+IMPACT MAGAZINE ISSUE 16

IMPACT 1615

Official publication of the Green Building Council of South Africa

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IMPACT The official publication of GBCSA

Consulting Editor Robbie Stammers editor@positive-impact.africa Managing Editor Alexis Knipe alexis@greeneconomy.media Director Danielle Solomons dani@positive-impact.africa Editorial Contributors Melinda Hardisty Nicole Cameron Robbie Stammers GBCSA Editorial Advisory Georgina Smit Jenni Lombard Jo Anderson Design and Layout Carla Lawrence, CDC Design Media Sales Gerard Jeffcote Glenda Kulp Vania Reyneke

Joint Publishers Gordon Brown gordon@greeneconomy.media Danielle Solomons danielle@greeneconomy.media Head of Content Alexis Knipe Production Administrator Melanie Taylor Web Digital and Social Media Steven Mokopane

Chief Executive Officer Lisa Reynolds Finance & Operations Manager Levinia Palmer Marketing Manager Christy Borman

GE.tv Head of Production Byron Mac Donald MPeople Resourcing (Pty) Ltd t/a GreenEconomy.Media Reg no. 2005/003854/07

Cover image: Green School

All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any way or in any form without the prior written permission of the Publisher. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the GBCSA or the Publisher. All editorial and advertising contributions are accepted on the understanding that the contributor either owns or has obtained all necessary copyrights and permissions. GBCSA and the Publisher do not endorse any claims made in the publication by or on behalf of any organisations or products. Please address any concerns in this regard to the Publisher.

CALLING ALL THOUGHT LEADERS +Impact Magazine, the official publication of the GBCSA, presents thought leadership from local and international green building commentators and practitioners, and showcases the excellent work of GBCSA members.

Are you a thought leader in your relevant field? GBCSA members are invited to submit stories about projects, design concepts, materials, research, and anything else that promotes a healthy sustainable built environment. Submit a 200-word description of your content idea with 1-2 images to: editor@positive-impact.africa

ADVERTISE WITH US For advertising and sponsored content contact Danielle Solomons: dani@positive-impact.africa Advertising rates are discounted for GBCSA members and further discounts are available for booking multiple editions in 2022.

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POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 16

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INSIGHT

A note from the editor, Robbie Stammers

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Our Editorial Advisory Board

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GBCSA AT THE HELM New GBCSA Chairman, Brian Unsted

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INDUSTRIAL

AN INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION Green, resilient and ready for the future

CONTENTS 22

PROJECT LIGHT AND BRIGHT Sable Park leading the way in smart design

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THOUGHT LEADERSHIP THE INTERGRATED DESIGN PROCESS FOR SA

34

DESIGN NATURAL CONNECTION Biophilic design explored

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THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

MOVING FROM BLAH, BLAH, BLAH TO DO, DO, DO The Tétris movement and sustainability

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GLOBAL GREEN WORLD In this edition, we feature Bosco Verticale in Italy

POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 16

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INSIGHT

Creating new spaces

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inally after a long and difficult two years in lockdown over the Covid pandemic, changes are finally taking place. Based on the trajectory of the pandemic and the levels of vaccination in the country, the South Africa Cabinet recently decided to make the changes to Adjusted Alert Level 1 and many, if not most people, will return to offices with immediate effect.

With all the prior doom and gloom, there is some silver lining on the dark cloud we were living in. The coronavirus pandemic has bolstered corporate interest in redesigning work spaces to simulate nature, have better air filtration systems and use more sustainable materials.

More companies are embracing biophilic design – the concept of bringing the health benefits of the outdoors inside. Buildings are also adapting to demand for more outdoor work space like terraces, and widespread expectations that employees will be more mobile after the pandemic is contained.

Readers can learn more about the biophilic movement in this edition of +Impact on page 34.

We’re blurring the line between work and home. Your office doesn’t have to be enclosed at your desk anymore and the focus on lowering the carbon footprint of buildings and creating a healthier working space, has been accelerating.

Research shows that offices with artificial lighting, a lack of windows and poor ventilation create more stress for workers and impair decisionmaking abilities, according to research published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives. We cover more on this in our feature on the industrial revolution on page 12 in this edition, where the industrial sector is also changing to more green, resilient industrial buildings for the future.

Working in a room with natural light helps boost productivity and mental health, and employees who are exposed to natural light in offices sleep better because the light improves circadian rhythms, according to research published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. Zama Zaca, the head of new business development for Tétris South Africa, explains more about how we can implement sustainability in our lives as individuals and organisations on page 40.

The future is indeed looking a lot brighter and all the above examples point to a better place for us as individuals and for the green building industry locally and across the globe.

Enjoy this edition and all the best to you all for 2022 and beyond.

Editor

POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 16

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IMPACT

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD BOB VAN BEBBER Bob van Bebber, a senior director at Boogertman + Partners spearheads the conceptualisation and delivery of many of the practices’ large complex projects. From Soccer City, the main stadium for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, to large mixed-use precincts as well as the largest single tenanted corporate head office in the southern hemisphere for Discovery Health.

He was recently recognised by the South African Professional Awards as the winner of the Professional of the Year: Architecture Class Award as well as the Overall Professional of the Year for 2019. Van Bebber’s passion extends into urban design, interior design and education. www.boogertmanandpartners.com

GRAHAME CRUICKSHANKS Grahame Cruickshanks has worked as a professional architect, sustainability consultant and management consultant with 20 years of experience in the design, construction and property industry. Focusing much of his career on green buildings and an expert in his field, he has worked on a variety of Green Star and BREEAM certified projects and other building projects in South Africa, Singapore and the UK. Prior to joining Growthpoint Properties as the head of sustainability and utilities, Cruickshank’s previous roles included managing executive for market engagement at the GBCSA and manager at EY’s Climate Change and Sustainability Services. www.growthpoint.co.za

JUTTA BERNS Jutta Berns is an industry leader and one of South Africa’s first internationally accredited green building professionals, establishing her company Ecocentric in 2007. She has degrees from the Universities of Bonn (Germany) and Cambridge (UK), and a diverse blue-chip client base. Berns specialises in sustainable and net-zero solutions for large property portfolios.

She has several LEED Platinum and 6-Star Green Star projects in her portfolio, is a GBCSA faculty member, a Green Star Assessor and GBCSA TAG member, and winner of the Gauteng Entrepreneur of the Year 2019 Award by the Women’s Property Network and 2019 winner of the Established Green Star Awards by the GBCSA. www.ecocentric.co.za

MANFRED BRAUNE Braune currently holds the position of Director: Environmental Sustainability at the University of Cape Town (UCT), where he leads the strategy and implementation of environmental sustainability across all spheres of the university since early 2019. He has also served as a non-executive director of GBCSA in a voluntary role since August 2020.

Braune’s background is as a professional engineer, having worked at WSP Group for over 10 years as a consulting engineer, where he then started and led WSP’s green building business for three years and then worked for the GBCSA for 10 years. https://www.uct.ac.za/main/explore-uct/sustainability

MARLOES REININK Marloes Reinink is owner of Solid Green Consulting. With an academic background in innovation and architecture, she has been working as a sustainable building consultant for more than 15 years in South Africa and Africa. She founded Solid Green in 2010, which is one of the leading sustainability consultancies in Africa and achieved its 100th green building certification in October 2020. Reinink’s passion is advocating for a greener built environment and she recently started GreenED, an online education platform for sustainability in the sector. Reinink is an ambassador for the International Living Future Institute; a Living Future accredited professional; and a facilitator of the SA Collaborative Network for a Living Future. www.solidgreen.co.za

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POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 16

Liberty Two Degrees congratulates Brian Unsted for his appointment as the Chairman of the Green Building Council of South Africa. We support your sustainability agenda as we transform the built environment, creating Good Spaces, together.

SMART Spaces: We maximise insight obtained from smart data solutions, with opportunities to be delivered alongside traditional experiential strategies.

Good Spaces: We create robust assets that will benefit generations, allowing for agile and adaptable environments that align to net-zero goals.

www.liberty2degrees.co.za

Interactive Spaces: We have a vision to create vibrant and diverse spaces with experience at their heart.

