In line with the emerging trend of so-called green leases between landlords and tenants, ALW Estates is currently developing one of its first on spec buildings to be Green Star rated by the Green Building Council of SA (GBCSA).

There's a major shift within the property leasing market currently, as landlords look to improve the water and

energy efficiencies of their rental properties and tenants seek out greener buildings that promise significant financial benefits.

With an inherent focus on constructing environmentally-sound buildings, ALW Estates has successfully tapped into this trend, with its latest property  Atholl Towers at 129 Patricia Road in Sandton  effectively offering eco-conscious tenants an opportunity to rent a holistic green building.

 Once complete, the building will achieve 4-Star Green Star SA  Office v1 Design certification from the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA).

Gary Woolf,  Director of South African construction and property management company ALW Estates, said: We believe the building will be one of the first Green Star-rated buildings of this magnitude to be built on spec in South Africa.

We really believe that both landlords and tenants will increasingly look for such properties to lease and rent, as they offer benefits to both parties. According to the GBCSA and SA Property Owner Association (SAPOA) Green Lease Toolkit, research shows that green buildings have large reputational, operational and long-term financial benefits for landlords and tenants, but in different ways. So we wanted to construct a new building, on spec for rent, that would offer all that.

ALW is currently busy with the second phase of the development; phase one was completed in September last year.

Its objectives were to create a future proof, energy efficient building that was environmentally-friendly and resource efficient. Added to this, the company wanted to produce a compelling, modern space that would appeal to forward-thinking tenants.

To this end the building will feature a modern, iconic design and open concept spaces. It boasts an energy efficient envelope through highly efficient glazing and insulation, while its energy efficient design incorporates optimised air-conditioning and a central heat recovery system, motion sensor light fittings and hot water generated from waste heat from the aircon system.

Otis GeN2 regen drive elevators, which are up to 75 percent more efficient than non-generative drive lifts, round off the green features.

Phase one of the development was occupied by Volkswagen Group South Africa's Sales and Marketing operations in September 2011. It too featured many fundamental green principles, including energy efficient glazing, lighting and sanitary fittings. Aside from being environmentally-friendly, these features help minimise the running costs of the building.

The development is located on Katherine Street, which is a main arterial into the Sandton CBD. It's visible from the highway and has unbelievable views across Johannesburg's northern suburbs.

With excellent access in the form of nearby highways and a Gautrain bus stop right outside, the building is perfectly positioned for corporate headquarters. Atholl Square next door provides access to shopping and restaurants, and the Park Inn Radisson Hotel, four-star accommodation.