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Contractors, sub-contractors battling as late payments accelerate – MBA North

By: Irma Venter 13th May 2024 The construction industry value-chain is at risk of collapsing as shrinking margins, unfair practices and payment issues continue to undermine the sector. This is according to members of the Master Builders Association (MBA) North, who warn that “urgent dialogue and change” are needed to address... →

Organisers expect record attendance at event

By: Halima Frost 10th May 2024 With ballooning foot traffic, demonstrated by an increase in attendance of 81% from 2022 to 2023, the organisers of this year’s Enlit Africa anticipate a “bumper event that will be attended by global dignitaries and industry leaders”. The Enlit Africa 2024 will be held at the Cape Town... →

A man standing on a podium at last years Enlit Africa Event

TAKING TO THE FUTURE This years Enlit Africa theme – Less Talk, More Action – aims to encourage attendees and speakers to move away from talk in favour of action and implementatio

Conditions still challenging, but contractors report noticeable uptick – MBA North

By: Irma Venter 10th May 2024 Last year was one of the most challenging years the Master Builders Association (MBA) North has ever experienced, with many of its long-standing members entering business rescue or closing their doors, says MBA North executive director Mohau Mphomela. The 120-year-old employers’ body serves the... →

Novare partners with IFC to advance green building, retail decarbonisation

By: Marleny Arnoldi 22nd April 2024 Real estate investment firm Novare Equity Partners has partnered with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) on its Greening Real Estate Investment Portfolios (Grips) programme, which affords Novare access to a comprehensive suite of advisory and investment services. The strategic alliance... →

Wind energy poses increased fall risks

By: Halima Frost 12th April 2024 As the demand for greener energy helps drive the increased uptake of wind energy, the dangers that face workers in the sector are becoming even more evident. As reported by the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration in a report named ‘Green Job Hazards’, workers in the wind energy... →

Two men wearing PPE and safety harnesses working on teh turbines of a wind turbine stack

TALL ORDER Maintaining safety standards especially in the wind turbine installation and maintenance sector has come to the fore as the development of green energy gains impetus

Concor stresses green building practices in its new Rosebank project

By: Rebecca Campbell 10th April 2024 South African construction group Concor has highlighted progress at its Green Star V2-rated Oxford Parks Block 2A Phase 1 project, in the Johannesburg suburb of Rosebank. Work started in February and the project is scheduled to take 17 months, with completion targeted for September next year.... →

Photo by Concor
Work under way on Oxford Parks Block 2A Phase 1

Global alliance set to bridge ESG gaps between finance, real estate sectors

By: Sabrina Jardim 5th April 2024 Global green building certification bodies the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in the UK, the US Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) have formed a global green building alliance to create global cohesion in green building standards. This is... →

Attacq's Nexus 1 building achieves EDGE, Green Star certification

By: Schalk Burger 25th March 2024 Real estate investment trust Attacq's Nexus 1 building, in Waterfall City, which also serves as its headquarters, has received Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) certification. Nexus 1 has become the first Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) Green Star-certified... →

The Nexus 1 building

‘It’s not all doom and gloom in our space’ – WBHO boss

By: Irma Venter 22nd March 2024 With a total pipeline of work of R240-billion, up from R211-billion in June, Wilson Bayly Holmes-Ovcon’s (WBHO’s) short- to medium-term future “should be okay”, says CEO Wolfgang Neff. “It’s not all doom and gloom in our space. I think it looks pretty good. Our earnings are at their best levels... →

Methanol surge expected to continue

15th March 2024 In recent years, the demand for methanol has witnessed a significant surge, particularly within the marine and construction industries, states analytical reportage company Persistence Market Research. The observation of this upward trend prompted Persistence Market Research to conduct a... →

a glass bottle with clear methanol inside and a sticker on with the chemical compound breakdown on the front

MAKING METHNOL Methanol is used as a feedstock for the synthesis of numerous chemicals, including formaldehyde, acetic acid and methyl tertiary-butyl ether

‘It’s not all doom and gloom in our space’ – WBHO boss

By: Irma Venter 6th March 2024 With a total pipeline of work of R240-billion, up from R211-billion in June, Wilson Bayly Holmes-Ovcon’s (WBHO’s) short- to medium-term future “should be okay”, says CEO Wolfgang Neff. “It’s not all doom and gloom in our space. I think it looks pretty good. Our earnings are at their best levels... →

Image of WBHO housing project in Lesotho

Polihali dam housing project in Lesotho

Cape Town to invest R43bn in infrastructure in the next three years – mayor

By: Irma Venter 14th February 2024 Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis says the city will invest R43-billion in infrastructure over the next three years. The ten-year project pipeline is valued at R120-billion. →

Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and city manager Lungelo Mbandazayo

Impower successfully installs solar PV, battery storage at E Cape estate

By: Sabrina Jardim 22nd January 2024 Solar installation company Impower has launched a flagship solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS) facility at Coral Beach Residential Estate, in the Eastern Cape. Prior to the installation, the estate’s power supply depended on a busy commercial line, which was often... →