Safe Spaces: We drive a clearly defined mall strategy that ensures the mall environments hold the highest standard of safety and security for tenants and shoppers.

GBCSA

AT THE HELM

GBCSA welcomes new chairman of the board: Brian Unsted Liberty Two Degrees asset management executive and head of Good Spaces, Brian Unsted has stepped forward as the new chairman of the Green Building Council South Africa board.

WORDS Robbie Stammers

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POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 16

“I

n his role as vice-chair, over the past 18 months Unsted has already made a substantial contribution to the GBCSA. He has an exceptional passion for the green building agenda, and I look forward to the GBCSA making great strides with him at the helm,” says GBCSA CEO Lisa Reynolds.

Unsted takes over the reins from Giles Pendleton who steps down as chair to take up a remarkable opportunity as executive director at NEOM – a 36 000km² economic zone in north-western Saudi Arabia. +Impact magazine asked Unsted a few questions about himself and his new role: Congratulations on your appointment as the new chairman of the GBCSA Board. Can you tell our readers what your vision and objectives are in this role?

The first objective is to try and ensure continued stability of the GBCSA, which is paramount to being able to implement the vision. We need to actively drive sustainability initiatives into the built environment and promote certifications. Historically, good progress was made in the rating of new builds in the office sector, and this changed over time to rating more existing buildings.

There is a massive opportunity to target more ratings in both the retail and industrial sectors of the property industry. Certification can play a significant role from an investor’s perspective, especially considering the growth of ESG reporting. There is also significant effort that is being placed on public sector assets, who are the largest owners of properties in the country. This broader reach into other asset classes and ownership is probably the main thrust right now.

Coming from a mainly retail focused property background myself, I also know the massive impact that retailers can make within the built environment, and I’ll be promoting activity with retailers. We also need to ensure that the ratings tools are upgraded and remain relevant and challenging.

Can you give us some background on yourself?

I am not a typical “greenie” in the sense that I come from a finance background. I have always worked in the property industry, starting out in finance and then moving across into asset management. My formal studies were a BCom and MBA. I have spent quite a lot of my working career within the property sphere of the Liberty Group in different roles and divisions that included Liberty Properties, Liberty Properties Developments and STANLIB Direct Property Investments. I have been at Liberty Two Degrees since the listing in 2016.

I drive all environmental sustainability (Good Spaces) initiatives at Liberty Two Degrees, and I chair the related governance committee, ensuring that both retail and office assets in the portfolio have a minimal impact on the natural environment.

Certification can play a significant role from an investor’s perspective, especially considering the growth of ESG reporting.

POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 16

GBCSA You are also an author who has published a book.

Can you tell us about that?

I co-authored a book called Sandton Places with Gerald Garner and Heather Mason, which was published in 2014. It is probably best described as a travel guide.

We saw an opportunity to tell the story of the history of Sandton and surrounding areas, as well as provide ideas on things to do and places to go.

One of your passions is sustainability? Can you tell the readers what drives you in this category?

There is urgency required in recognising that work needs to be done in every sector of the economy, in every country across the globe and in every single household in the world. This sounds enormous and overwhelming, but it certainly drives my passion.

At a more local level, I can make a difference in the actions of the South African property sector along with hundreds if not thousands of other committed people, as well as in my own household. I feel more empowered to be able to make a difference.

Where do you rate South Africa on the green building front compared to the rest of the world?

We have made some good progress but have some way to go. Many companies have really stepped up to the challenge and actioned change, making bold commitments in the process. It is unfortunate that we are in a position where some have not made enough changes. We look forward to working collaboratively with the public sector to start seeing significant progress in that space.

In some areas such as waste management, because of a variety of factors, especially high unemployment and relatively low wage rates, South African recycling rates are high by global standards. In other areas, sustainability-related activity needs to improve.

What significant changes can be made locally and abroad to combat climate change?

Attitude and commitment are the first steps.

Governments and companies must all consider their impact on the environment. Funds need to be made available, and in some cases, this will adversely affect short-term returns for longer-term reward. However, in many instances, the business case for projects such as solar exceed hurdle rates.

Banks can also play a role by implementing stricter lending criteria at an institutional and private level. Stricter legislation would make a big difference in driving the pace of change, such as all new building having to install solar power, dual plumbing systems, and waste recycling facilities.

All new commercial buildings should also have to achieve a green rating.

What are your favourite pastimes outside of your working roles?

I am quite a simple guy who enjoys sport, braaiing, spending time with family and friends and being part of a church community. I enjoy running and mountain biking. The Gauteng Lions and Springbok rugby teams will always have me cheering them on. I also love to travel, locally, into other parts of Africa and overseas.

Experiencing new cultures makes me feel alive.

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INDUSTRIAL

AN INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION GREEN, RESILIENT AND READY FOR THE FUTURE

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POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 16

Industrial buildings, like warehouses, manufacturing plants and logistics facilities, play a critical role in the smooth running of national and regional economies.

WORDS Nicole Cameron

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INDUSTRIAL

G

iven their substantial contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, there is a strong case for industrial buildings to be designed or re-designed with sustainable features, which will also future proof these assets in the face of climate change and rising energy, water and waste costs.

This is notwithstanding the fact that the economic returns on investments now outweigh the capital outlay for greening and certifying buildings.

The Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA), in partnership with Growthpoint Properties, is, after three years of preliminary work given the complexity of the industrial property sector, developing a new green building certification that will add tremendous value to industrial properties. The tool’s application to existing buildings makes it particularly high impact, given that for each new development there are thousands of existing ones.

City Industrial Property’s flagship Bellville facility, home to City Logistics in Cape Town, and the In2food Bonaero Park facility, which manufactures food for Woolworths and is situated in the OR Tambo Special Economic Zone, have both achieved the 4-Star Green Star New Building Custom Industrial rating as well as a Net-Zero Carbon rating, and are setting the benchmark for other industrial developments across the country.

PROJECT GREEN (BELLVILLE) City Industrial Property (CIP) develops property tailored to clients’ needs, with facilities varying from 2000m² to 46 000m² in size and ranging from warehousing and distribution facilities to specialised factory and workshop facilities.

“In 2018, we set up a division called Project Green, which was tasked with rolling out the sustainability strategy of the fund and its shareholders,” explains Rory Clark, project manager at CIP. “We reviewed all existing properties within the portfolio and identified

specific interventions that would improve energy efficiency and water management across each site.

We began with the easy wins, such as converting all warehouse lighting to LEDs and installing smart meters. Tenants are provided with a transparent cloudbased platform that shows real-time data on utility consumption and spend, providing visibility with regards to what is driving their total utility cost. This is a solid first step, as you cannot manage what you cannot measure,” he says.

“For any new-build projects we have developed our own ‘green print’ of design criteria that is now applied to all new builds,” Clark says. “The majority of our properties are logistics warehouses that do not have a massive energy demand, but they do have a lot of roof space for the installation of solar power. Roof material is carefully selected to allow for the penetration of natural light, and, to minimise lighting usage, the LEDs are activated by intelligent sensors. When it comes to maximising water efficiency, rain harvesting systems are installed with grey water used where possible.”

Smart design “The eagerness and sheer interest the client expressed to start a sustainability journey was what drew us most to this project. When clients are as excited as we are about sustainability, it sets off a strong starting point and collaboration for the journey we embarked on for this project,” says Wardah Safi, sustainability consultant at Ecolution Consulting who was the AP for City Industrial Property.

“Because we started late on the project, there were a fair bit of spec and process changes that needed to happen in order for us to target our desired rating," she adds. "However, the client, however, the client and project team worked hard in order to meaningfully make a change when it came to energy consumption and potable water consumption amongst other improved environmental impacts.

City Logistics has set a benchmark for other industrial developments across South Africa wishing to certify their facilities.

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POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 16

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Creating Concrete Possibilities

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Lika Architectural Services (Pty) Ltd would like to thank and congratulate CITY INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY for recently achieving both a 4-Star Green Star and pioneering Net Zero Carbon rating with the GBCSA for the Bellville Facility, Cape Town

Lika Architectural Services

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We would like to congratulate City Logistics, which recently achieved both a 4-star Green Star rating and Net-Zero Carbon rating with the GBCSA. OrbitX LED lights were proudly specified for this flagship building.

