JSE-listed real estate investment trust Liberty Two Degrees (L2D) has been awarded a 6-Star Green Star Interiors V1 As built rating from the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) for its head office at Nelson Mandela Square, in Sandton.

“Owing to careful planning, we were able to rate very highly on the management component of the Green Star ratings tool. We also rated well on environmental management, where points were achieved under the innovation category,” says L2D asset management executive and GBCSA chairperson Brian Unsted.

Considerations for the project included energy efficient appliances and plug-loads, while paint, adhesive sealants and carpets all have low volatile organic compound emissions. The furniture, assemblies and floor coverings used all have third-party eco-labels and certification ensuring that they also have a reduced environmental impact.

South Africa is a water-scarce country, and the premises are designed with water efficient fittings that limit the occupant water use. The premises also have a centralised waste recycling storage facility for sorting and collecting of operational waste.

The use of the green building rating tools provided by the GBCSA is voluntary and is designed to create a common measurement for green buildings, as well as to recognise innovation and leadership in property development and construction, he says.

Project consultants Solid Green managed the Green Star rating process and worked closely with L2D's professional team, says L2D CEO Amelia Beattie.

The accolade for the interior of L2D’s head office follows after its flagship asset the Sandton City Precinct was awarded a 6-Star Green Star existing building performance rating by the GBCSA.

An increasing number of property owners are recognising the value of creating greener, more efficient buildings, she says.

“At L2D, we understand the importance of sustainability, driven by best-in-class assets and operational practices. We constantly strive to make a positive impact as a responsible corporate citizen and examine ways in which to achieve meaningful and sustainable outcomes.

“The result is a smart, safe, fit-for-purpose space, offering an agile and collaborative workplace environment that inspires. It’s a place where people love to be and enjoy coming into the office to connect. This 6-Star interiors rating is one form of recognition of our many sustainability efforts, that we are incredibly proud to have achieved,” says Beattie.