Committed to supporting more responsible development practices, Novaterra partners with green certification bodies to construct environmentally focused buildings. Here are four questions to better understand the approach.
Green buildings: why commit to this approach?
Green building certification both for buildings and broader infrastructure is essential for engaging in a more sustainable development model. By “sustainable,” Novaterra means: designing the city by taking advantage of building orientation, using eco-friendly construction materials and equipment, and integrating buildings harmoniously into their environment to reduce environmental impact. The result is buildings that are more efficient and pleasant to use on a daily basis, contributing to a city more resilient to climate change.
Which labels are used in real estate projects in Mauritius?
The main environmental labels applied to real estate in Mauritius include: Green Star SA and LEED, EDGE, and BREEAM.
These latter three ensure a building’s sustainability from the earliest design phases and help reduce energy consumption over the long term. During construction, they promote the use of local, eco-friendly materials, based on strict criteria. In summary, these labels guarantee sustainability at every stage of a building’s construction and use.
In Beau Plan, The Strand buildings are EDGE certified. The Green Star certification is also being considered to certify the city’s infrastructure.
What specific criteria do these labels assess?
They mainly evaluate five key aspects:
- Energy efficiency: promoting technologies and practices that reduce energy consumption;
- Efficient resource use: through sustainable materials and effective water management;
- Enhanced quality of life: by applying high standards for indoor air quality and thermal comfort;
- Property value enhancement: certified buildings and infrastructure tend to be more attractive to investors and tenants;
- Regulatory compliance: by anticipating future environmental regulations, these certifications encourage real estate actors to align with increasingly strict environmental laws.
Are there challenges to mainstreaming these certifications locally?
High costs, limited awareness, lack of adapted legislation, and a shortage of qualified local experts are all barriers to the widespread adoption of green certifications. This is why it’s crucial for private sector leaders with vision and resources, to become advocates for these labels and promote more sustainable practices in the construction sector.
