Features | Green Building

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Green Building

Wood pushed as viable construction material

By: Halima Frost 24th May 2024 Engineered wood has emerged as a viable alternative to concrete and steel in the construction industry, owing to its low-carbon footprint and technical performance as a structural material, says tertiary education institution University of Pretoria’s (UP’s) Graduate School of Technology... →

Algae offers new carbon emissions solution

By: Halima Frost 24th May 2024 Based on the concept that algae are a carbon-capture powerhouse, Austin, Texas biotech company Reactive Surfaces has invested over $2-million in the research and development of an algae-infused paint and surface area treatment, to not only capture but also sequester carbon emissions. Lichen is a... →

A microscope view of a lichen spore which is a complex life form comprising a symbiotic partnership of two separate organisms; a fungus and an algae

GROWING INTEREST The lichen life form has piqued the interest of paint manufacturers after Reactive Surfaces introduced it to paint to allow for carbon capture

Smart metering to drive energy efficiency

24th May 2024 The age-old practice of monthly meter readings is drawing to a close in the face of the modern world’s dynamic and fluctuating energy demands says utility metering management solutions provider Remote Metering Solutions (RMS) chief commercial officer Frikkie Malan. He explains that traditional... →

Remote Metering Solutions (RMS) chief commercial officer Frikkie Malan

FRIKKIE MALAN Traditional methods of capturing information on energy consumption need to move to smarter technologies and metering

Bluetooth lighting solution suitable for industrial applications

23rd June 2023 Remote control solution Schréder ITERRA offers site managers a robust, cost-effective and futureproof platform to run their infrastructure with the utmost flexibility for adapting lighting to any scenario or activity while maximising energy savings and providing the best possible experience for... →

LIGHTING CONTROL The Schréder ITERRA lighting control solution is suitable for all industrial and large area applications.

Sustainable timber building materials key to greener buildings

By: Simone Liedtke 23rd June 2023 By adhering to the accreditation of nonprofit organisation the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), local forestry companies are promoting sustainable forestry management and, subsequently, sustainable timber building materials, which integrated forestry company York Timbers wood structural... →

Photo by Xlam SA – Brenton House
NATURAL BEAUTY Timber’s natural beauty can add warmth and character to any building

Renewables drive sustainable development

By: Simone Liedtke 23rd June 2023 Comprehensive energy audits and advanced lithium-ion batteries have enabled renewable energy company Blockpower to ensure a stable and high-quality power supply for The Emerald development, in Gauteng’s Hyde Park, while significantly reducing carbon emissions and promoting environment-conscious... →

KYLE BOHNSACK All installations are done according to best practice regarding environmentally sound installations

Holistic architecture, sustainable design shaping future of green buildings

By: Simone Liedtke 23rd June 2023 In the pursuit of creating sustainable and eco-friendly buildings, architects and organisations are focusing on key principles that promote holistic architecture and sustainable design. According to hydrogen fuel cell developer Mitochondria marketing manager Kutama Ramano, these principles... →

S Africa’s green building adoption lags despite benefits

23rd June 2023 The global construction industry accounts for about 40% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Yet, while green building practices have been posited as effective tools to counter the effects of the construction industry on the climate and natural environment, and are gaining traction globally,... →

Ecological practices ensure ‘greener’ future

By: Simone Liedtke 23rd June 2023 With a commitment to zero-defect manufacturing and an adherence to the European Union Ecodesign Directive – which establishes ecological-design (eco-design) requirements for energy-related products – technology provider Omron aims to contribute to a cleaner environment while maximising long-term... →

GREEN BUILDING DEDICATION Omron’s commitment to zero-defect manufacturing, eco-design directives and sustainable solutions demonstrates its dedication to advancing green building

Atlantis SEZ a manufacturing hub in push for green economy

22nd June 2023 A green economy is the sustainable setting that everyone today, and future generations, needs to live and work in. It is the responsible and future-looking economy that every sector needs to operate in. Every industry or business needs to embed sustainability in its operations or methods of... →

Green ratings offer benefits during economic crunch

By: Cameron Mackay 24th June 2022 Premium and Grade-A offices that are Green Star-certified provide an average one-year income return of 8.4, compared to an average of 8.3 for non-Green Star-certified Prime and Grade-A offices, according to the MSCI South Africa 2021 Green Annual Property Index. Further, vacancy rates – based on... →

Image of Redefine Properties chief sustainability officer Anelisa Keke

ANELISA KEKE Redefine has been instrumental in selecting appropriate buildings for certification and recertification, in consultation with our external advisers

Right decisons key in green transitioning

24th June 2022 “South Africa’s drive towards a just energy transition and net zero carbon emissions should be seen as a great opportunity, rather than a cumbersome task. While the transition is sure to be a challenge, it doesn’t have to be a headache if the right decisions are made, backed by the right... →

Image of a solar installation on a tiled roof

SOLAR EXPERTISE The solar power supply chain must be prepared to act not just as suppliers, but also consultants to ensure the success of new PV installations

