Balwin Properties breaks world record for largest green Edge registration
JSE listed Balwin Properties has registered over 16,000 units across seven of its built-to-sell and three of its rental developments rated by the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) as EDGE certified. According to the company this is more homes than any property developer in the world to date.
An innovation of the IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, EDGE was created to respond to the need for a measurable solution to prove the financial case for building green, and to help jumpstart the proliferation of green buildings. The EDGE standard is set at a minimum of 20% reduction across energy consumption, water usage and embodied energy in materials.
Solid Green Consulting was appointed to consolidate performance specifications for construction practices across Balwin Properties portfolio, to create an EDGE compliant standard specification and to support the EDGE registration process.
Balwin, a developer that cares about environmentally responsible building practices and the delivery of high-quality apartments to its valued clients, today announced a major achievement in its ongoing drive to fight climate change through the mainstreaming of green lifestyle developments.
Steve Brookes, founder and CEO of Balwin Properties, commented:
“Balwin Properties has always been differentiated by its innovative approach to environmental management while creating quality lifestyle developments for its clients. We were the first to offer energy efficient appliances as part of the purchase price of an apartment and today we are exceptionally proud to announce the world’s largest green EDGE registration in partnership with the IFC.
“Using the EDGE software we now have a cost-effective planning tool that helps us to build green based on occupant behaviour, building type and the local climate. Importantly, EDGE registration provides our environmentally conscious buyers and tenants with the assurance that they are minimising their own environmental footprint whilst saving on utility costs over the long term.”
As an initial phase, Balwin Properties has registered over 16,000 units across seven of its built-to-sell and three of its rental developments rated by the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) as EDGE certified. This is more homes than any property developer in the world to date.
An innovation of the IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, EDGE was created to respond to the need for a measurable solution to prove the financial case for building green, and to help jumpstart the proliferation of green buildings. The EDGE standard is set at a minimum of 20% reduction across energy consumption, water usage and embodied energy in materials.
Solid Green Consulting was appointed to consolidate performance specifications for construction practices across Balwin Properties portfolio, to create an EDGE compliant standard specification and to support the EDGE registration process.
Chilufya Lombe, director at Solid Green added “It is encouraging to see such a large developer taking on the challenge of addressing climate change and we commend Balwin Properties for its leadership in this sector. Sustainability making business sense is an important part of meeting the challenge. The stereotype of green buildings not being financially viable is being proven wrong, and the economy of scale of a standardised approach for a portfolio of this size is significant.”
“As a large and active residential developer, it is encouraging to see Balwin Properties realise the short- and long-term gains of designing, building and operating green buildings,” commented Dorah Modise, GBCSA CEO.
“To do so during an economic downturn, when many developers are holding back on upfront costs, shows they have realised the benefits of making better design work harder to increase operational savings, market appeal and accelerate property values.”
The registration is expected to be completed over a period of six months.