- South Africa’s biggest property developer, Growthpoint Properties has developed the first building on the African continent to achieve a WELL certification.
- The Growthpoint-developed Exxaro headquarters in Pretoria, an 18,500sqm office building opposite the Centurion Gautrain Station, is the very first building in Africa to be awarded a WELL certification.
- WELL is the leading tool for advancing health and well-being in buildings globally.
- It received a Silver Level WELL Core and Shell Certification by the US-based International WELL Building Institute (IWBI).
The close collaboration between Growthpoint, Exxaro and the development’s entire professional team crafted this innovative, green, aesthetically compelling, high-performance building.
The WELL Building Standard is the first global rating system to focus exclusively on how buildings, and everything in them, can enhance our health and wellness. WELL was developed by integrating scientific and medical research with leading property expertise.
The global WELL portfolio includes more than 4,000 projects in 61 countries. With Growthpoint’s ground-breaking WELL certification, South Africa has become part of the leading community of nations with buildings that put the well-being of people first. Pretoria is now the home of one of only 300 WELL certified buildings worldwide.
“Receiving Africa’s first WELL certification is another proud milestone on our journey to provide work environments that contribute to the positive health, well-being, safety and performance of the people and businesses in our buildings, contributing to both human and environmental sustainability,” says Rudolf Pienaar, Growthpoint’s Chief Development and Investment Officer.
Pic: Interior view -Exarro offices. Credit: Growthpoint
Growthpoint is already an established leader in green developments. It owns the biggest portfolio of green-certified buildings in Africa, providing quality spaces that work best for its clients.
“For some time now, we have been integrating design innovation and sustainability to create positive places for people and businesses. When your people perform at their best, your business does too. With our experience using the WELL Building Standard, Growthpoint has proven it can deliver healthy buildings for the future which help companies implement proven wellness strategies and performance,” notes Pienaar.
“With the COVID-19 crisis, there will be increased importance placed on the design and operation of buildings for occupant health and well-being. Our experience will prove to be an invaluable asset to businesses in South Africa. This crisis has clarified the urgent need for work environments that have a positive impact on physical and mental health, and workplaces that protect our families, businesses, communities and the public. Human health factors, such as good ventilation and air quality, are going to be the defining feature of Premium-grade office properties in future.”
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
Source: Growthpoint