Economic strain, building ratings drive green buildings demand

By: Cameron Mackay 24th June 2022 The economic impact of Covid-19 and the introduction of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) in South Africa are some of the factors driving the growth of the green buildings sector, states consulting engineers WSP Africa building services regional director Alison Groves. The local market has... →

Image of WSP Africa building services regional director Alison Groves

ALISON GROVES Refurbishment takes existing buildings and gives them a new function, rather than tearing them down and starting again, which is the least environment-friendly approach

Consultancy alters green processes due to Covid 19

By: Claire O'Reilly 11th June 2021 Owing to the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions in South Africa last year, sustainability consultancy Solid Green altered its processes to assist the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) in meeting its net zero carbon goal by 2030, developing an EcoDistrict methodology for the city. →

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN The City of Johannesburg’s Green Building Policy awaits finalisation

Hydrogen company enters collaboration with solar company

11th June 2021 Global hydrogen company Nel Hydrogen Electrolyser, a division of Nel ASA, has entered a collaboration with global provider of comprehensive solar photovoltaic (PV) solutions First Solar to develop integrated PV hydrogen power plants. →

Index celebrates 5 years in ‘green’ investment

11th June 2021 Now in its fifth year, the financing company MSCI South Africa Green Annual Property Index continues to support the investment case for green buildings in the commercial property sector. →

Pioneers for sustainable urban regeneration

By: Claire O'Reilly 11th June 2021 An urgent shift from traditional market practice towards the ‘green industrial revolution’ is underway, hence specialised commercial property financial services company TUHF’s advocating for the following of green and sustainable building principles in the construction and building industries. →

Timber’s viability overlooked by developers

11th June 2021 It is estimated that two-billion metres squared of new building stock will be required every year between 2019 and 2025 to keep up with urban development and population growth. →

WOOD REDUCES CARBON OMMISIONS Carbon dioxide is removed from our atmosphere by wood plantations during their rotations of seven to 20 years.

Wood beneficial for the circular economy

By: Claire O'Reilly 11th June 2021 The Graduate School of Technology Management at the University of Pretoria (UP) says policy needs to be developed to ensure wood forms part of the circular economy. →

Energy efficiency part of futureproofing assets

By: Tracy Hancock 12th June 2020 Local building owners are looking to futureproof their assets for the secondary market, and reduce operating costs across all sectors, including the commercial, office, retail, industrial and residential sectors. This is according to independent nonprofit organisation Green Building Council of... →

GRAHAME CRUICKSHANKS The rate of energy efficiency-related retrofits is high in commercial office, retail and industrial spaces

Awards to take new shape

By: Natasha Odendaal 12th June 2020 As cement, aggregate and readymix concrete producer AfriSam marks ten years since the inaugural AfriSam-SAIA Award for Sustainable Design + Innovation, the 2019/20 edition is likely to set new trends. The fifth round of the biennial awards is taking place amid an era of worldwide economic... →

Company eases burden of understanding carbon tax

By: Mc'Kyla Nortje 12th June 2020 Companies have shifted their focus from attempting to lower their carbon emissions to making a budget allowance to pay for these emissions, owing to their misunderstanding of carbon tax, says software developer EDS Systems business development head Eckart Zollner. The new Carbon Tax Act is said... →

ECKART ZOLLNER Carbon tax aims to assist companies in regulating their carbon emissions to keep them to a minimum

Development will create demand for office space

By: Mc'Kyla Nortje 12th June 2020 Following the achievement of a 5-Star Green Star Design Certification from the Green Building Council of South Africa on the work done for the 144 Oxford Road office development in Rosebank, Gauteng, engineering, design and advisory firm Aurecon, rebranding as Zutari, believes that the building... →

Sustainable building designs on the rise

By: Mc'Kyla Nortje 12th June 2020 Although it was previously widely thought to be prohibitively expensive to make the upfront capital investments to go green, uncertainty about the availability of power and water resources, as well as cost volatility, for example, is influencing a mindset change, says professional services... →

Circular economy offers many benefits

By: Mc'Kyla Nortje 12th June 2020 The move towards a circular economy model away from the traditional linear approach can assist companies in reducing carbon emissions and other environmental impacts associated with their operations, says sustainability consulting firm The Green House director Brett Cohen. “A circular economy... →

BRETT COHEN A circular economy will, amongst other benefits, reduce the amount of raw material used and incorporate more recycled and reused products

Light manufacturer extends bulkhead range

12th June 2020 Light manufacturer BEKA Schréder has launched its QVAL light-emitting-diode (LED) bulkhead, which forms part of its existing LED bulkhead range. The QVAL is a decorative yet versatile, high-performance and reliable LED bulkhead. The bulkhead outperforms all conventional wall mounted bulkhead... →

MASSIVE ENERGY SAVINGS QVAL can achieve substantial energy and maintenance savings

