Balwin's Head Office Earns South Africa's Top 'As-Built' Green Rating

Balwin Properties, a leading developer known for its commitment to sustainability, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone with its corporate head office at 105 Corlett Drive, Johannesburg.

The building has received an 'As Built' Six-Star Green Star rating, the highest rating of its kind for any office building in South Africa

• 105 Corlett Drive Achieves Six-Star Green Rating: Balwin’s Johannesburg head office earns South Africa’s highest ‘As Built’ Green Star rating, reflecting top environmental performance.
• Sustainability Features Drive Tenant Demand: Solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and low-flow fittings make 105 Corlett Drive fully let, attracting eco-conscious tenants.
• Balwin’s Green Leadership Extends to Residential Projects: Balwin is the largest developer of IFC Edge-certified apartments, offering Green Bonds and saving homebuyers R80 million annually.

This prestigious recognition comes from the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA), which measures a building’s actual performance against its original design objectives, focusing on energy, water usage, waste management, and overall environmental impact.

Key Sustainability Features and Achievements

The Six-Star Green Star rating for 105 Corlett Drive was awarded after a comprehensive refurbishment, increasing the building's gross lettable area to approximately 7,609 sqm. This marked the fifth sustainability rating since Balwin’s acquisition of the property in 2022, which also included a Six-Star Green Star Design rating, Net Zero Carbon Level 1 (modelled and measured), and Net Zero Waste Level 1 rating.

Notably, the Net Zero Waste rating is particularly significant, as it is the first time this level has been achieved for a retrofit of this scale. Balwin achieved this by diverting all construction waste away from landfills, a key component of its commitment to sustainable practices.

Energy Efficiency and Water Management

A large solar panel array mounted on the roof and carports generates 40-50% of the building’s energy consumption, ensuring a consistent power supply and reducing the building’s reliance on grid electricity. Additionally, a super capacitor system minimizes the need for backup generators, further reducing the building’s carbon footprint.

Water conservation is another priority at 105 Corlett Drive. The building features rainwater harvesting systems that reduce potable water use for irrigation, and low-flow water fittings throughout the building minimize municipal water consumption.

Strong Tenant Demand and Environmental Commitment

The building’s green features have attracted strong demand from tenants seeking more environmentally friendly office spaces. The property is now fully let, with tenants appreciating the cost-saving and sustainable benefits of occupying a building with such high environmental standards.

Balwin’s focus on sustainability extends beyond its office building to its residential developments. The group is the world’s largest developer of IFC Edge and Edge Advanced-certified apartments and recently launched its 12th carbon-neutral lifestyle center. Balwin’s commitment to green building practices has also led to the introduction of Green Bonds, offering homebuyers discounts based on the environmental credentials of their new homes. This initiative has resulted in R80 million in savings for homebuyers over the past year.

Overcoming Challenges in Retrofitting

Retrofitting a building of this scale to meet the highest green standards was not without its challenges. One notable issue was the building's large open floor plan, which required careful zoning to ensure efficient lighting and compliance with energy standards. Additionally, the building’s parking areas were redesigned to include facilities for electric vehicles, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable transportation.

Conclusion

The successful retrofitting of 105 Corlett Drive demonstrates Balwin Properties’ leadership in sustainable building practices. By achieving the highest 'As Built' Green Star rating in South Africa, the company not only highlights its commitment to environmentally responsible development but also provides a model for future commercial and residential projects. With its focus on energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction, Balwin continues to set the standard for green building in South Africa.