In 2013, the Portside office building in Buitengracht Street, designed by dhk architects,was awarded a five-star “Design” rating under the Green Building Council of South Africa’s (GBCSA) Green Star rating system for offices. This acknowledgement makes Portside the first five-star Green Star SA certified high rise office development in South Africa and in Africa.

Just one of the many attributes contributing to this prestigious rating is the approach taken to the design of the parking facilities. “The parking design for Portside has been developed to promote the use of Fuel Efficient Transport, using the Green Building Council of South Africa’s technical manual credit criteria as a guideline”, says David Talbot, associate at dhk architects.

Motor vehicles in general – and private cars in particular – are responsible for a large percentage of carbon emissions, through fuel consumption and oil production required to produce fuel.

The building design encourages use of alternative methods of transport by providing preferential parking, ease of access and support facilities for alternative methods of transport. This is aimed at reducing the large amount of energy and fuel used by vehicles, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“Approximately 70 parking bays within the Portside are dedicated solely for the use of hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles. Approximately 20% of these hybrid/alternative fuel vehicle bays are provided and fitted with electric car charger points, with an additional 35% wired to facilitate the future connection of chargers. These bays are all located in preferential areas closest to the lifts and lobby access” says Talbot.

In addition, bicycle parking for approximately 220 bicycles,is provided for staff located within the building. A cycle route is clearly marked and signposted to facilitate safe and easy access to the parking spaces.

According to Derick Henstra, head of dhk architects, “The design innovations and environmental considerations incorporated into the Portside project make it one of the first buildings in Cape Town to provide such futuristic parking facilities.”

Estimated completion date is April 2014.