Property developers Growthpoint Properties and Zenprop Property Holdings are targeting a five-star Green Building Council of South Africa Green Star rating for insurance provider Discovery’s new global head office to be constructed in Sandton, Growthpoint office division director Rudolf Pienaar said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the 87 000 m² building’s media launch, he stated that, in addition to the Green Star green building rating, the building would also potentially target an Green Star interiors rating as well as a socioeconomic rating.

“This is probably the most exciting property development not only in South Africa but possibly even on the African continent, in terms of its size, location and all of the green technology features we are looking to introduce,” Growthpoint CEO Norbert Sasse commented.

The Discovery building, which would be 55%-owned by Growthpoint, with Zenprop holding the remaining 45%, would be situated on the corner of Rivonia road and Katherine street, diagonally opposite Sandton City. The building would comprise two wings with eight floors of offices as well as a ground floor and a feature roof-level. It would also offer nine basements with more than 5 100 parking bays.

The earthworks of the project started in March this year, with the construction of the basement levels set to start in October.

Construction of the office levels was scheduled for January 2016.

Discovery was expected to take occupation of the new building on January 1, 2018, with an initial lease period of 15 years.

Speaking at the launch, Discovery chief information officer John Robertson said the building was in line with Discovery’s strategy and ambition to become the “best insurance organisation in the world” and a “powerful source for social good” by 2018.

Putting the size of the new building in perspective, he explained that currently Discovery occupied four buildings, comprising 67 000 m²; however, this area was not enough and the insurance provider expected to run out of space by November or December this year, which would mean that a fifth building would have to be occupied.

Robertson added that given Discovery’s aspirations and growth expectations, the new building’s space should be sufficient; however, the company did have an option on a potential Phase 2 expansion of the building that would add another 15 000 m².

Boogertman & Partners Architects was responsible for the design of the building, which included several green building features.

Boogertman & Partners director Bob van Bebber said the main green features of the building included being within walking distance from public transport, a double-glazed façade for thermal control and to let natural light into the building as well as rainwater harvesting.

The building would also have lighting control systems, while the demolition of the buildings that previously stood on the site was done in a sustainable manner.