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The Ikusasa building in the Oxford Parks precinct in Rosebank – completed by black-owned contractor Concor earlier this year – received six stars by the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA).  

Concor completed the building, a pioneer in sustainable building standards, in 12 months. The 6 Star Green Star SA Office V1.1 Design Certification from the GBCSA is considered World Leadership status. 

Ikusasa reduces water use, energy consumption, process waste, and pollution in its construction and operation.

The building is home to blue chip company Anglo American’s Global Shared Services, which recently recognised Concor with a Certificate Award of Excellence. Concor applied its client’s sustainable designs and stringent quality systems to earn this accolade. 

As part of the construction, for instance, the company conducted a hazardous materials survey on the site before demolishing existing buildings. It ensured the responsible removal and disposal of asbestos, lead, or polychlorinated biphenyls on-site.  

Concor applied a stringent Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and also put in place a rigorous Waste Management Plan (WMP), resulting in 70% of demolition and construction waste being reused or recycled.

Waste was separated at source, preventing cross-contamination, and waste could be recycled more cost-effectively. Together with the Hazardous Waste Management Survey, Concor was able to uphold critical environmental standards.  

The building’s environmental performance includes conserving water and energy. Water efficiency has been optimised using options like low-flow tap fittings, dual flush toilets, and water sub-metering for irrigation and bathrooms.

Water-wise irrigation methods and smart sensors cut plant irrigation by half. Air is used in heating, ventilation, and cooling systems rather than water, reducing consumption.
  
To achieve a Green Star South Africa Net-Zero Carbon Level 1 score, Ikusasa generates all the energy required by the base building. They achieved this by harnessing renewable energy with a solar photovoltaic generation system on the roof. 

Energy efficiency is enhanced through sub-metering, which tracks the main consumption areas. Where energy use exceeds 100 kVA, it is metered separately. This allows users to benchmark usage targets and apply strategies to reduce energy consumption.  

Top Photo: To achieve a Green Star South Africa Net-Zero Carbon Level 1 score, Ikusasa generates all the energy required by the base building. This is achieved by harnessing renewable energy with a solar photovoltaic generation system on the roof.