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Green Building News

‘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

Light manufacturer expands range

21st July 2023 Global lighting solutions manufacturer ams OSRAM bolstered its horticultural lighting offerings in June, announcing the addition of two new products. The company continues to provide important innovation based on customer input by creating light-emitting diode (LED) solutions that produce high... →

Solar installation lights way for shoppers

By: Halima Frost 21st July 2023 South African lighting solutions manufacturer BEKA Schréder completed the supply of a solar streetlight installation for a shopping centre in Alberton, Gauteng. A total of 24 BEKA Schréder SOLARPOLEs were supplied to the Blue Crane Ridge Shopping Centre, in Meyersdal. →

An aerial shot of the Blue Crane shopping centre at night well lit by all of the BEKA Schréder SOLARPOLE Lighting systems whch have been installed in the parking area

DE-LIGHTING SHOPPERS The new lighting solution installed by BEKA Schréder at the Blue Crane shopping centre offers increased visibility and safety

Firm rolls out sustainability project

21st July 2023 Second-hand vehicle buying and selling company WeBuyCars has successfully executed various sustainability solutions across its showrooms nationally, including the adoption of light-emitting diode (LED) lighting. The project aims to promote eco-friendly practices and ensure a more sustainable and... →

a photo of hundreds of cars inside the Northgate Dome which is now the showroom for WeBuyCars in the north of Johannesburg

LED-ING THE WAY The installation of light-emitting diode lighting at all of its locations is part of WeBuyCars plan to reduced the company's ecological footprint

Is SA Inc fighting the construction mafia, or adapting to incorporate it?

By: Irma Venter 27th June 2023 The construction mafia, or so-called ‘business forums’, first reared its head in KwaZulu-Natal in 2014 and 2015, invading construction sites to demand a share of projects, or that companies employ specific people or subcontractors. By 2018 and 2019 this practice also emerged in other provinces,... →

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... →

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