SUSTAINABILITY OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND ENERGY SECURITY FOR AIRPORTS IN SOUTH AFRICA: GUIDELINES FOR TRANSITIONING EXISTING TERMINAL BUILDINGS TO GREEN BUILDING STATUS

The execution of projects that achieve energy efficiency and energy conservation for existing infrastructure at a site reduces the site's carbon footprint. Adopting low carbon energy sources to power existing buildings further reduces the carbon footprint allowing carbon neutrality for the site to become achievable. Projects that adopt a low or no carbon emissions approach require investment, which, if operations at the respective sites do not preserve this appro ach, could negate the return on the investment and increase the carbon emissions of that site. Changes in personnel lead to inevitable loss in energy efficient working regimes thus requiring culture change programmes to restore energy conscious behaviour within daily operations. Working towards, then achieving and maintaining a green star rating for the existing buildings motivates and requires personnel to sustain reduced carbon emissions in all their work. The adoption of “green buildings” ensures compliance with environmental requirements including reduction in carbon emissions and energy consumption which serves to ensure that investments towards reduced carbon emissions realise their returns. This paper presents guidelines for transitioning existing airport terminal buildings towards the adoption of a green star rating as per the green star rating system of the Green Building Council of South Africa.