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INDUSTRIAL

The Bellville facility is as energy efficient as possible: the energy required for operations is sourced from renewable energy, resulting in net-zero carbon emissions from energy over a year.

“This led to some key interventions such as a PV array being installed that would produce more energy than they consumed and was able to put energy back into the grid. Also, a grey water system that treats and reuses the water from an on-site truck wash bay for washing of trucks, flushing of toilets and other uses.”

André Harms, sustainability engineer and founder of Ecolution Consulting, says: “The biggest challenge the project faced was the unfortunate timing and consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic. The disruption started when the project was in full swing with its Green Star certification process and a number of team members, including the lead AP on the project, contracted covid. This also caused numerous delays on the project in procurement and installation of the various interventions and caused difficulties with the submission for certification. However, these challenges were no match for the project team and the hard work, perseverance and dedication of the team pushed the project through to achieve the targeted 4-Star Green star and Net Zero Carbon certifications.”

When clients are as excited as we are about sustainability, it sets off a strong starting point and collaboration for the journey we embarked on for this project.

The company’s Bellville facility shows true leadership in the sector, as one of just three Net-Zero Carbon industrial certifications – essentially meaning that the building is as energy efficient as possible and that the energy that is required for building operations is sourced from renewable energy, resulting in netzero carbon emissions from energy over a year.

Project architect Peter Williams of Lika Architectural Services says that they were briefed to design an office component of approximately 1 000m², a 12 000m² warehouse and small workshop for the facility.

“Although you approach the site from the southern side, the office component was placed towards the north side of the site to take advantage of the all-day northern sunlight. A large curtain window was also used on the northern façade allowing lots of natural light into the offices. Performance glazing was used to assist with temperature control and the ablution block was placed along the eastern side to block out early sunlight into the space,” he says. “The design and layout of the offices allow for 69.5% of the occupied spaces to have access to external views.”

Williams says that the warehouse includes large panels of translucent sheeting on all four sides, which ensures that none of the LED lights will have to be used on a sunny day. A total number of 59 loading docks have been provided along the north, south and western sides, with canopies protecting all the shutter doors from the elements. Ventilation louvres and more translucent sheeting has also been provided along the higher vertical areas of the roof.

The Cape Town facility has a 120.6kW rooftop solar photovoltaic array, which provides renewable energy

There are parking spaces for fuel efficient cars as well as for motorbikes and scooters. The building has been designed with easy access for any disabled person.

POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 16

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INDUSTRIAL all year round. Mixed mode ventilation also contributes to energy efficiency, together with improved indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and light-emitting diode light fittings and efficient lighting control systems, which also contribute to energy efficiency. Low-flow sanitaryware fittings and rainwater harvesting contribute to water efficiency and resilience, and 80% of the water from the facility’s wash bay gets collected, filtered and re-used for the washing of the vehicles at the facility.

Zero ozone depleting potential insulation is used in the facility, as well as low volatile organic compound internal finishes that have environmental benefits and contribute to improved indoor environmental quality, which has significant benefits for the occupants of the facility. The facility has a dedicated waste management area, where recyclables are sorted and managed, thus sending less waste to landfill. There are seven parking spaces dedicated for fuel efficient cars, and a further seven for motorbikes or scooters. The building has also been designed with easy access into the building for any disabled person.

“The payback periods for the sustainability initiatives we have in place here make it a practical choice,” says City Industrial Property MD David St Clair. “And going for green building certification voluntarily means that our customers are aware of our priorities as a business.

Our facilities, like our business, are resilient and ready for the future.”

IN2FOOD, BONAERO PARK The In2Food Bonaero Park facility, with a total gross floor area of 22 282m², has been called the biggest fresh food facility in the southern hemisphere, offering the largest variety of produce. The facility includes food preparation and storage, along with offices, a canteen, staff showers and a medical clinic.

Alex Varughese, modelling and simulations consultant at Solid Green, who was the accredited professional on the project, comments on the impressive sustainability features which makes the industrial property a leading trendsetter: “The site is refrigerated by means of a CO2 refrigeration system which uses less energy, has zero ODP (Ozone Depleting Potential) and exceptionally low GWP (Global Warming Potential) gas. The entire system produces about 3MW cooling capacity for the facility,” he says. “Due to the fact that all hot water is heated by the warmth produced by the CO2 refrigeration system, there is a reduced need for heat pumps and geysers. The boilers and the industrial kitchen use only natural gas, and a Limpsfield Burner ensures boiler efficiency and reduced carbon emission.”

The Bonaero Park site also features a PV system that generates a staggering 2 191MWh per annum, resulting in a 30% energy saving. LED fittings feature throughout,

Going for green building certification voluntarily means that our customers are aware of our priorities as a business.

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Although you approach the site from the southern side, the offices are placed towards the north side of the premises to take advantage of the northern sunlight.

The tool’s application to existing buildings makes it particularly high impact, given that for each new development there are thousands of existing ones. and all water and energy sources are measured through a building management system (BMS) with an extended building tuning programme in place for five years.

Four boreholes provide water for the facility, with a 600kL storage capacity on site to reduce municipal water usage. Water used during the vegetable cutting process is recycled.

Throughout the construction process, a projectspecific environmental management plan was developed and implemented, with guidelines established on how to minimise the environmental impact of construction activities. A waste management plan was implemented during the project to minimise waste to landfill.

An ambitious journey Malcolm Moore, group project and risk manager at In2Food comments: “The In2food Group, with 10 sites nationally working 24/7, every day of the year, has always been conscious of its energy, water, waste and carbon usage. With the new build at our state-of-theart facility in Bonaero Park, we decided that this was the time to put our money where our mouth is and go green in the interests of a sustainable environment.”

Recognising the impact of their operations on the environment, the company has embarked on a journey of sustainability through its Lotana sustainability project, and this accolade is the first step in reaching its goal of being carbon zero rated by 2023. Besides Lotana, a new company called “In2energy” was established, focusing on the installation of solar and water treatment plants at its other facilities.

“With their 4-Star Green Star New Building Custom Industrial rating and Net-Zero Carbon ratings, both CIP and In2Food are forerunners in a market that is steadily moving towards the goal of all new buildings operating at net zero by 2030 and all existing buildings operating at net zero by 2050,” says Georgina Smit, GBCSA technical head. “As pioneers in greening the industrial sector, they are demonstrating that it is possible to achieve and maintain the ambitious commitments required to meet the national and international climate change targets,” she concludes.

POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 16

BBEnergy Services Provided 3 x Municipal Incomers Metered 44 x Sub-Areas Metered 3 x Solar Arrays Metered 5 x Generators Metered

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INDUSTRIAL

IN2FOOD BONAERO DRIVE: a 4-star industrial site zones in on Net-Zero Carbon Situated in the OR Tambo Special Economic Zone, the In2food Bonaero Park facility manufactures food for Woolworths and food service customers. The site is one of the few industrial facilities in South Africa to have achieved Green Star and Net Zero carbon certifications, setting the benchmark for other industrial developments.

D

escribed as the largest and most diverse ultra-fresh food facility of its kind in the southern hemisphere, the In2food facility has a lot to gain by going green. The design of the industrial facility, which has a total gross floor area of 22 282m², accommodates food preparation, storage, and office areas, as well as a canteen, showers and a medical clinic.

Malcolm Moore, group project and risk manager at In2food, comments: “The In2food Group, with 10 sites nationally working 24/7, every day of the year, has always been conscious of its energy, water, waste and carbon usage. With the new build at our state-of-the-art facility in Bonaero Park, this was totally in keeping with our values that we should seek to ensure that it was designed with the environment at the forefront of the project”.

Recognising the impact of their operations on the environment, the company has embarked on a journey of sustainability through its Lotana sustainability project, and this accolade is the first step in reaching its

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goal of being carbon zero rated by 2023. Besides Lotana, a new company called “In2energy” was established, focusing on the installation of solar and water treatment plants at its other facilities.

