As the City of Johannesburg enters a time of regeneration and activation of city spaces over the next decade, the 71 Inner City Properties Project is “Green” for go! Hosted by the City of Johannesburg and the Joburg Property Company (JPC), Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Councillor Herman Mashaba has engaged with members of the Green Buildings Council of South Africa (GBCSA) and various “Planet Shapers” to discuss investment opportunities that form part of the 71 Inner City Properties Project along with 13 additional properties that were initially advertised earlier this year but still remain available due to non-compliance by initial responder submissions. From construction materials and building methodology, to fittings, finishes and refurbishments, where investment and development opportunities exist so does the propensity for the City’s immanent rejuvenation to take into account sustainable solutions, energy efficiencies and “green” initiatives.
During his address, Councillor Herman Mashaba highlighted the importance of incorporating sustainable solutions in the cities restoration in order to meet the needs of the growing population. With sights set on seeing the City become a construction site during the course of the next 10 years, planned refurbishments and restoration will present a number of opportunities to various developments including those committed to a more sustainable and green approach. With the aims of providing for affordable accommodation accessible to both students and local residents to the Inner City, the City of Johannesburg is aiming to find the best way forward in building a more “green” and eco-conscious landscape, offering sustainable solutions that are as equally cost effective as they are environmentally progressive.
One of the first municipal offices’ to receive the Socio-Economic rating on-top of the 4 Star Green Star SA Public and Education Buildings (PEB) Design Certification in 2016, the Council Chamber in Braamfontein boasts an abundance of sustainable and eco-conscious engineering. Following the tried and tested success of the Council Chamber, opportunities that currently exist as part of the 71 Inner City Properties Project as well as the 13 additional properties recently re-advertised for tender, Councillor Mashaba has addressed the requirement for greening these properties when applicants submit their proposals to tender.
During the event, the GBCSA CEO, Ms Dorah Modise continued to encourage the commitment to eco-friendly sustainability by elaborating on how the City is working in conjunction with the organisation to ensure that all refurbishments and future developments are “green”. Following the address by the Green Buildings Council of South Africa, Ms Helen Botes, the JPC CEO, concluded the session by communicating the JPC’s commitment to working with the GBCSA in accomplishing these shared goals.