De Beers Group is proud to announce that its new rough diamond sorting, valuation, and sales building, Sky Park, located in Johannesburg, has received the prestigious 5-star interior green rating and two 4-star green building ratings from the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA).

The accolades were awarded for the innovative and sustainable design elements proposed and approved by the GBCSA, as well as the “As-Build” rating that evaluates the use of green and sustainable materials during the construction phase. The comprehensive waste, water, and power management strategies implemented during construction were also recognised as part of these awards.

The 5-star interior green rating reflects the sustainable choices made for the building’s interiors, including the selection of eco-friendly materials for furniture and furnishings, advanced water consumption systems, and the integration of internal gardens. The assessment also considered the building’s energy efficiency, highlighted by the installation of a solar plant and comprehensive water management systems.

DBSSSA Senior Sales and Office Manager, Richard Steenkamp, said: “De Beers is a steward of sustainability, and achieving the Green Star Building ratings for the Sky Park building affirms our commitment to creating spaces that harmonizes environmental responsibility with innovation and excellence.”

In January 2023 De Beers announced that it was relocating its Sightholder Sales activities in South Africa from Kimberley, where it has been operating since 1974, to Johannesburg following a review of its sorting activities in South Africa. De Beers Sightholder Sales South Africa (DBSSSA) is part of the Global Sightholder Sales network that sells rough diamonds for beneficiation purposes in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Canada.  It is also responsible for the distribution of De Beers rough diamonds in South Africa and seeks to support the industry at large in maintaining a sustainable diamond manufacturing industry through its beneficiation strategy. The relocation supports the government’s strategy to consolidate the country’s mineral beneficiation sector into one area at the Gauteng Industrial Development Zone, close to the OR Tambo International Airport.