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Absa launches eco-friendly Heading in the centre of Johannesburg

Set in the Johannesburg CBD, Absa Towers West (ATW) is one of South Africa’s most environmentally friendly buildings. The building is designed to ensure a healthy and sustainable symbiosis between development and the environment.

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peaking at the official opening of the building, Absa Group Chief Executive Ms Maria Ramos said, “The Absa Towers West investment is a demonstration of

our commitment to the City of Johannesburg and its renewal effort”. Johannesburg is the financial hub of South Africa and the greater African content. The city generates 16% of the country’s GDP and hosts 7,4% of the population (3,7million people). ATW is centrally located and, therefore, extremely convenient for Absa head office employees who rely on public transport. ATW has been built in line with the South African Green

codes and it is a demonstration of the Group’s commitment towards sustainable development. With the incorporation of green building elements, ATW is

taking its “greening” initiative in the city centre to new levels. Amongst the environmental priorities of the building are the reduction of energy consumption, water consumption,

material sources and carbon emissions. “By promoting the ‘new way’ of work and using state-

of-the-art technology, ATW encourages collaboration and teamwork among colleagues, thus embodying the One Absa ‘better together’ philosophy,” Ms Ramos said. Key among the green building elements of ATW is the

energy centre. The gas-powered energy centre has four gas engines and contributes immensely to reducing ATW’s environmental impact. Through the energy centre and other green elements, Absa will reduce its carbon dioxide emission by an estimated 19,000 tons a year. ATW uses energy-efficient lighting alternatives through

Johannesburg is the financial hub of South Africa and the greater African content. The city generates 16% of the country’s GDP and hosts 7,4% of the population (3,7million people).

“The essential part of creativity is not being afraid to fail.” – Edwin H. Land

44 Management Today | September 2011