provider’s Cape Town regional head office – targeting a Green Star Existing Building Performance Rating through the Green Building Council SA (GBCSA).
What is green building?
Green building, or sustainable design, is the practice of increasing the efficiency with which buildings and their sites use energy, water, and materials, and of reducing impacts on human health and the environment for the entire lifecycle of a building. Green-building concepts extend beyond the walls of buildings and include site planning, community and land-use planning issues as well.
Why is green building important?
The growth and development of our communities has a large impact on our natural environment. The manufacturing, design, construction and operation of the buildings in which we live and work are responsible for the consumption of many of our natural resources.
Environmental benefits of green building:
- Enhance and protect biodiversity and ecosystems
- Improve air and water quality
- Reduce waste streams
- Conserve and restore natural resources
Economic benefits of green building:
- Reduce operating costs
- Improve occupant productivity
- Enhance asset value and profits
- Optimise life-cycle economic performance
Social benefits of green building:
- Enhance occupant health and comfort
- Improve indoor air quality
- Minimise strain on local utility infrastructure
- Improve overall quality of life
Vodacom Century City Green credentials
The Green credentials of Vodacom's Century City regional head office include:
Solid Waste Management: In order to ensure recycling is improved and that the amount of solid waste going to landfill is reduced
Green Procurement: To ensure that the purchasing of operational consumables associated to the building are carefully selected in order to minimise impacts on the environment
Green Cleaning: Exchange of standard cleaning consumables with a range of environmentally friendly cleaning products that reduce negative impacts on occupants
Green Travel: This encourages the investigation of alternative transportation such as carpooling, public transport, walking and cycling
Indoor Air Quality Management: To ensure that the air in the usable area is of great standard, which improves productivity and occupant well-being
Grounds-Keeping Practices: Includes landscape, hard surfaces and integrated pest management plans which encourages operations that are environmentally friendly in order to reduce adverse impacts on the delicate nearby ecology and habitat.
Vodacom is committed to contributing to sustainable cities and communities through the creation of digital solutions to help governments, businesses and society address some of the more pressing environmental issues like climate change and water scarcity.
To find out more about our efforts please visit Vodacom online today.
