SERRA leads the way with Highest Rated Building (Existing Building Performance) from GBCSA

SERRA® Washroom Solutions, a leading South African brand, specialises in high-quality stainless steel washroom products, reflecting local craftsmanship and innovation within the country’s manufacturing landscape.

SERRA® recently earned a six-star rating from the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA), underscoring its dedication to energy efficiency, resource conservation, and environmental sustainability. This milestone sets a benchmark for greener manufacturing practices in South Africa, reinforcing SERRA®’s status as a leader in sustainable manufacturing.

At the GBCSA convention (Nov 5-7), SERRA and landlord GrowthPoint Properties were recognised with the “Highest Rated Building (Existing Building Performance)” award, which celebrates the highest-rated building in Green Star’s existing building ratings.

The GBCSA describes SERRA’s Meadowbrook facility in Germiston, Johannesburg, as a light industrial building housing a workshop, showroom, and offices within a mixed industrial-residential area.

SERRA® demonstrated a 91% improvement in energy consumption and an 83% improvement in water usage for a facility of this scale.

This is South Africa’s first 6-Star Greenstar Industrial EBP PILOT Rated building, featuring:
• Extensive rooftop solar photovoltaic system.
• Energy and water monitoring systems for precise consumption reporting and issue identification.
• Regular audits and occupant surveys for optimal air quality, lighting, and temperature, creating a healthier, more productive space.
• Comprehensive Building User’s Guide with recommendations for efficiency and employee well-being.

SERRA® prioritises waste minimisation and resource preservation through eco-friendly materials and practices, reducing its carbon footprint and combatting climate change. This approach involves recycled materials, efficient energy use, water conservation, and robust waste management strategies.

SERRA® Managing Director Paul Thomaz stated, “We are delighted to have been recognised with this award. When we were invited to the conference, I had no idea what to expect. Winning this accolade will help us present our products to the industry, talk to like-minded property owners, and encourage them to follow our lead.”

“Many leading corporate and property facility management companies are taking proactive steps to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics as part of their commitment to sustainability. This movement is driven by a growing awareness of environmental issues and the need to minimize waste in our daily operations.”

“These companies are opting for more sustainable alternatives, such as reusable containers, compostable packaging, and innovative materials that can be recycled or repurposed. These changes reduce their environmental footprint and set a positive example for tenants and clients alike.”

“As SERRA®, we place significant emphasis on environmental sustainability,” Thomaz noted. “Since our establishment in the 1980s, our core principle has been centred around creating top-quality products using sustainable materials and pioneering product innovation.”

Thomaz added, “Besides having the 6 Star accreditation for our building, we hold both ISO and Proudly South African accreditations and have been consistently recognised in independent market surveys as the preferred supplier in seven out of ten ‘P & A’ Grade Buildings.”