The Bonaero site is refrigerated by means of a CO2 refrigeration system which utilises less energy, has zero ODP (Ozone Depleting Potential) and exceptionally low GWP (Global Warming Potential) gas. The entire system collectively produces approximately 3MW cooling capacity to the facility. Conveniently, all hot water is then heated by the warmth produced by the CO2 refrigeration system, thereby reducing the need to install heat pumps, boilers or geysers. The boilers and the industrial kitchen use only natural gas, and a Limpsfield Burner ensures boiler efficiency and reduced carbon emission.

The factory also boasts an impressive PV system which generates 2 191 MWh per annum actively reducing peak electrical demand and providing a saving of 30% on average. The building is fitted out

POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 16

INDUSTRIAL with 100% energy saving LED fittings. All water and energy sources are metered and monitored through a building management system (BMS) with an extended building tuning programme in place for a period of five years. The facility draws water from four boreholes and has 600kL storage capacity on site to curb the use of municipal water, while water used for the vegetable cutting process is recycled.

A project specific environmental management plan was developed and implemented throughout the duration of construction to establish guidelines on

In2Food is among the few industrial facilities that have achieved Green Star ratings in South Africa.

how to minimise the environmental impact associated with construction activities. A project specific waste management plan was developed and implemented to minimise the contribution of waste going to landfill.

In2Food exceeded the Green Star target by implementing several innovation measures. These include upskilling of members of the professional team, as well as the installation of learning resources throughout the development that are connected to the energy and water monitoring platform and who give information on how more water and energy can be saved.

Alex Varughese, modelling and simulations consultant at Solid Green, recognises the efforts of In2food in terms of sustainability: “In2Food is among the few industrial facilities that have achieved Green Star ratings in South Africa. They are industry leaders, and we are encouraged and looking forward to seeing more industrial facilities strive for a Green Star and Net Zero ratings.”

Project Team Owner: In2Food Accredited professional: Solid Green Consulting Architect: Empowered Spaces Architects Electrical engineer: CP Engineering Fire engineer: Adengo Fire Mechanical engineer: Meccanitek Quantity surveyors: Quanticost QS Structural engineers: DG Consulting Sustainable building consultant: Solid Green Consulting Wet services: Sutherland Engineers Main contractor: Enzacon Project manager: Enzacon Environmental consultant: SEF and Ecology International Facilities management company: In2Food BMS systems professional: BB Energy

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www.in2food.co.za PTN 282, ACSA Park, Elgin Road EXT, Bonaero Park, Witkoppie, 64IR

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LIGHT AND BRIGHT Sable Park is leading the way with smart design

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PROJECT

Sable Park office development which has already been awarded a 5-Star Green Star – Office v1.1 Design certification from the GBCSA, has now also received the accolade of a 5-Star Green Star – Office As Built v1.1 certification too.

WORDS Robbie Stammers IMAGES Dave Southwood

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PROJECT

Both buildings are made up of two sections linked via an atrium.

S

able Park is an office building situated within the Century City’s Bridgeways precinct. This brings to 19 the number of Green Star rated buildings in the Century City precinct. The 16 300 square metre Sable Park office development comprises two four-storey buildings, the larger of which has been let to Discovery. Being developed by the Rabie Property Group at a cost of R460-million, each of the buildings has two levels of underground parking.

Rabie Property Group’s broker liaison, Jason Elley, says negotiations are well under way with a number of global players for the second building which is ideally suited for a large user looking to make a strong corporate statement. “However, it has been designed to be flexible and if needs be, could be sub-divided to accommodate two or three users,” explains Elley.

The largest of the premises has been let to Discovery.

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Designed by the award-winning dhk Architects, the modern buildings front on to Sable Road providing high visibility and offering uninterrupted panoramic views of Table Mountain and Table Bay.

In a time where building operational costs increase annually, smart design should be at the forefront of conceptualising commercial development. Sable Park is a good example of this.

The view offers panoramic views of Table Mountain and Table Bay.

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PROJECT

Originally dubbed the “macrochip shuffle”, the buildings’ composition was inspired by shuffling forms that operate independently and adapt to their immediate surroundings.

Green consultant Mlondolozi Hempe of PJ Carew Consulting says the development’s sustainability features include the use of treated effluent from Potsdam Waste Water Works for the flushing of toilets, the running of a slim line water chilled HVAC system as well as irrigation.

Both buildings are made up of two sections linked via an atrium of more than 8m in width that is covered by a steel structure and opaque roof allowing in plenty of natural light.

“In a time where building operational costs increase annually, smart design should be at the forefront of conceptualising commercial development. Sable Park is a good example of this. Where the envelope is carefully considered to maximise good daylight and energy performance. This has two predominant benefits, an increased used-comfort experience and potentially lowering operational costs.

“A few strategies are considered to achieve this, daylight sensors are installed to switch off the light in areas where optimal daylight is achieved, and users can function without need of artificial light. Occupancy sensors are used to switch off lights in areas where there are no occupants, as we know people tend to forget. An intelligent HVAC system is used to maintain ambient internal temperature based on the outdoor temperate.

These are some of the few features that make Sable Park stand out and be a good addition to the Century City building by Rabie,” Hempe shares.

Originally dubbed the “macro-chip shuffle”, the buildings’ composition was inspired by shuffling forms that operate independently and adapt to their immediate surroundings. The development was intentionally designed to appear as a single large complex, and simultaneously as four small independent volumes, depending on where it is viewed from. The four volumes

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are further broken down into thirds – a double height layered mass and a single height crystalline cube. Each of these thirds shift and jump on the horizontal and vertical plain to achieve maximum views and optimal orientation. A large part of the buildings’ concept was manifested in its structure, creating distinct floating boxes that veer off and cantilever beyond one another.

The buildings comprise a concrete backbone and glass and aluminium façade cladding with a massive offset concrete cube that is both functional and attractive. dhk lead architect on the project at the time, Henry Abosi, says, “On an abstract level, the spaces are duplicated, and the volumes are inverted.

This simple application was the singular method to the complexity of the resultant macro-articulation which forms a setting for a series of tableaux with an iconic mountain backdrop. In effect, this complex was set out in scenes that take inspiration from aspects of cinematography and film.”

Each building encloses a landscaped courtyard, bringing nature into the very fabric of the buildings.

In accordance with the shifting floor plates, two systems of glazed façade have been installed over the three levels of office. A deliberate, yet playful interchange of these systems contribute to the aesthetic complexity of the building.

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PROJECT

Situated on the prime gateway to the south of Century City’s Bridgeways green zone, Sable Park has iconic views of Table Mountain and the futuristic design and position, combined with first-class amenities, is a desired location for businesses.

Internally, the buildings have two wings with a central core and the full height atrium bringing light into the centre of the expansive floor plates. The wings are connected by a series of bridges spanning across the atrium at the edge of the main core. The core is a stand-alone element which is exposed on both sides of the building. From the rear, this concrete cube protrudes and is visible from over a kilometre away. It forms the proverbial “heart” of the building, circulating people left to right, up and down and into different chambers of the building.

Each building encloses a landscaped courtyard, bringing nature into the very fabric of the buildings and provides outdoor breakaway places for staff. On the upper levels, a wrap-around terrace takes advantage of the buildings’ prime position – providing additional outdoor spaces for the offices located on this level.

Sable Park forms part of a collection of buildings along Sable Road in the Bridgeways precinct, all designed by dhk Architects. Axis, a luxury apartment building forms one book-end, with Sable Corner at the other end and Sable Park in the middle. Sable Corner has also recently received its 4-star Green Star - Office v1.1 Design certification.

Yogesh Gooljad, a director and partner at PJC & Partners, who was directly involved in the project and who is passionate about data-driven, performancebased, human-centric design in the built environment, had this to say about the project: “Sable Park is an

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A large part of the buildings’ concept was manifested in its structure, creating distinct floating boxes that veer off and cantilever beyond one another. example of how commercial spaces can also be spaces with a focus on energy efficiency, health and wellbeing. The floor-to-ceiling glazing creates an abundance of natural light throughout the day that contributes to a sense of well being amongst the occupants and visitors. The design was carefully crafted by the project team to ensure that the impact of the glazing and façade was balanced between natural light, glare mitigation, solar performance, and energy efficiency.

