A new ‘Green Lease Toolkit’ has been developed in South Africa in response to a market demand that has been expressed in recent times by both tenants and land- lords.

South African landlords have consistently requested guidance and resources to help harness the benefits of well-designed, well-built and well-operated buildings, while tenants are demanding ‘green’ space in a bid to take advantage of healthier environments that green buildings offer.

The toolkit was codeveloped by the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) and the South African Property Owners Association (Sapoa).

Sapoa CEO Neil Gopal states that conventional buildings are responsible for up to 40% of greenhouse gases, which is why it is imperative that more green buildings are designed and constructed.

Gopal says the market is showing an increasing interest in sustainable devel- opment in South Africa, which motivates developers to procure more green buildings.

“A green lease ensures that a sustainably constructed building is operated in a sustainable manner,” he says.

To subscribe to Engineering News's print magazine email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or buy now.