The contribution of construction and operation of buildings to the destruction of the earth compels us to change the methods of the past and to adopt environmentally sustainable development principles.

Davis Langdon, in recognizing our social responsibilities, formed an international sustainability group which is active in research and development of sustainable solutions for developments. The expertise of our international partners is extensive and of great value to us as sustainable practices elsewhere have advanced and progressed by large measures in recent years.  For example, in the UK the BREEAM rating system, in Australia the Green Star rating system and in the USA the LEEDS system have been developed. Through their relevant Green Building Councils (GBC) they advocate sustainable principles and methods for property owners and contractors to adhere and aspire to in order to achieve their desired green ratings.

The Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) was established in 2007.  Davis Langdon is proud to be associated with the GBCSA and was in fact instrumental to their creation by being a founder member.

Also, Davis Langdon assisted the GBCSA on their technical working groups to launch the Green Star SA Office rating tool. We intend to support them in their endeavours to develop other rating tools. We also promote sustainable living in buildings. In this regard, most Davis Langdon offices abroad have either been accredited or applied to be accredited in terms of ISO14001.

Davis Langdon has internationally hosted many seminars and published numerous scientific articles on sustainability. Staff from all geographic regions in South Africa also completed the Green Star SA accredited professional course and are ready to assist clients and colleagues to also achieve their social responsibilities in addition to their financial or other objectives.

The international sustainability group has developed various sustainability service lines. Davis Langdon Africa is fortunate to be ahead of the pack in this regard, as some of these are readily available from our international partners, to be adapted for South Africa and the region.