“As part of the greater Bridgeways Precinct, water conservative initiatives are intrinsic to the design with a focus on integration of services that include rainwater harvesting, reclaimed water for toilet flushing, water efficient fittings, HVAC cooling towers water recapture, indigenous waterwise landscaping and treated effluent water re-use from a nearby wastewater treatment plant serving the precinct.”

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Proudly involved with Sable Park, Century City RLB PENTAD

RLB Pentad’s Cape Town office provided full scope cost consulting and quantity surveying services. +27 (0)21 418 9977 | info@za.rlb.com

RABIE PROPERTY GROUP

Rabie Property Group is the developer of Sable Park, which comprises of two 5-star Green Star rated buildings in Cape Town’s smart city, Century City. info@rabie.co.za

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THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

THE INTEGRATED DESIGN PROCESS FOR SA The green building movement has been around for almost two decades now and we have learned a great deal. There is quite a bit of information out there about what green buildings are and what interventions should be considered, which technologies to evaluate, and which materials to include or exclude to create a green building.

WORDS Marloes Reinink

O

ut of the 700 projects that have been Green Star certified by the GBCSA, there are only around 35 buildings that have achieved the highest 6-star rating – approximately 5% in total. If we aim to significantly advance the green building movement and also comply with the coming legislation, it will soon become the norm to design and build high performing 6-star buildings.

For the industry to achieve this, we need to critically look at how we are designing buildings and if we can find better approaches to building design. An innovative design approach is needed in which the team identifies and harnesses opportunities to achieve synergies across disciplines and building systems.

Such an approach is called Integrated Design (ID), which is a method used for the design and operations of sustainable built environments:

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“The Integrated Design Process (IDP) is a method for realising high performance buildings that contribute to sustainable communities. It is a collaborative process that focuses on the design, construction, operation and occupancy of a building over its complete lifecycle. The IDP is designed to allow the client and other stakeholders to develop and realise clearly defined and challenging functional, environmental and economic goals and objectives.” (Larsson, 2002) What does this mean? In essence it means a process that aims to be collaborative, iterative, inclusive and flexible. It requires more time and effort upfront early in the design process where you have the greatest impact on the design and cost of the building. What it boils down to is getting everyone who will be involved in the project, from the design phase to construction to the actual day-to-day operations, together right from the start to collaborate.

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Integrated Design Process

Roadmap for the integrated design process.

gn, signer) on a sting of heme, ion, rior uilding. , ural to n and to systems. nventional design and ng in high comfort y few that fall strained 4)

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Conventional Design Process

Inclusive from the outset

vs

Involves team members only when essential

Front-loaded — time and energy invested early

vs

Less time, energy, and collaboration exhibited in early stages

Decisions influenced by broad team

vs

More decisions made by fewer people

Iterative process

vs

Linear process

Whole-systems thinking

vs

Systems often considered in isolation

Allows for full optimization

vs

Limited to constrained optimization

Seeks synergies

vs

Diminished opportunity for synergies

Life-cycle costing

vs

Emphasis on up-front costs

Process continues through post-occupancy

vs

Typically finished when construction is complete

Figure 1: Differences between Integrated Design Process and Conventional Design Process

Figure 1 compares the design team’s level of involvement throughout a conventional design process with that for an integrated design process. The figure also relates this involvement to the diminishing opportunities to influence sustainability, depicting that the effort in an IDP is much more front-loaded, allowing the team to take best advantage of opportunities to influence sustainability.

FIGURE 1: INVOLVEMENT - INTEGRATED DESIGN PROCESS

FIGURE INVOLVEMENT - INTEGRATED DESIGN PROCESS Figure 1: Design Team1: Involvement Intensive high Intensive high involvement involvement

S PD D S PD D

DD DD

CD CD

BC BC

BO/PO BO/PO

Periodic high Periodic high involvement involvement Moderate Moderate involvement involvement Periodic Periodiclow low involvement involvement Integrated design is an iterative process between all stakeholders on the project design team. Typically, in a conventional Sporadic Sporadicor or design process, professionals work independently of each other in their own silos and in a no noinvolvement involvement linear design process.

The 00 33 architect 6 will9come up 12 with15 15 18 12 18 4242 the designs, on which the engineers will base their Duration Duration (mos) designs or costings – a sort(mos) of “make it work” approach.

This can lead to inefficiencies and cost increases that could be avoided if early decisions were influenced by all stakeholders.

Opportunities sustainability Opportunities to influence sustainability A fundamental of the integrated design process Conventional Architect, Engineer, Contractor Conventional Engineer, Contractor would be a well-represented team with professionals IDPArchitect, Architect, Engineer Image Perkins+Will IDP from a wide range of backgrounds who bring essential ImageCredit: Credit:Busby Busby Perkins+Will IDP Contractor and Stantec IDP and Stantec knowledge to theContractor design thinking. Also important to this process are a well-defined scope, vision, goals and objectives before the team even puts pencil to paper.

Integrated design creates a space where the exploration of multiple solutions ID creates a space where the exploration of multiple is encouraged. options or solutions is encouraged. The first option is

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ROADMAP FOR THE INTEGRATED DESIGN PROCESS: SUMMARY GUIDE

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THOUGHT LEADERSHIP not always the best solution (illustrated by the figure on page 29). Furthermore, ID is an iterative process with feedback cycles, where decisions and assumptions can be challenged and evaluated, to come up with potentially unconventional, but better, solutions.

WHY WOULD AN INTEGRATED DESIGN PROCESS BE BETTER? Integrated design is a goal-driven performance approach. The idea is that the team agrees on performance targets at the beginning of the project and all team members are responsible for achieving the goals collaboratively. This leads to the design of higher performing buildings.

Collaboration can create better performance. For example, the building orientation, window-to-wall ratio and glazed areas all have an impact on the amount of HVAC equipment. However, the engineers rarely sit with the architect to provide feedback on conceptual designs. Simple energy modelling and simulation could be used to find the optimum geometry of a building on a specific site considering daylight, glare, thermal and energy performance.

Better performance of buildings lowers the cost of the building over its lifespan. Green buildings have the reputation of being more expensive, but often these costs can be mitigated if all factors are considered in the conceptual design stage.

A fundamental of the integrated design process would be a well-represented team with professionals from a wide range of backgrounds who bring essential knowledge to the design thinking.

There is no time (and time is money) to implement an integrated design – it requires a commitment to more time from the client and the team in the early stages of the project as well as a few iterations.

The ID process challenges conventional design processes, and it challenges people to move outside their comfort zone and do things differently. It needs a strong leader to drive the process and get all the professionals to buy into the process.

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification system includes an Integrated Design credit in its framework, which is a good way to get project teams to start implementing Integrated Design. The credit requires teams to look at setting

WHAT CHALLENGES INHIBIT AN INTEGRATED DESIGN PROCESS? In South Africa, many building projects are designed on a risk basis and the work needs to be completed as efficiently as possible. An integrated approach implies too much time and effort from the team members who are not being paid. Or the client only involves the quantity surveyor and architect in the feasibility stage and the full design team is only appointed at a later stage. By the time the project gets the go ahead, the design has advanced to such an extent that there is no room for exploration of ideas and synergies.

What it boils down to is getting everyone who will be involved in the project, from the design phase to construction to the actual day-to-day operations together right from the start to collaborate.

Architecture of buildings is still largely driven by aesthetics rather than building performance. The design is already approved by the client or sold to a prospective tenant without much input from the engineering team, which is only appointed to make the design work.