Construction sector biggest greenhouse gas contributor

14th June 2019 Building construction and operations account for 36% of final energy use and nearly 40% of energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions globally, making the sector the largest energy user and producer of greenhouse gasses, says Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) CEO Dorah Modise. →

DORAH MODISE The GBCSA welcomes the introduction of these instruments in an effort to promote energy efficiency

New green building certification introduced in South Africa

By: Mc'Kyla Nortje 14th June 2019 Green building consulting company Solid Green Consulting is the first company to be working on an actual Living Building Challenge project in South Africa. The programme was developed by nongovernmental organisation International Living Future Institute (ILFI), to lead transformation towards a... →

MARLOES REININK The Living Building Challenge is possibly the most rigorous green building certification programme and sustainable design framework globally

Energy-saving LEDs illuminate hospital

By: Mc'Kyla Nortje 14th June 2019 High energy savings and a good colour rendering were achieved by replacing the high-pressure sodium installation with light-emitting-diode (LED) floodlights at the Tygerberg Hospital, in Cape Town, says lighting manufacturer BEKA Schréder sales engineer Grant Kemp. “High masts were installed... →

Health club receives net zero waste rating

By: Mc'Kyla Nortje 14th June 2019 Through rigorous waste reduction, separation and recycling on site, and the assistance of net zero-accredited professionals Ecolution Consulting, Health Club Virgin Active Constantia, in Cape Town, achieved a Net Zero Waste certification from the Green Building Council of South Africa.... →

NOTHING GOES TO WASTE
Currently 93% of the gym’s waste is being diverted – an amount that was possible through an initial waste audit calculation

Photo by Julian Goldswain
NOTHING GOES TO WASTE Currently 93% of the gym’s waste is being diverted – an amount that was possible through an initial waste audit calculation

Green light for ‘net zero’

By: Mc'Kyla Nortje 14th June 2019 Following then Energy Minister Jeff Radebe’s announcement paving the way for small projects generating between 1 MW and 10 MW of their own renewable electricity to feed it back into the grid, green building consultants ecocentric see this as a crucial opportunity for companies to accelerate... →

RATINGS The GBCSA Rosebank office received a 4-Star Interiors Rating based on the assessment of the environmental attributes of the building’s interior fit-outs

Building and construction applications get a coatings sustainability boost

14th June 2019 Multinational speciality chemicals producer Clariant aims to contribute more sustainability and safety solutions to meet the building and construction industry’s challenges, says Clariant flame retardants segment coating manager Achim Hennemann. Clariant offers pigment paste producers and... →

AFTER FIRE TEST Strong intumescent formation with clear coat based on Exolit 855 after fire test

Green buildings rising

By: Mc'Kyla Nortje 14th June 2019 As the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) introduces more rating tools, the construction industry’s uptake of green building is “sky rocketing”, says professional services firm WSP Africa building services regional director Alison Groves. The GBCSA developed the Green Star South... →

ALISON GROVES While the demand for new green buildings continues to grow, it will not replace the importance of the existing building stock

Entrenched player furthers green building

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 15th June 2018 Leading construction materials company AfriSam believes that it is important for all industry roleplayers to play an active role in furthering green sustainability initiatives in the built environment, and the company is pursuing this through partnerships and relationships with stakeholders, says... →

EVERGREEN AfriSam has sponsored a number of awards to recognise notable achievements and work in sustainable building

Green awareness facilitates product uptake

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 15th June 2018 There has been an increase in the number of green projects in the country, which is an indication that South Africans are becoming more conscious of sustainability for the future, says sealant technology provider Den Braven Sealants national sales and marketing manager Michael Berg. He posits... →

MICHAEL BERG Den Braven believes in providing the best solutions and products that contribute to a healthier and greener environment

Rescue Rod

15th June 2018 Trenchless specialist Rescue Rod has been involved in providing pipeline services and waste management in various ways since 1990. The company has more than 25 years of experience in the industry and offers some of the most technologically advanced industrial sewer cleaning and pipeline... →

Sustainable construction championed for building industry

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 15th June 2018 Sustainable construction should be pursued instead of green building, and using concrete can help achieve this, as it is quite a sustainable material, advances technical services provider for concrete The Concrete Institute (TCI) MD Bryan Perrie. TCI is well poised and equipped to promote this,... →

VERSATILE
Concrete is a sustainable material, with design flexibility, as it can be constructed into any shape, design and finish

Photo by Bloomberg
VERSATILE Concrete is a sustainable material, with design flexibility, as it can be constructed into any shape, design and finish

Green building requires holistic approach

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 15th June 2018 With the current water shortage in the Western Cape having encouraged efficient water use and proactive ways of saving water, building industry representative the Joint Building Contacts Committee (JBCC) CEO Uwe Putlitz says a similar attitude should be pursued regarding green building in the... →

COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING Green building should not be regarded as a separate entity from the rest of a building project but rather as an integral part of the entire project

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