BUILD February 2017

82 BUILD / February 2017 , In 2012, recognising that their current Johannesburg office portfolio was performing well below cost, design and efficiency benchmarks, the South African-based international chemicals and energy company, Sasol, confirmed the formulation of a consolidated strategy for their global headquarters in the city. At the time, they considered a number of options, including amajor refurbishment of their current offices versus the construction of a single complex. Making Gains in Sustainable Energy Infrastructure It soon became clear that a refurbishment on the scale required was not financially feasible, and that a single new building offered them the best value for money. Following an extensive evaluation process, in 2013 Sasol announced that they had selected The Sasol Pension Fund and their partner, Alchemy Properties, to develop and lease a new consolidated office. Three years later, and with the Sasol staff relocation now complete, it is clear that Sasol Place has been designed to the very highest standards and showcases a number of innovative features, which makes the office complex a truly iconic architectural landmark. The development brings together more than 2,500 of Sasol’s Johannesburg-based personnel, into a single high quality, 11-storey state of the art office complex. The corporate office consolidation, undertaken by Sasol’s Project HQ team, will dramatically reduce Sasol’s overall building operating costs and realise significant positive returns. Fay Hoosain, Sasol’s Senior Vice President for Strategic Projects stated: “Through our new global headquarters, we seek to not only optimise costs but also to embed corporate best practices around employee wellbeing and environmental sustainability. Living up to its promise, in October 2016, Sasol Place received a Green Building Council of South Africa Five-Star Green-Star rating in the design category.” Fay elaborated further: “The building design addresses environmental issues such as water recycling and energy efficiency through the use of the latest technologies, for example, intelligent building management systems that automatically regulate the use of LED lighting, air conditioning, automated blinds, water usage, escalators and elevators.” The 67,000m2 rentable area features generous floor plates, restaurants and a pastry shop, a wellness centre, a convenience store, a multi-faith sanctuary and a fitness centre. There is also a dedicated art gallery that will showcase Sasol’s respected South African contemporary art collection. A range of natural habitats are being created on the external decks of the building, and will serve as one of the largest elevated corporate gardens in South Africa, with individual indigenous biomes attracting small wildlife, insects and birds. Fay concluded by stating that: “Given the focus on the optimal balance of cost, quality and schedule, we are proud to confirm that the project has been delivered under budget, on schedule and to the highest quality standards in the industry. Furthermore, more than 90% of the overall project budget has been channelled back into the local South African economy.” K Company: Sasol Place Name: Fay Hoosain Web Address: www.sasol.com FM160057 Energy