resources > publications
Existing Buildings
Survival Strategies
A South African guide for re-energising tired assets and reducing operating costs of existing buildings - including a six step plan for building owners and a list of 200 initiatives to help you get started.
This practical, easy-to-use guide covers many simple changes across categories including water, energy, management and waste.
Order guide now
R450 (GBCSA Members)
R700 (non GBCSA Members)
Existing buildings are a part of a city or town’s heritage, skyline and distinct character. Although seen by many as a valuable asset, fundamental to a successful operation, they also consume significant energy, resources and investment.
With uncertainty in the economy, increasing environmental pressures and changing legislation, making the most of existing buildings is a huge priority for both public and private owners and occupiers. Getting more from existing buildings will benefit users, the community, the environment, business and the bottom line.
Conversely, inaction means that running costs will increase further, buildings will be penalised for poor performance, competitive advantage will decline and users will look elsewhere.
This guide sets out how to create a strategy to help survival in a complex and demanding world: a strategy that turns a tired asset into a more positive contribution. We set out the challenges with existing buildings and explain in simple and clear language the issues facing owners and occupiers. From this an understanding of the wide range of opportunities to upgrade your property will begin to emerge.
From here we take you through a six-step process to implement your survival strategy. There are tools and systems that can also help in the decision making process. The case studies selected will then demonstrate some of the outcomes from a range of these changes and interventions. There is also a wealth of other information and reference material included to guide more in-depth study and assessment.
‘One important way for cities to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions is to retrofit their buildings with more energy efficient products and technologies. These retrofits can reduce energy by 20 to 50 percent in existing buildings, and pay for themselves over several years through the resulting cost savings on energy bills.’
- Clinton Climate Initiative 2007
|
