African Design Magazine March 2015 | Page 21

News with the national energy crises, lower energy consumption in green buildings reduces the strain on the power grid. “A healthy building means happier employees and improved productivity. Businesses will be in a better position to retain talented staff and fast‐track behavioural change,” says Wilkinson. He adds there are several knock-on advantages to using the Green Star SA Interiors tool. “It will definitely give businesses a competitive advantage. It signifies industry leaders who provide smart and healthy work, shopping and meeting places that are ‘set apart’ in the marketplace. It is not only a responsible investment, but serves to heighten a business’s attractiveness as an investment, a partner and an employer.” The tool will also recognise and encourage collaboration between the building owner and tenants to manage and operate the building along environmentally sustainable principles. The tool considers interior fit-outs from an all- round perspective, including the project scope and implementation. “It would, for example, identify and encourage management practises that minimise the amount of demolition and construction waste going to disposal,” notes Wilkinson. “It gives recognition to the design of workspaces that provide spatial efficiency and improve productivity and occupant performance. Credits targeted will