Strengths and limitations of the transport category in the green star South Africa rating system

Abstract

The chapter evaluates the strenghts and limitations of the Green Star South Africa's rating scheme in respect of its transport environment category. The evaluation is necessary, among other things, to guide decision makers on the interpretation of the tool's outcome for general transport planning. Using office buildings that have already been rated in Gauteng Province as case studies, and comparison of the tool with similar other tools in the world, it was found that while the tool evaluates the right dimensions, it remains fundamentally flawed by disregarding the network-based nature of transport services and operations, as well as the travel behaviour of building users. Prospects for improving the calculator are discussed. The role of transport planning authorities to support Green Building Council South Africa and developers in this regard is seen as critical.