FNB Namibia green star certification a first
Susan Fick, Senior Manager Special Projects and Strategy at FNB Namibia.
This is the first of its kind certification for any building in Namibia. Susan Fick, Senior Manager Special Projects and Strategy explained that this certificate was for the design phase of the building. “Once construction has been finalised the Council will assess the building again and then an ‘as built certification’ will be issued. We remain extremely excited about the project and look forward to occupation of the building.”
The Green Star Certification process consists of two types or phases of certifications namely as Designed, where systems and initiatives are recognised as ‘to be constructed’ elements, and as Built, where systems and initiatives are recognised for being ‘constructed’ as part of the finished building.
Although this certification was achieved through the GBCSA, there is currently an ongoing collaborative approach between the Green Building Council of Namibia and that of South Africa.
The South African council offers continued support to Namibia as a Council, as well as any future projects seeking Green Star SA certification.
Fick added that some green aspects include the location of the building, which will allow occupants to easily access nearby amenities, thereby reducing travel emissions associated with vehicular travel by occupants.
“Further, the land on which FNB stands was previously a parking lot with very little ecological value. By reusing this site, FNB has preserved ecologically valuable land elsewhere in Windhoek,” she said.
