Zutari ensures world-class sustainability ratings for top-rated projects
 | Zutari ensures world-class sustainability ratings for top-rated projects | 66 KB | Download |
 Preview | Zutari was responsible for integrating the design and building services at One Discovery Place in Sandton | 2.96 MB | Download |
 Preview | Exxaro in Centurion is the first building in SA to achieve Silver Level WELL certification for Core and Shell | 806.87 KB | Download |
 Preview | Louwna Joubert, ESD Consultant Zutari. | 428.31 KB | Download |
 Preview | Yovka Raytcheva-Schaap, Associate, ESD Consulting and Project Management, Zutari | 2.7 MB | Download |
The first was One Discovery Place in Sandton, developed by Growthpoint Properties in joint venture with Zenprop Holdings. As the Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) consultant, Zutari was responsible for integrating the design and building services, explains Yovka Raytcheva-Schaap, Associate, ESD Consulting & Project Management.
In addition to achieving a 6 Star Green Star As Built rating and a 5 Star Green Star Design rating, the Exxaro head office in Centurion, also developed by Growthpoint Properties, is the first building in South Africa to achieve Silver Level WELL certification for Core and Shell by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI).
One Discovery Place and the Exxaro head office are not only in the top echelon of ‘green’ buildings in South Africa, but can be benchmarked against the best internationally. In addition, the tenant Exxaro is also pursuing a Green Star ‘Interiors’ rating for the head office, reveals Louwna Joubert, ESD Consultant at Zutari.
“The overlap between all of these different ratings and certifications is the indoor environmental quality category. The interior design team did an excellent job and ticked all of the boxes, from large open spaces and space planning that allows views to the outdoors and immediate connection of occupants to appropriate material and finish selections,” highlights Joubert. “It is really a journey you embark upon with a lengthy project like this. The entire professional team has to collaborate in terms of problem-solving and it is a proud moment when you see the end result.
“Pursuing a Green Star rating for a project of this scale is all about co-creating a tailored solution to meet the client’s specific requirements. It is a truly integrated approach with all working together to achieve a common goal of sustainability,” stresses Joubert.
Explaining how the Green Star certification and WELL rating process dovetailed at the Exxaro head office, Raytcheva-Schaap notes that a high score was the goal from the outset. “During the concept design phase, we explored the option for a WELL rating because both the client and tenant were keen to push the envelope.” While Green Star targets environmental sustainability, WELL focuses on occupant health and well-being.
“It was a natural process to leverage Green Star targets towards a WELL rating. From our early assessments, it was clear that WELL certification was also within our reach,” adds Raytcheva-Schaap. The health of building occupants is currently under the spotlight due to the Covid-19 pandemic, from ensuring infection control measures in air-conditioning systems to creating a healthy and comfortable indoor working environment.
In terms of current property trends, Raytcheva-Schaap sees an increased focus on developments that pursue greater energy and water efficiency and increased indoor environmental quality. “This will really contribute to the sector promoting better living and more sustainable practices that are likely to become the norm rather than the exception going forward.”
Key to Zutari’s success in this sector to date has been its approach of promoting an ‘engineered impact’ for its clients. “Our team is composed of members from diverse professional backgrounds and with different skill and experience levels. Our multidisciplinary service offering definitely contributes to what we can provide as complete solutions for clients,” elaborates Raytcheva-Schaap.
Looking at the Covid-19 pandemic in particular, Zutari has developed a comprehensive tool to assess buildings in terms of their readiness for return to office after the prolonged lockdown. In addition, Zutari collaborated with the GBCSA to develop a broad guideline for such safe return. “Many are expected to do so in the New Year. However, the pandemic is not over yet, so it is important that property owners implement operational and management practices to ensure the health and wellbeing of building occupants when they do return,” concludes Raytcheva-Schaap.
Ends
Notes to the Editor
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About Zutari
As engineering consultants and trusted advisors, Zutari co-creates an engineered impact that enables environments, communities and economies to thrive. Few others can match our local capacity, long-standing presence and understanding of the challenges required to operate successfully across various regions in Africa.
We have created an impact across Africa for the past 88 years (1932 to 2020) and remain committed to this continent, making us the perfect partner to those less familiar with working in Africa. We are experienced in international projects and our Global Design Centres allow us to bring world-class solutions to our clients.
As a private management-owned company, our commitment is true and we have vested interest in our clients’ success. Our strong relationships allow us to connect the right expertise, processes and resources to match client’s needs and bring stakeholders that have shared interests together.
We blend the old and the new. We have moved beyond traditional engineering and work collaboratively to integrate technical and creative thinking. This process of co-creation allows us to unearth new opportunities with our clients and partners.
Zutari’s broad collective of in-house, industry-recognised engineering consultants and trusted advisors provide seamless and integrated delivery. This unique ability to offer scaled engagement allows Zutari to solve complex challenges more efficiently.
Grounded in digital engineering, we continuously deliver better results.
Zutari Contact
Rashree Maharaj
PR and Media Advisor
Email: Rashree [dot] Maharaj [at] zutari [dot] com
Tel: (012) 427 2000
Media Contact
Renay Tandy
NGAGE Public Relations
Phone: (011) 867 7763
Fax: 086 512 3352
Cell: 082 562 5088
Email: renay [at] ngage [dot] co [dot] za
Web: www.ngage.co.za
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