An image depicting an aerial view of Coral Beach Estate

EAIF completes $294m debt raise for African infrastructure

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 15th January 2024 Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) company the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF) has raised $294-million of additional debt facilities, achieving over half of its target to raise $500-million by 2025. Backed by financial institutions, the package will enable the EAIF’s... →

Project achieves financial close

15th December 2023 Independent power producer EDF Renewables achieved commercial and financial close on its Umoyilanga project on November 28, 2023, reaching commercial close with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), and then concluding financial close with financial institutions Nedbank, RMB and... →

A sunset picture of solar panels with wind turbines in the background ad reflecting off the panels

KILLER COMBO The combination of wind and solar energy as well as battery storage will be used at the Umoyilanga project

Contractors urge dialogue on the back of 88 liquidations

By: Irma Venter 24th November 2023 Contract changes within the construction industry and conditions that are slashing margins are becoming a growing threat to contractors, “contributing to the downward spiral of the construction sector”. This is according to Master Builders Association North (MBA North) members who say urgent... →

Milestone for net-zero carbon emission buildings

10th November 2023 Having successfully achieved a Net-Zero Carbon Level 2 measured certification from the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) for its existing properties in Gauteng, real estate investment trust (REIT) Redefine Properties notes that the milestone marks the first time in South Africa that... →

Climate commission names winners of Green Solutions Pitch Challenge

By: Marleny Arnoldi 7th November 2023 The Presidential Climate Commission (PCC), the British High Commission to South Africa and other organisations have crowned Samanjalo and Green Guru as the winners of the first Green Solutions Pitch Challenge focused on Mpumalanga. The other organisations on the judging panel included... →

Contractors urge dialogue as 88 companies faced liquidation last year

By: Irma Venter 6th November 2023 Contract changes within the construction industry and conditions that are slashing margins are becoming a growing threat to contractors, “contributing to the downward spiral of the construction sector”. This is according to Master Builders Association North (MBA North) members who say urgent... →

Emerging markets need $1.5tr to make buildings greener - World Bank's IFC

By: Reuters 25th October 2023 Emerging markets will need $1.5-trillion in investment before 2035 to make new and existing buildings environmentally friendly and avoid a jump in climate-damaging emissions, a top economist at the World Bank's private finance arm told Reuters. Of that $1.5-trillion, China accounts for... →

EPR regulations positive for waste reduction

By: Bridget Lepere 6th October 2023 The amended Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, instituted in November 2020, require product importers and manufacturers in the packaging industry to contribute towards the recycling of product packaging, which has had a significant impact on waste production, says Zero Waste... →

Image of a backhoe loader loading organic waste

DUMP DIVING The Western Cape government implemented a regulation in 2022 to divert organic waste out of landfills by imposing a 50% ban on organic waste dumping to landfills in preparation for a 100% ban in 2027

WBHO makes strong return, warns of potential contractor shortage for IPP jobs

By: Irma Venter 29th September 2023 Wilson Bayly Holmes-Ovcon (WBHO) is back, “and we are back on a very strong footing”, says CEO Wolfgang Neff. “We had an exceptional year in a difficult period.” →

Schneider rejoins GBSA to advance low-emissions office buildings

By: Marleny Arnoldi 27th September 2023 Automation and energy management company Schneider Electric has rejoined the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBSA). The company says the move confirms its commitment to promoting and enabling sustainable practices in the local building industry. →

New inverter, battery solutions distributed

By: Halima Frost 21st September 2023 Energy technology provider Midea Energy Solutions, a product division of global appliance and air conditioning manufacturer Midea, has partnered with local distributors Livance Distributors and Fourways Group to launch the Midea Energy Solutions range of inverter and energy storage products. The... →

SOLAR CONVERSION The new range of inverters and battery storage solutions offered by Midea

WBHO makes strong return, warns of potential contractor shortage for IPP jobs

By: Irma Venter 13th September 2023 Wilson Bayly Holmes-Ovcon (WBHO) is back, “and we are back on a very strong footing”, says CEO Wolfgang Neff. “We had an exceptional year in a difficult period.” →

Image of the River Club development in Cape Town

River Club construction in Cape Town

R1.2bn Fynbos development set to be Africa’s first biophilic building

By: Irma Venter 31st August 2023 Construction on The Fynbos development is set for completion at the end of next year, with the first apartments ready for occupation in early 2025. The R1.2-billion building is located in Bree street, in Cape Town’s central business district, with apartment prices starting from R1.15-million. →

A rendering of The Fynbos development once completed

A rendering of The Fynbos once completed

Redefine raises R1bn in third green bond

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 29th August 2023 Real estate investment trust (Reit) Redefine Properties has issued another green bond as it leverages off its sustainability journey. Redefine will use the money raised to refinance eligible green assets across its property portfolio that are aligned to the group’s over-arching, long-term... →

CFO Ntobeko Nyawo

Emissions requirement postponed for Kusile

25th August 2023 The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) announced in June that the National Air Quality Officer (NAQO) has granted State-owned power utility Eskom a postponement to meet Minimum Emission Standards (MES) at its Kusile power station. The postponement will be in effect from... →

