Studies have presented empirical evidence that high performance or 'green' buildings can not only be delivered at a price comparable to conventional buildings, but that investments can be recouped through operational cost savings and, with the right design features in place, can create more productive workplaces.
The financial motivation for green building is compelling and a cutting-edge course is now being offered by the Green Building Council - The Economics of Green Building Course - that demonstrates this.
The half-day course, which is 'hot off the press' and has been developed in response to market trends and industry demand, emphasises the necessity to break out of the traditional 'circle of blame' and considers sustainable investment decisions for the short, medium and long term. The course provides an understanding of the economic forces in the property market, the status quo of green building economics in South Africa and the business case for green building, as uncovered by the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA), World Green Building Council and property professionals alike. The course outlines and explores the significant discussions around perceived green building capital inputs and paybacks, the benefits to and obligations of property stakeholders, the property value proposition and the financial case for green building.
The inaugural course is being offered as part of Sustainability Week and will be delivered at the Sandton ICC in Johannesburg on Friday, 26 July 2013. Following that, the next course will take place in Cape Town on 8 August 2013.
"The economic business case for green buildings will be the key driver in ensuring that green building becomes the accepted standard for all property projects," says Brian Wilkinson, CEO of the GBCSA. "We are optimistic that this course will not only educate and inform but also influence the strategies of many astute property investors, owners and developers."
Other courses offered by the GBCSA include the Green Star SA Accredited Professional Course, Greening Existing Buildings Course and Greening the Inside, a commercial interiors course.
The Green Star SA Accredited Professional Course is the GBCSA's signature course and core offering that introduces the Green Star SA rating tools and is the first requirement for obtaining status as a Green Star SA accredited professional. Upcoming dates for this course are 4 July in Durban, 11 July in Port Elizabeth, 6 August in Johannesburg and 7 August in Cape Town.
The Greening the Inside: Commercial Interiors Course, taking place on 2 July in Johannesburg, explores the key issues for greening commercial interiors and how to integrate best practices into our design process and project implementation.
With the anticipated release of the new Green Star SA - Existing Buildings Performance PILOT tool later this year, the Greening Existing Buildings Course is fast becoming very popular. This course equips individuals with greening techniques for enhancing the performance of existing buildings by showcasing relevant case studies.
For more information, go to www.gbcsa.org.za/courses/.
