SUSTAINABILITY OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND ENERGY SECURITY FOR AIRPORTS IN SOUTH AFRICA: GUIDELINES FOR ADOPTING GREEN BUILDING STATUS FOR NEW INFRASTRUCTURE

Executing projects that save energy through efficiency and conservation for a site and adopting alternative energy to reduce its carbon footprint can assist in abating climate change. However, with time, new infrastructure will be adopted either through expansion or refurbishments that could threaten to negate the efforts of previous projects in reducing carbon emissions. The adoption of “green buildings” that are compliant with environmental requirements including reduction in carbon emissions and energy consumption will serve to ensure that previous efforts towards reduced carbon emissions are sustained. In South Africa, the Green Building Council of So uth Africa has green star rating frameworks and accreditation for new infrastructure. This paper presents the guidelines for adopting green star rated infrastructure at airports in South Africa in order to sustain energy efficiency and energy security for new terminal, office and commercial buildings in compliance with the green star rating system of the Green Building Council of South Africa.