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Appendix 2: Another graphic representation of the IDP Process

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Assess conditions of site and any existing structures

Assemble the design team; identify missing specialties

Review Functional Program, establish preliminary targets

Larsson 2005

Note: Sequence of steps is approximate and may vary according to project needs

Develop Concept Design Consider site developmen t issues

Hold a kick-off Design Workshop

Select building structure type

Design Workshop

Design Workshop

Develop building envelope design

Performance targets for: • Non-renewable resources, • Environmental Loadings, • indoor environmental quality, • Long-term performance • Functionality, • Social & economic issues

Monitor actual performance; optimize performance

Complete construction above grade; Commissioning

Develop a conventional reference design

Design Workshop

Design Workshop Decide on design option for final development

Job meetings Job Site take-over, Job existing building meetings Job meetings decontamination & meetings deconstruction, Develop QA Complete excavation and strategy for detailed Foundations construction and operation

Develop preliminary daylighting, lighting and power design

Preliminary Preliminary ventilation, ventilation, heating heating and and cooling cooling design design

Screen materials for environmental performance

design and contract documents

Architecture of buildings is still largely driven by aesthetics rather than building performance.

performance targets before schematic design. The team is provided with a choice of two areas that need to be researched and evaluated as per given criteria: 1. Energy-related systems 11 2. Water-related systems 3. Site selection 4. Social equity 5. Health and wellbeing

Integrated Design Process

The team then has to summarise how it implemented an integrative process approach and describe the difference it made in terms of project team collaboration and project performance. This letter is facilitated by the appointed integrative process facilitator but must be a team effort, and it must be made available to all stakeholders in the process including the owner and facilities manager.

As climate change leads the global conversation around sustainability, and budgets become ever tighter, Integrated Design provides an effective method for clients to cut resource consumption, attain their green certification ambitions, and satisfy tenant requirements over the entire lifecycle of a building project.

Marloes Reinink is the owner of Solid Green Consulting. With an academic background in innovation and architecture, she has been working as a sustainable building consultant for over 16 years in South Africa and Africa. She founded Solid Green Consulting in 2010 and built the company to one of the leading sustainability consultancies in Africa; Solid Green has achieved its 100th green building certification in October 2020!

Her passion is advocating and educating for a greener built environment and she has started a new venture, GreenED, an online education platform for education on sustainability in the built environment. Reinink is an active ambassador for the International Living Future Institute; an Living Future Accredited Professional and is a facilitator of the SA Collaborative Network for a Living Future.

Sources ● Publication: Roadmap for the integrated design process (BC Green Building Roundtable, 2007) http://www. greenspacencr.org/events/IDProadmap.pdf ● Book: The Integrated Design Guide to Green Building – Redefining the practice of sustainability. 2009. 7Group and Bill Reed. ● Article: The Integrated Design Process; History and Analysis – Larsson 2009 http://www.iisbe.org/system/files/ private/IDP%20development%20-%20Larsson.pdf

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BUILDING SOLUTIONS

BUILDING A BIO-ECOLOGICAL FUTURE BioBuild (Pty) Ltd is a South African manufacturing and construction company that specialises in the production of sustainable and ecological building solutions.

C

ombining over 50 years of experience in both sectors, BioBuild™ offers an innovative lightweight building system that encompasses a bio-ecological construction material consisting of mineralised woodchips and cement.

This eco-friendly production process contributes to the reduction of CO₂ emissions and offers a sustainable solution for the recycling of wood waste, which is the largest portion of the waste stream generated from construction and demolition activities. BioBuild™ offers an alternative that assists in the preservation of energy and natural resources during the construction process and throughout a building’s life cycle. While using the thermal and acoustic efficiencies of wood and the structural qualities of cement, BioBuild™ provides a unique ecological and economical alternative to traditional building materials.

“Due to the ease and speed of installation, modular design capability as well as various insulation and acoustic properties, we have experienced a very positive response to the product,” says Cavan Bartlett of BioBuild (Pty) Ltd. “With our core materials consisting of recycled wood waste and cement, we have created a fully sustainable green building alternative that we feel can be a direct replacement for brick and mortar.”

xRetail – Max Plus

A GREEN AGENDA The BioBuild™ Building System provides numerous product benefits, including thermal insulation and energy efficiency, acoustic absorption, CO₂ emission reduction and storage, high solidity and anti-seismic characteristics, fire resistance and steam permeability.

This is in addition to the lightweight material that offers durability and minimal maintenance, along with the modular design capacity which ensures a

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xRetail – X70

simple installation process. The usage of BioBuild™ in a construction project can reduce the time to complete the project by as much as 50%.

Bartlett said that the system and material have been under development for the past three years, and during this process, the company received its Agrément certification and National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) approval for the product and has proceeded with nationwide distribution.

“The mission and objectives of BioBuild include creating a healthier and more sustainable living environment by reducing the carbon footprint of infrastructure through the use of recyclable materials, while maintaining the core intention to provide an ecological building alternative that is accessible, affordable and easy to install, without compromising on the quality of the final product,” concludes Bartlett.

WHAT IS THE VALUE OF INSTANT SPACE? If you have ever imagined having an instant holiday home by the sea, a mountain retreat, an escape in the desert or a bush lodge, the xRange does it all.

In the xPod Design collaboration with Multiply Holdings and Pure Consulting, the use of BioBuild™ precast panels within the instant space realm provides the possibility of creating residential, commercial or retail structures that can be installed within days.

The newly launched xRange has been envisioned to allow you, as the property owner, to be able to choose your desired configuration from our pre-manufactured components. The engineered steel and BioBuild™ U-Shape designs simplify the dispersal of rainwater without gutters and downpipes, with deep reveals that are effective in keeping your space watertight and protected from the elements.

You have the choice of three standard sizes: 30, 50 and 70 square metre units, each with varied planning to suit requirements. Besides being able to place models adjacent to each other, one is also able to double the area of each unit by linking them via an integrated glass passage. Some variations have larger dwelling, mezzanine and bedroom allowances and others will include more accommodation and storage within the same envelope.

Visit the www.biobuild.co.za / www.xpod.co.za for more information on the range of possibilities on offer.

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DESIGN

NATURAL CONNECTION:

biophilic design explored 34

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The term “biophilia” might sound like a deadly virus, or a condition associated with deviant behaviour, directly translated from its Greek word roots it simply means “Love of Life”. While it has become a buzz word in building design, the full benefit of what the associated design thinking encompasses is often not adequately harnessed.

WORDS Melinda Hardisty

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Finding Dan | Dan Grinwis (Unsplash)

Camila Budden highlights how a simple tidal pool is a good example of good biophilic design. It provides a setting for humans to fully immerse themselves in nature, experiencing it with all their senses, while also providing a safe nursery setting for young sea life.

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DESIGN

A

lthough the inclusion of living elements in the form of green walls or indoor plants may be part of the story, there is a far bigger contribution that biophilic design can make to the built environment.

WHAT DOES BIOPHILIA MEAN? Erich Fromm, a German-born social psychologist, first coined the term, biophilia, in a publication in 1973 where he posited that humans have an innate desire for connection with nature and other living things.

The term was later popularised by American biologist, Edward O Wilson, who further explored the genetic basis for the human tendency to be closely affiliated to the natural environment. Biophilic design seeks to satisfy this innate desire within the built environments where modern humans spend most of their existence.

GOOD FOR THE PLANET Camila Budden is a specialist biophilic designer in Cape Town. She explains that she strives to find biophilic solutions through a “trans-disciplinary and holistic approach to projects”. She says that, while sustainable design and building efficiency can be quantitatively measured, biophilic design requires a more qualitative approach as it operates at a more emotional, psychological, and sensory level.

The Stockholm Resilience Centre defines nine planetary boundaries within which humans have to exist in order to avoid destroying the planet (and ourselves).

Our position within those boundaries (or pushing past them) is graphically displayed. The boundary that deals with “biosphere integrity”, including genetic biodiversity on the planet depicts a horrifying situation.

We have severely overshot that boundary, meaning the current biodiversity levels, which are depleting rapidly, cannot continue to be sustainable.

It was this diagram that drove Budden’s biophilic mission. “It is important to highlight the need to support biodiversity in the way we design our built environment, especially as human population steadily increases. Development for human settlement is not going anywhere,” says Budden, “Therefore biophilic design needs to not only focus on human wellbeing as a main priority but also focus on supporting biodiversity.

Human wellness will be a resultant by-product.”

