News sponsored by Vodacom Transformation of Work:

Following an extensive collaboration between Vodacom and WSP in Africa to drive sustainability and green building design at the telco provider’s Business and Corporate Parks at its headquarters (HQ) campus in Midrand, the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) awarded both buildings 5-Star Existing Building Performance (EPB) certifications.

Vodacom is a long-standing client of WSP in Africa with both companies sharing a commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable innovation. The certifications, underpinned by the sustainability consulting services provided by WSP Built Ecology team, are a testament to the implementation of sustainable design principles at both buildings.

This achievement is underpinned by WSP’s comprehensive sustainability services, including building performance benchmarking, energy modelling, and the development of best practice guidelines. WSP in Africa has been involved in over 50 diverse sustainability projects across industry sectors to provide the company with a strong foundation. This experience enabled WSP to implement cutting-edge sustainability solutions at Vodacom’s buildings. These included advanced energy efficiency measures, water conservation strategies, and the integration of renewable energy systems.

Vodacom Business Park is a two-storey office building that spans 4,900 square metres. The reception enters into a double-volume atrium. Virtually all of the lights at the building are LED. The remaining 1% of traditional lights are due for replacement in the next maintenance cycle. The north façade of the building is characterised by double-glazed strip windows. For its part, Vodacom Corporate Park is a four-storey building spanning more than 15,830 square metres.

In awarding the certification, the GBCSA considered several factors that included resource efficiency, particularly in energy, water, and waste management. By leveraging a passive building design review, a building optimisation review, and rigorous certification compliance monitoring, WSP ensured that Vodacom's Business and Corporate Parks not only met but exceeded environmental performance standards.

“The success of Vodacom's certification reflects WSP's impact in the local built environment. Through its expertise in sustainable building, we have assisted Vodacom in enhancing its corporate sustainability profile and setting a new benchmark for environmental responsibility in the telecommunications industry. This collaboration shows how strategic partnerships, underpinned by a commitment to sustainability, can achieve remarkable outcomes for the planet and the community,” says Alison Groves, Regional Director of WSP in Africa.