A view of a Kusile stack through a maze of metal scaffolding

KEEPING KUSILE The emissions standards requirement which needs to be met by Kusile has been postponed untill March 2025 by The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

Judgment in favour of power utility welcomed

25th August 2023 State-owned power utility Eskom in July said it was pleased with the Johannesburg High Court judgment dismissing with costs, the interdict application by green energy supplier G7 Renewable Energies to prevent Eskom from implementing the Interim Grid Capacity Allocation (IGCA) rules. In passing... →

Microgrid roll-out gaining traction

By: Halima Frost 25th August 2023 After the successful commissioning of State-owned power utility Eskom’s third microgrid, at the Swartkop dam, in the Northern Cape, the company aims to launch its next two microgrids at Nomalengena Village, in the Eastern Cape, and Nounieput, also in the Northern Cape, by December 31, 2023. The... →

A solar and battery powered microgrid developed and built by Eskom at the Swartkop dam in the Northern Cape

SEEING THE LIGHT Eskom has rolled out its third solar microgrid as part of a greater plan to provide universal access to electricity using clean and reliable technologies to remote areas

Refurbishment under way at Kriel

By: Halima Frost 25th August 2023 Thermal solutions specialist Industrial Water Cooling (IWC) is working with State-owned power utility Eskom on the refurbishment of two natural draught cooling towers at its Kriel power station, in Mpumalanga. The refurbishment includes the installation of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP)... →

the cooling towers and stacks with smoke pluming out the top

TOWERING ABOVE THE REST The cooling tower refurbishment at a power station in Mpumalanga is being undertaken by industry specialists Industrial Water Cooling

Scientists develop sustainable alternative to traditional building materials

4th August 2023 Scientists have developed a way to grow building materials using knitted moulds and the root network of fungi as a potential alternative to traditional building material. The composite, called mycocrete, can potentially reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry. The paper,... →

An image of the BioKnit prototype structure developed by the Living Textiles Research Group

BIO-KNIT PROTOTYPE STRUCTURE The complex freestanding dome is constructed in a single piece from a knitted fabric formwork and mycocrete

Market hindered by interest rates, economic stagnation

By: Bridget Lepere 4th August 2023 The commercial property market experienced a 5.6% decline in sales activity in the first quarter of 2023, compared with the same quarter in 2022, owing to numerous factors, including rising interest rates and the oversupply of office space, says property valuations custodian South African... →

REDEFINING VALUE The industry is battling major challenges with the construction which is costing the economy billions of rands

Firm invests in ‘greener’ solutions for sustainable future

By: Bridget Lepere 4th August 2023 JSE-registered real estate investment trust (REIT) Liberty Two Degrees (L2D) is beefing up its electricity generation supply to meet its environment, social and governance (ESG) targets. L2D development executive Melinda Isaacs says the company – which specialises in rental property in the... →

Image of L2D development executive Melinda Isaacs

MELINDA ISAACS The property space is an ever-evolving industry, with revolving opportunities forcing owners to adapt, rethink the possibilities and create new opportunities as the South African retail industry undergoes significant transformation

IFC to provide Absa with R4.5bn loan to expand green building finance in South Africa

By: Schalk Burger 1st August 2023 Development finance institution the International Finance Corporation (IFC) will provide financial services firm Absa with a loan of up to R4.5-billion to support the latter’s strategy to expand its green building finance portfolio, which will include new certified green buildings and mortgages.... →

Modular systems could transform sustainable housing – UP lecturer

By: Lynne Davies 21st July 2023 Standardised modular building systems, supplemented by educational mobile applications, could transform aspects of the local construction sector, says University of Pretoria (UP) senior lecturer and York Timbers multidisciplinary chairperson Schalk Grobbelaar. He suggests that the Wood App – a... →

The image depicts the use of a modular design for the WikiHouse, that makes it easy to learn and assemble

Photo by The University of Pretoria
Modular Design The WikiHouse designs make use of a modular design, making it easy to learn and assemble

Lighting provider upgrades two buildings

By: Halima Frost 21st July 2023 Lighting solutions provider Infinite Blue Energy (IBE) has successfully completed the conversion of outdated lighting solutions to new energy efficient lighting technologies at two older buildings in the Johannesburg central business district, in Gauteng. IBE operates as a turnkey solutions... →

a hallway with lights across the length and breadth of the structure which are lower energy LED lights installed by Infinite Blue Energy at two older buildings in the Johannesburg CBD

LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL A lighting solution has been installed by Infinite Blue Energy at two older buildings in the Johannesburg CBD

Company Announcements

Astron Energy supports the critical mining sector through innovative solutions

Empowering Economies – Unleashing the Potential of Exhibitions in Driving Industry Success and Economic Growth in 2024

Schneider Electric announces inaugural Global Virtual Open Week – aimed at students, graduates and early-careers professionals

The crucial role of Supply chain finance: Boosting cash flow, reducing risk, saving lives

Eco-innovator acknowledged for contribution to supporting Gauteng’s waste pickers

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