CATEGORIES AND CONSIDERATIONS Theories around biophilic design can get quite complex, listing elements, patterns, and design attributes for consideration in designs. Budden highlights three categories, namely, Nature of Space, Nature in Space, and Natural Analogues.

The Nature of Space considers our preference for organic visuals rather than grids. Natural shapes and movements offer “soft fascination” that provides respite from intensive brain activity. This is the reason that watching trees gently swaying or listening to a babbling brook can have a calming effect.

Nature in Space looks at bringing natural elements into human constructions. This is where the green walls may come in, but it can go further as the lines between inside and outside, between the natural and manmade worlds are blurred.

The use of Natural Analogues in spaces brings the shapes, patterns and textures from nature into buildings.

This can be achieved through the use of natural materials like timber or stone. One can also mimic shapes and patterns, like tree forms in structural designs.

Biophilic design is about a sensory immersion for the occupants. The crux of the design should be about human experience, leveraging all the senses.

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Energy Master Builders

The Green School fits seamlessly into its rural and natural context.

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DESIGN

Energy Master Builders

The school design naturally creates safe spaces to both learn and experience nature, from classrooms, to covered walkways, to protected outdoor play spaces to the wider natural landscape.

BELOW: The design of each, individual building incorporates natural light, ventilation, overhanging roofs for cooling, and many natural building materials.

South Africa’s first green school recently opened in Paarl. The green school concept was developed by John and Cynthia Hardy who had a dream to provide holistic education that would also have a restorative effect on the planet. They didn’t just want to create something that was “less bad”, they wanted to create something that gave back to the planet and the community. The first green school was built in Bali and since then the concept has been rolled out into new schools in South Africa, New Zealand, and Mexico.

Alba and Herman Brandt spearheaded bringing the green school concept to South Africa after seeing what a positive and transformative effect the Bali school had on their own children. And so began the journey of designing a new concept in schooling in Paarl, South Africa.

A biophilic learning environment Fabio Venturi is the founder of the Terramanzi Group, the environmental consultancy commissioned to implement the Green School project. He explains that because the project required the creation of a building that would go beyond just not harming the environment further, and it needed to make planet better, it was decided to target a Living Building Challenge (LBC) certification. Net-zero water and energy are minimum requirements within the LBC guidelines, so it is hoped that other Green Star ratings would easily follow if LBC levels are achieved.

Venturi elaborates on the process the design team, including GASS Architecture Studios, had to go through to achieve the high standards required by both Green School and LBC. “It was a complete mind shift for the professionals,” he says. LBC requires a minimum of eight hours be allocated to work-shopping biophilic design principles with the entire professional team.

Terramanzi researched biophilic design theories and developed extensive training material to guide the professional team through a new way of thinking.

The programme started with awareness building, went

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Energy Master Builders

BIOPHILIA AND THE GREEN SCHOOL

It is important to highlight the need to support biodiversity in the way we design our built environment. through module training, conceptual idea, progressed through detail ideas and design, and finally resulted in the realisation of the built product.

All professionals were encouraged to talk about aspects of their personal relationships with nature and then to work through various biophilic principles and figure out ways to incorporate those ideas into their various disciplines. “The team was incredibly responsive,” says Venturi. “Everybody really embraced the challenge and produced exceptional ideas and designs.” He passionately explains how biophilic design is about a sensory immersion for the occupants. The crux of the design should be about human experience, leveraging all of the senses. “When we explore designing with water, for example, we talk about how it will look, sound, feel, and even smell or taste.”

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DESIGN

The Reid: To enhance the connection to nature, several biophilic features were incorporated, including the use of natural material such as timber and stonework in the interiors, views over the wetland, and elements that evoke nature.

A space for growing people The idea of “space and place” also drove the Green School design. The experience of space and place denotes spatial structures representative of the natural environment that have progressed human health and wellbeing. Examples include prospect and refuge, organised complexity, mobility and way finding, amongst others. Bioclimatic design was a big aspect and was headed up by comfort engineers, Climetric.

The ecology of the place (flora and fauna) and Paarl’s own ecosystem were all studied and mapped in order to drive design principles that promoted the health of the natural area. The design also aimed to celebrate history and culture and the process explored the interactions between humans and the space throughout known history.

Participants were also encouraged to explore “self and space”, to look at how they might engage a space personally, using all their senses. The elements of biophilic design are parts of a design approach that aims to create a sensory atmosphere in which human beings can achieve comfort, health and relaxation through connection with nature. Designers considered how occupants of the space might directly experience nature, how they might indirectly experience nature and how they would experience the concept of space and place. Then they were asked to propose design elements for classrooms and other buildings that would incorporate and promote these experiences positively.

Experiential realities Direct experiences of nature might include occupant experience of natural light, fresh air, water, weather or natural landscapes. And end-designs included details such as clerestory and picture windows for light and views, cross ventilation, water furrows, waterfalls, and rain chains and many interstitial outside spaces that encourage interactions with the landscape.

Designing for the indirect experience of nature included the use of many natural materials such as wood, reeds, stone, slate, and rammed earth. Images of nature, natural colours as well as natural shapes and forms were also incorporated. Many salvaged materials, such as doors, were used in the design.

These not only added to the sustainability of the project in terms of material reuse but were also left in their aged form, highlighting the passage of time and adding to the experience of place in time. “There were a lot of learnings in terms of materials and natural building methods,” says Venturi, “We had to build samples to test materials in terms of structural integrity, colour and texture since we weren’t only 38

using conventional, tried and tested building methods.”

“Space and place” were considered both at a micro and a macro level, it influenced the design from the individual classrooms up to the complete site plan.

Classrooms were considered as safe cocoons for learning, they were then arranged in clusters around protected outdoor spaces, and then those small communities were connected to the campus as a whole.

Natural forms such as cell structures, seeded fruit and beehives influenced the concepts for the planning of the whole as well as the smaller details.

THE REID LIFESTYLE CENTRE Another fine example of biophilia is Balwin’s REID Lifestyle Centre, which achieved a 6-Star Green Star Public & Education Building (PEB) certification. The building is part of an upmarket lifestyle estate located near the Marlboro Gautrain Station.

To enhance the connection to nature, several biophilic features were incorporated. These include the use of natural material such as timber and stonework in the interiors, views over the wetland, and elements that evoke nature – such as the pool and its water fountain which creates both visual and auditory interest.

The objective of this connection with natural systems is to heighten both awareness of nature and, hopefully, encourage environmental stewardship of the surrounding ecosystems. “This challenging location encouraged the team to consider sustainability initiatives which ensure that the development is contributing to its environment – including the development of a watercourse management plan, wetland rehabilitation and a focus on ensuring minimal light pollution from the lifestyle centre,” explains Nomamfengu Mbele, sustainable building consultant at Solid Green Consulting.

HEALTHIER PEOPLE, HEALTHIER PLANET While indoor plants are great, this is really only the tip of the iceberg when considering biophilic design.

Understanding and incorporating these principles, alongside other sustainability aspects, really can improve the health and wellbeing of building users as well as the longevity of our natural heritage. As well as biodiversity loss, Budden highlights human isolation due to the global Covid-19 pandemic as being a current global issue. “In a time like the pandemic, where people have been forced to stay indoors, biophilic design elements can create an environment that is more supportive for our wellbeing in such a turbulent time of isolation.”

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WASTE

MANAGING READYMIX WASTE FOR A SUSTAINABLE PLANET The management of waste poses various challenges for the readymix industry, and AfriSam has been following through its commitment to People, Planet and Performance with a range of innovative solutions.

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he sector’s sustainability issues include returned concrete, grey water, concrete spillage and soil contamination. Dealing with returned concrete from customer sites has long created an environmental headache for readymix producers, according to Russell Wearne, national operations manager for readymix at AfriSam. As part of its mission to preserve the planet for future generations, AfriSam has, over the years, developed several strategies regarding returned concrete.

“If we have a quarry site nearby, we are often able to recycle a considerable proportion of concrete that is returned from a site,” he says. “It is dumped in a designated, controlled area of the quarry to harden, and is then crushed and added into our G5 material – subject to the agreement of the customer.”

