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Nedbank Namibia’s new green head office received a six-star rating from the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA), making it the first building in Namibia to receive this accolade. Designed in 2022 with sustainability and environmental impact in mind, featuring energy- and water-saving solutions such as a solar panel roof structure and rainwater harvesting systems. It is a significant achievement and inspires other businesses in Namibia to adopt more such sustainable practices.
Nedbank Namibia Managing Director Martha Murorua expressed her profound appreciation for everyone who worked on the green head office project. She stated that this is a remarkable accomplishment – not only for Nedbank but for Namibia at large. Nedbank’s commitment to sustainability and positive social impact puts the bank among world-class leaders in building practices—setting an inspiring example of what can be achieved through collaboration. The six-star rating is a testament to their collective dedication and perseverance.
Pewer Fourie, a representative of the Emcon Consulting Group, who was part of the design team and managed the building project, said some buildings in Windhoek have achieved a five-star rating, which in itself represents national excellence. Global and social pressures around sustainability will undoubtedly lead to more building owners adopting green designs – not only from a sustainability perspective but also from a reduced operational cost and more attractive funding perspective.
Namibia Construction (Pty) Ltd, the principal contractor on the project, said it was proud to be leading the way in facilities with this certification and striving to make a positive impact as a responsible corporate citizen. The architects from Kerry McNamara Architects Inc, who are corporate members of the Green Building Council of Namibia, worked thoughtfully to execute the new Nedbank campus with the environment and employee well-being in mind. The building features abundant external views and natural light, which decreased reliance on artificial illumination during daytime hours, creating a more inspiring environment for employees and clients. The architects also implemented a network of recycling facilities and convenient amenities for cyclists such as lockers and showers to promote sustainability and healthier lifestyle choices for employees.
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https://trendsnafrica.com/egypt-to-focus-on-smart-green-projects/
https://trendsnafrica.com/mozambique-ready-to-adopt-green-industrialization-minister-of-industry/
In addition, the sustainability consultant, Janus van der Merwe, said their goal is to educate as many Namibians as possible about the benefits of sustainable building design and construction. Nedbank took the first step in the right direction, and future developers would be smart to follow suit.
