Growthpoint begins green office refurbishment for Ninety One

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26-07-2024
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Property Wheel
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Growthpoint Properties has begun construction on a green office refurbishment of 36 Hans Strijdom building, the Cape Town headquarters of global investment manager, Ninety One who has occupied the building for over two decades.  

“At Growthpoint, we are thrilled to continue our longstanding partnership with Ninety One. Remodelling this landmark building to the highest environmental standards is a testament to our mutual vision for a more sustainable future,” comments Paul Kollenberg, Growthpoint Head of Asset Management: Offices. 

Construction will take approximately twelve months to complete with the building’s milestone installation of its new flush-gazed facade taking place in Q4 2024.

The refurbishment is being guided by sustainability goals rather than appearance, so while it will essentially deliver a new, lower-carbon building, the changes will mostly be visible from inside the building.  

A significant amount of embodied carbon is being salvaged by re-using the entire building structure. Among the environmentally friendly improvements are an on-site solar plant, energy-efficient displacement air conditioning and high-performance glazing. The escalators will be replaced by circulation stairs to reduce power consumption.  

In partnership with Etana Energy, 36 Hans Strijdom was the first building in Cape Town to receive clean, green energy wheeled via the City’s energy grid as part of the municipality’s wheeling pilot project. Solar energy generated from the REIT’s Constantia Village shopping centre is already being exported for use at Ninety One’s offices.  

Having signed a 15-year lease for the building’s entire 12 800m2 of lettable area, MD of Ninety One, Thabo Khojane says that choosing to refurbish rather than relocate cements the company’s commitment to a vibrant Cape Town CBD. “At the same time, it was imperative for us to ensure we inhabit a more energy-efficient environment in line with our drive to achieve net zero by 2050.” 

“Green office refits such as this one help lower carbon footprints and save energy. These efforts revitalise standing structures and create modern, sustainable spaces that contribute positively to their surroundings. By focusing on sustainable practices, we aim to enhance the urban landscape while reducing environmental impact,” adds Kollenberg.

Ninety One has relocated to temporary offices for the construction period and will return to its greener home upon completion, scheduled for July 2025.