With the correct planning, AfriSam has also been able to cast blocks and bricks from wet returned readymix before it sets. These have been used extensively on its quarry operations for road markers and other purposes. Where the planning allows, the readymix has even contributed to community projects, going into classroom floors of needy schools, among other applications.

Another potential environmental impact is the slurry residue that remains in a readymix truck after the

product has been off-loaded. This has to be rinsed out on a daily basis to prevent material hardening on the inside of the drum.

“The resulting grey water is carefully channelled into settling pits, from where we can use it in a number of plant activities to conserve water use,” he says. “On certain sites, the residue ‘slush’ is agitated in a pond, monitored, sampled and re-used in the batching plant to mix with the cement, aggregate and sand.”

AfriSam has pioneered the use of covers on the discharge chutes of its readymix trucks, to avoid minor spillages of concrete on site or on the road to or from the batching plant.

“In the unlikely event of any spillage, each plant has a clean-up crew that will respond quickly with the necessary equipment,” he says. This capacity is also valuable as the country’s environmental regulations tighten up generally on the impact of construction activities. A closer focus on possible soil contamination on sites, for instance, means that suppliers must support the contractor’s environmental compliance efforts.

“A truck that leaks oil is a source of soil contamination, so we pay special attention to ensuring this kind of pollution does not occur,” he says. “If it does, we are in a position to respond timeously and mitigate the impact.” www.afrisam.com

At AfriSam readymix operations, grey water is carefully channelled into settling pits, from where we can use it in a number of plant activities to conserve water.

#constructionmaterials #CreatingConcretePossibilities #afrisam POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 16

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THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

MOVING FROM BLAH, BLAH, BLAH TO DO, DO, DO The time for paying lip service to sustainability has long passed. The moment for practical ways to deliver sustainable workspaces has arrived. How can we implement sustainability into our lives, as individuals and as organisations?

WORDS Zama Zaca, Head of New Business Development, Tétris South Africa

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he key is to realise that not all changes need to be massive; even the smallest steps can help contribute to decreasing our collective carbon footprint. We should also not have to choose between becoming sustainable and the bottom line. With over 73% of investors saying that green strategies drive higher occupancy and higher rents, it is clear that the future of the built environment, one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions according to a recent UN report, will be impacted by necessary change.

One solution being implemented globally is retrofitting legacy buildings to improve their efficiency and emit less carbon. This is a critical step towards a net-zero carbon future as old buildings are responsible for a large portion of the world’s energy consumption.

By reusing the buildings that we already have and incorporating sustainable office fit outs, we can make them work harder and more cost-effectively.

The Tétris Sustainability Code was developed to enable and drive sustainable thinking, action and innovation throughout the design and build cycle of all Tétris projects.

The global launch of the Tétris Sustainability Code at the Green Building Convention in Cape Town late last year is the group’s commitment across 840 employees, 34 offices in 18 countries working on approximately 4 000 interior projects a year to put practical,

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Zama Zaca, Tétris South Africa.

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THOUGHT LEADERSHIP measurable and sustainable actions in place to ensure that projects move through sustainable intent and concepts to sustainability delivered.

This is important as inevitably projects can shift from what was intended through budget and delivery pressures to possibly not delivering the best sustainable result against all three of the environment, social and governance (ESG) pillars.

With ESG principles currently the key drivers shaping real estate and workspace decisions, it is now the responsibility of every business leader to help shape the future. The pandemic has shifted our expectations of our

The Code gives a better understanding of the design challenges and measures improvement of a designed space.

Importantly, it engenders a culture of innovation.

workspace and our work life. There are trends emerging of a growth in resignations as people renegotiate their relationship with work and employment.

More than ever before companies will need to ensure that the culture they create and the brands they build demonstrate real commitment to ESG. People feel more comfortable knowing that their company cares – about them, the community and the planet – and office spaces will have to visibly demonstrate that these concerns are being taken seriously.

Sustainability in the built environment is about so much more than going green and addressing climate change. It encompasses employee wellbeing, social responsibility and diverse hiring policies, and today’s companies are putting more focus on incorporating these ESG principles into their company culture.

The Sustainability Code enables Tétris’ clients to demonstrate to their employees their seriousness about sustainable workspaces. After registering the client’s initial ambition for sustainable design features at the beginning of a project, the Tétris team then records the actual features delivered in the built space on completion of the project. The score given measures the gap between what the team aimed for, and what they achieved.

WDB Trust: The brief was to, “Design a space that represents South African women. It needs to be confidently feminine and collaborative. There must be varied multi-purpose spaces filled with natural light that inspire all who come here for workshops, training or work”.

BELOW LEFT: PepsiCo: Organic shapes, concrete and glass with sweeping vistas create movement, leading people from one neighbourhood to the next as they switch tasks. The standout feature, two dome shaped seating booths are designed to replicate the iconic PepsiCo logo globe symbol.

BELOW: PepsiCo: The crisp lines of the space are juxtaposed with custom artworks by local artists and graffiti walls using PepsiCo recycled materials, reflecting the company’s commitment to sound environmental practices.

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THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Hogan Lovells: Tétris was tasked with designing a new client centre to cater for international guests and visitors at this established law firm. The metropolitan Sandton location inspired a concept centred on creating the atmosphere of a pristine hotel within a corporate environment.

Sustainability in the built environment is about so much more than going green and addressing climate change.

While the commercial real estate sector has a notable role to play in promoting environmental sustainability, building a better world is not just about creating greener buildings. We need to care for each other as well as the earth. For a company to be truly sustainable, focus also needs to be put on employee wellness, social responsibility, diverse and inclusive hiring policies and how a company is managed.

A more holistic and focused view of corporate responsibility is why Tétris created its Sustainability Code. The Code gives a better understanding of the design challenges and measures improvement of a designed space. Importantly, it engenders a culture of innovation. An understanding of sustainable applications at every stage of a project offers the opportunity for trying different ways to do things better.

Because value is placed on closing the gap between the design concept and delivered project, the Code enables productive dialogues with clients around budget and potential cost-cutting versus the future value of having measurably sustainable design features.

To achieve meaningful change, more collaboration is needed. Working in silos will not produce the multi-dimensional solutions we need. We need to welcome and encourage the open sharing of knowledge, intellectual property, technology and ideas. All over the world, buildings are morphing into vertical farms.

We need more of this. We also need more belief in the human ability to use moments of serious challenge, as in the case of climate change, as opportunities to respond in innovative and effective ways that benefit the interests of the many together with the natural environment. Climate change is the defining crisis of our time and demands urgent action.

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Mondelez: As much existing furniture was re-used as possible, supplemented with new interesting joinery pieces and custom designed and purpose-made features wherever possible. Tangerine and cyan balance the purple in different areas. Meeting booths use a combination of these colours to create hubs for impromptu collaboration.

BELOW: As a global snacks and beverages company, PepsiCo is all about creating joyful moments by bringing smiles “with every sip and every bite”, and their exceptional new address in Rosebank brings people together in this very spirit.

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Early registration opens 14 February 2022. www.gbcsaconvention.org.za

GREEN GLOBE

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LIVING IN A VERTICAL FOREST Each edition of +Impact showcases an international green building and celebrates sustainable leadership around the world. In this edition, we feature Bosco Verticale in Italy.

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Bosco Verticale, designed by Boeri Studio. (Daniele Zacchi/Boeri Studio)

he iconic Bosco Verticale – or Vertical Forest – completed in 2014 by Stefano Boeri Architects in Milan, Italy, is arguably one of the most recognisable buildings of the last decade. It is often used as inspirational imagery for the green building movement due to its pioneering incorporation of a vertical forest into 44 storeys across two towers.

Bosco Verticale is a fantastic example of a building that encapsulates a “Building Life” theme, with its innovative ways of thinking to create its stunning green façade. The two residential towers are home to 2 280m² of trees and shrubs, presenting a soft green shell rather than typical urban concrete, brick or glass.

With a ratio of two trees, eight shrubs and 40 bushes for each occupant, the building is championed as a “tower for trees, occupied by humans”.

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Green Building Council South Africa is leading the way in respect to sustainability in the property and construction industry.

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