Name and Location
Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) new head office, Gauteng, South Africa.

Client
DEA.

Project Description
The DEA’s new head office in Pretoria, Gauteng, will be South Africa’s first government-owned green building. The 30 654 m² building will be set on 3.1309 ha and will accommodate 1 305 employees. It will also include 598 parking bays.

The building, which is designed to meet the green output specifications outlined in the Climate Change policy, will be energy and resource efficient, as well as environmentally responsible.

The building incorporates design, construction and operational practices that will significantly reduce or eliminate any negative impact on the environment and the building’s occupants.

Overall energy consumption, 10% of which will be sourced from solar power, will equate to 115 kWh/m² a year.

It is expected that, with the technology used, water consumption will be 30% lower than that of a conventionally designed identical building, as a result of rainwater harvesting.

Other features include sensor-monitored lighting, compact fluorescent lights, internal climate control, environment-friendly building materials and ergonomic and worker-friendly spaces.

The DEA is aiming, at the very least, to achieve four-star design and as-built ratings.

Value
R653-million.

Duration
The project is expected to be completed in May 2014.

Latest Developments
The DEA’s new head office, in Pretoria, has become the first government building and the first in Tshwane to be awarded a six-star Green Star rating.

In addition to achieving a six-star Green Star South Africa (SA) Office Design v1 certification, the building has also recorded the highest score, to date, for a large commercial office space.

The DEA had initially targeted a four-star rating.

The building has been designed with specific focus on, besides others, energy efficiency, in that the building will not exceed consumption of 115 kWh/m2 a year.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels – supplying 20% of the building’s energy requirements – will almost entirely cover the roof of the building.

A concentrated PV panel has also been installed at the northern parking area to supply power to the electric vehicle charging station for the DEA’s pilot project.

The landscaped entrance includes a custom-designed vertical green wall, roof gardens and a wetland component facilitating stormwater run-off.

Once construction is completed next year, the DEA will apply for an As-built Green Star SA rating, which certifies that the original intentions in the design phase have been adhered to.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Imvelo Concession Company, in joint venture with Aveng Grinaker-LTA and Keren Kule (design and construction), Dijalo Property Management and Old Mutual Property Investments Group (23-year services contract).

On Budget and on Time?
All cost, timeline and green specifications have been clearly outlined and successfully met during design and construction.

Contact Details for Project Information
DEA chief director of communication, Albi Modise, tel +27 12 310 3123,
fax +27 12 322 2476, cell +27 83 490 2871 or email amodise@environment.gov.za.