New Absa development greens the Inner City with Grey Water

The professional team on the Absa Towers West project includes five Green Star accredited professionals, and the project will soon be registered with the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) for a Green Star Office version 1 rating. 

“The submission process follows three months after practical completion in March 2011. The project is aiming at a four star rating,” says WSP Green by Design sustainable building consultant, Marloes Reinink.

A green building is one which reduces environmental impact in terms of energy consumption, water consumption, material sources, and emissions. It provides improved indoor environmental quality, which has been proven to improve the productivity of employees in the building.

- In terms of location, the building is in the central business district, therefore close to many amenities and public transport for staff working in the office. It also contributes to urban regeneration and making the city a safer place.
- With regard to water, the project has a grey water system which will be the largest system installed in South Africa. The system has a capacity of recycling 43 000 litres (43 m3) of water a day. The water is collected from the showers in the gym and is re-used to flush the toilets and urinals.