As the world’s population steadily grows, people are moving to cities more than ever – increasing the need for suitable accommodation in urban centres. Multi-unit residential homes are an ever-more attractive option for city dwellers, and greening these developments are important to ensure sustainable cities going forward.

To meet this demand, the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) released their Multi Unit Residential (MURT) Green Star SA rating tool in 2011. Subsequently, the GBCSA will host training courses on how to get the most out of this tool, which objectively measures the environmental performance of design, and construction, phases of new and refurbished multi unit residential buildings.

The course will include an overview of the rating tool, and insight into aspects of the rating tool, such as the fundamentals of the Green Star SA rating system, which types of developments the rating tool can be used for, how the rating tool connects with the new SANS 10400-XA energy efficiency requirements, the categories and credits within the tool, and an overview of the certification process.

The course will also present a case study on the first building to achieve Green Star SA – Multi Unit Residential PILOT certification, the Forty on Oak development within the Melrose Arch precinct. Property developer AMDEC stated that Forty on Oak generated an additional R360 000 of free Advertising Value Equivalent, within six months being certified – which highlights the additional marketing benefits associated with designing with the environment in mind.
Convenience and safety of multi unit residential buildings are a big draw card in South Africa, but tenants are also becoming more discerning, and want to know that the place that they call home hasn’t had a negative environmental impact, and will be a healthier space to live in.

Multi unit residential developments are classified as developments that include three or more dwelling units, common property, shared services and infrastructure among dwellings and an applicable management entity.

Skills development is a core function of the GBCSA, and this course will benefit architectural and engineering professionals, project managers, developers, local government professionals and other interested parties who wish to learn more about the Green Star SA – Multi Unit Residential v1 green building rating tool.

Attendees will also receive a complimentary copy of the MURT v1 technical manual.
The course will be held on September 17 in Cape Town, and September 19 in Johannesburg. Visit www.gbcsa.org.za for more information and to book online.