The official inauguration of one of South Africa’s largest and most technologically advanced green buildings kicked off with a brief address to staff from Edward Kieswetter, Alexander Forbes’ Chief Executive.

115 West’s green status is particularly significant because it reflects Alexander Forbes’ commitment to the responsible investment code by aligning the long-term nature of the business with the long-term imperative of environmental sustainability along with the practical economic benefits of green building.

Given that sustainability is key in helping people manage their money successfully over a lifetime - any celebration of Alexander Forbes’ new home needs to acknowledge 115 West Street’s green building certification. As such, the launch of the new building will include a brief ceremony in which the Green Building Council of South Africa awards both Alexander Forbes and Zenprop (the building’s developers) with a plaque recording 115 West’s Best Practice Green Star South Africa rating.

During the ceremony, Edward Kieswetter welcomed Alexander Forbes’ 2000 staff to their new home reminding them of the incredible journey they have travelled in developing a truly client-focused business that strives to enhance people’s lives by financially empowering them to achieve their dreams in a sustainable way.

Certainly, the well-understood immediate benefits of green buildings, such as savings on operating costs like energy and water, mean that 115 West has been ‘future proofed’ from high retrofit costs by virtue of the installation of efficiency measures from the start. Moreover, Alexander Forbes will benefit directly from its occupation of the building as staff productivity increases.

The morning’s inauguration proceedings also included a brief address by 115 West’s Chief Architect, Anthony Orelowitz, as well as a contribution from Paul Carew, one of South Africa’s leading green building experts. Significant green features include; the grey water reticulation system, the natural heating and cooling systems and the processes by which 115 West traps and disperses natural light, saving electricity.

Most importantly, Kieswetter is determined that all Alexander Forbes staff grow to appreciate and love their new home, recognising 115 West as a place that reflects Alexander Forbes’ values while empowering the business to help clients, the communities they represent and the country prepare for and achieve their dreams.