Firmenich Firsouth Office is an interior fit-out project in Johannesburg that has achieved a six-star Green Star Interiors rating for implementing sustainable principles into the construction, procurement and material choices.

Identifying sustainability goals

Solid Green was appointed as the sustainability consultant when the project design had been finalised and had to work closely with the architects, engineers, suppliers and client.

Firstly, they had to identify the sustainability goals that Firmenich has as an organisation. Secondly, they had to implement sustainability strategies that have a minimal impact on the existing design but still achieve the Green Star initiatives.

Points awarded for flooring for Green Star certification

The Firmenich Firsouth Office project achieved almost three points out of a potential six points for Green Star Interiors under the flooring materials category.

This was due to ensuring that the flooring had Green Star approved certifications, confirming that several sustainability practices are embedded into the manufacturing process. The products used were manufactured in ISO14001 certified factories.

Material choices

Focusing the approach on people and users determined the material and finishes choices, and incorporated spaces that allowed for flexible work, a connection to the outdoors, high air quality and natural light.

The specified flooring and certifications were as follows:

• Plantanon Van Guard: Greentag.
• Stitch Van Guard: Greentag.
• Planks (Rectangle) Aqua (Blue) – Shaw Contracts: Cradle to Cradle.
• Planks (Rectangle) Magenta (Purple) – Shaw Contracts: Cradle to Cradle.
• Planks (Rectangle) Colour Combination – Shaw Contracts: Cradle to Cradle.
• Planks (Rectangle) Chartreuse (Green) – Shaw Contracts: Cradle to Cradle.
• Planks (Rectangle) Tangerine (Orange) – Shaw Contracts: Cradle to Cradle.
• Planks (Rectangle) Colour Combination – Shaw Contracts: Cradle to Cradle.

The following products had ISO14001 certification:

• Lismore White: San Marco.
• Atlas Sd: Belgotex.
• Hexagon Shape combination of three colours: San Marco.
• Norden Natural: San Marco.

For more information, contact Solid Green Consulting
Tel: +27 11 447 2797
E-mail: hello@solidgreen.co.za
Website: www.solidgreen.co.za

Images courtesy of Tétris Design and Build

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