This achievement is a first for government and demonstrates the Department's commitment to sustainable development. It raises the bar for the construction sector, demonstrating the department's leadership for the private sector and other government departments to follow suit.
The building is currently under construction and the Department is expected to take occupation in June 2014. The project is a clear demonstration of a successful public private partnership and confirms government's commitment to a transition towards a green economy.
The GBCSA award for World Leadership rated the Department's building at 82 points, which is the highest achievement ever for an office accommodation project of this magnitude. The Department's Green Building also received a 6 Green Star rating for office design from the GBCSA in May 2013.
The Department conducted a feasibility study in 2006 for its accommodation needs and arrived at the conclusion that the current leased office accommodations no longer meet its fundamental needs. Furthermore, the current premises is also not a proper reflection of what the Department represents, which is to be an exemplary leader in the area of renewable energy, energy consumption, water conservation and taking into account compliance with the provisions of the Electricity Regulation Act, 2006 (Act no 4 of 2006) and the related energy efficiency regulations.
