Issued by: SA Communication Service
27 May 1997
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY: 5 JUNE 1997 INVITATION TO BI-NATIONAL SIGNING CEREMONY TO LAUNCH THE NATIONAL GREEN BUILDINGS INITIATIVE
We spend over one-quarter of our lives inside commercial structures, and yet very little is realised about the impacts of buildings on our health and well-being. An estimated 30 per cent of newly-build or renovated buildings suffer from `sick building syndrome', by which occupants are exposed to stale or chemical-laden air. The environmental quality of the workplace has proven linkages to employee morale, absenteeism, staff turnover, productivity, and ultimately profitability.
In recognition of World Environment Day, media members are invited to attend the programme launch and signing ceremony for the National Green Buildings Initiative. This initiative is a joint effort of the Department of Minerals and Energy and the International Institute for Energy Conservation to promote more energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly buildings. The initiative is being supported by T550 000 in funding from the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and is a component of the Mbeki-Gore Bi-National Commission which encourages co-operation between South Africa and the United States.
The signing ceremony forms part of a one-day seminar aimed at property developers, architects and air conditioning control companies to be held at the University of Pretoria on World Environment Day. The agreement will be signed by the Department of Minerals and Energy, the International Institute for Energy Conservation, and several participating building owners, including the University of Pretoria.
The ceremony will take place on Wednesday 5 June 1997 at 13:45 for 14:00 in Lecture Hall 1-12, Engineering Tower Block, University of Pretoria. The entrance to the building is in University Road, and parking is available in Scientia Road.
Please confirm your attendance by phoning Anna-Marie Roux, tel. (012) 345-3306, before 2 June 1997 at 15:00.