GREEN DREAM TEAM The Rewardsco Block B building in Umhlanga is an example of how the integrated design process results in a balanced design

Green

DREAM TEAM

The Rewardsco Block B building in Umhlanga was yet another building in its A-grade commercial precinct to achieve a 5-Star Green Star certification late in 2021. Women played a key role in shaping its sustainability directions.

WORDS Kim Maxwell IMAGES Karl Beath Photography

Project nutshell

Project floor area: 4 973m² Carpark area: 4 937m² Project certification date: November 2021 Green Star rating: 5-Star Green Star Office Design v1.1 Location: Ridgeside Drive, Umhlanga Ridge Type of building: High-performance office block

South African Council for the Architectural Profession

BUILDING A SAFE HOUSE

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Makhosazana Mthethwa has been an architect and sustainable design consultant at Solid Green Consulting in Johannesburg since 2018. Under her guidance and expertise, the company’s sustainable building design input in the Rewardsco Block B office building in Umhlanga Ridge, eThekwini, helped achieve the precinct’s five-star Green Star Office Design v1.1 certification, in November 2021. Block B is the Umhlanga commercial precinct’s second Rewardsco building with a Green Star Office Design certification from the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA). The first Rewardsco office, Block C, was completed in 2014.

The precinct has five office buildings and a hotel. The newest Rewardsco Block B has four levels of office space and three parking levels. Rewardsco is a leading provider of outsourced sales services, with its consultants working on behalf of blue-chip clients. The site is within walking distance of Umhlanga Arch and numerous amenities.

Mthethwa is in her thirties and has straddled a career that has morphed between pure architecture and sustainable design practices. “This means I help develop solutions to reduce the development’s environmental impact and carbon footprint. In that way, I guide the project design team to create comfortable, healthy buildings that are highly efficient in their energy, water and resource usage. Whatever the project requires, we work towards that,” she says. “I also coordinate the green design certifications for these buildings.” “Sustainable design is impacted by every discipline – whether it’s architecture, mechanical or electrical engineering – we coordinate those designs and provide supporting green technical advice so we can achieve the project’s overall sustainability goals.” How might this be implemented? “With the architecture side, we look at how to help the project architect to optimise the building’s form, making sure that designs are well orientated. Or if there is a lot of glass, we’ll advise on climate-appropriate glazing selections, particularly for buildings with higher glazing ratios that would require high performance glass and perhaps shading solutions.”

Mthethwa says to predict a building’s performance, they carry out iterative computer base-model simulations for solar control, daylight availability, thermal comfort and energy analysis. “Using this simulated modelling allows us to give the design team an idea of the impact of different design variations – for instance, the impact of solar control on daylight availability and thermal comfort.” Where required, they also assist with post-occupancy surveys that offer user feedback on how occupants experience the buildings once completed.

“It’s important for sustainable developments to have all members of the design team collaborating quite early in the design process, starting from concept to close-out, and even through to operations. In the sustainable design world, we call it the integrated design process,” she says. This results in balanced designs and reduced resource waste.

Rewardsco B Building in Umhlanga Ridge has a 5-Star Green Star certification.

Makhosazana Mthethwa has been a green building consultant at Solid Green since 2018. Her role is to facilitate green building design certifications as well as technically assist project teams to deliver sustainable buildings. Mthethwa is also an assistant lecturer at UCT for the Simulated Office School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics faculty. Before joining Solid Green, she was a design architect at dhk where she used her experience to incorporate sustainability initiatives into the architectural designs from concept level. From 2009 to 2015, Mthethwa worked at PJCarew Consulting. She joined as an academic intern and a year later began working as a green building design consultant. Thereafter she moved to part-time work to pursue a master’s degree from 2012.

OFF-GRID WATER STORAGE SOLUTIONS ESSENTIAL FOR FUTURE

In the last 15 years we have seen and felt the impact of load-shedding on business operations and domestic life. The effects of drought and water restrictions have also been felt by all South Africans for many years. Add to these the challenges of ageing municipal infrastructure, nationwide riots and climate change causing floods that devastate infrastructure. There is little doubt that architects, building designers, property developers and planners need to prioritise going off-grid – or at the very least having a backup plan for energy and water in place. “Tackling this at design level makes for easier implementation and improves the marketability of a property exponentially,” says Chester Foster, GM: The SBS Group, which includes SBS Tanks and SBS Energy. “Planning for water and energy is essential for continued business operations and to ensure that lifestyle standards are maintained. Although it is ideal to start at design stage, our SBS solutions can be added at any stage, in an aesthetically pleasing and practical way.” The SBS Group works with architects, consulting engineers, urban planners, contractors, and industry specialists to deliver advanced off-grid water solutions which are modular, can be designed to maximise capacity on a limited footprint, and are colour-coated to either blend in or make a statement. The company offers a comprehensive range of rainwater harvesting, recycled or process water storage, and back-up water and energy solutions including usage monitoring for any size operation. IMPACT MAG HALF PAGE AD_JUNE 2022.pdf 1 2022/06/09 3:49 PM

“With demand for water in South Africa expected to outstrip supply by 2030 and load-shedding set to be a part of our future, installing backup water and energy supply solutions must be prioritised,” Foster says. “Working with turnkey partners we work to maximise the client’s return on energy and water storage infrastructure and limit risk exposure. The addition of SBS Energy to our business portfolio earlier this year has meant we can now offer a complete off-grid solution.”

Do you want to make your property more valuable? Looking for a trusted partner to deliver water and energy solutions? Talk to our team today. Call: 086 048 2657 Email: info@sbstanks.co.za Visit our website: www.sbstanks.com

The Rewardsco buildings are all connected by bridges.

Building occupants benefit from ample quality fresh air.

Restorative spaces such as pause areas, outdoor seating and break places contribute to building occupant wellbeing.

IT ADDS UP

Green certification for Rewardsco Block B was based on improving the facility’s energy performance, water savings and waste management. Mthethwa’s team focused on the following aspects: ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The building has a modelled energy consumption of only 168kWh per square metre for each year, far lower than industry requirements. Sub-meters and an automated monitoring mechanism manage energy consumption. Carbon emissions were also reduced to much lower than a building constructed to South African national standards. This reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions is due to: - An optimised building façade, including highperformance glazing where required. - Energy-efficient LED light fixtures. - Occupancy sensors for all enclosed spaces, and open-plan office areas no bigger than 100m² (so lights burn only when needed). - Energy-efficient HVAC system equipment. - An efficient heat pump for hot water production. - Office harvesting of natural daylight to offset electrical lighting.

WATER EFFICIENCY

The building uses non-potable rainwater – collected through the site’s stormwater attenuation and retention ponds – and is pumped to several of Block B’s water storage tanks. That means only non-potable water is used for landscaping, toilet/urinal flushing and heat rejection. Water-efficient sanitary fittings were also installed. The building’s sewerage outflow from occupant usage was reduced by 50% compared to the average practice benchmark.

With Block B, one of its most special features is the water system linked to the attenuation and retention ponds.

WASTE REDUCTION

To reduce operational waste, recycling waste sorting bins are provided in the basement waste area. This allows for the collection and eventual recycling of cardboard, paper, glass, plastics and metals.

INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Building occupants benefit from ample quality fresh air. The fresh air system improves on industry rates per person requirements by 66% with 12.5 litres per second per person. This impacts occupants’ abilities to keep alert, minimises building of indoor pollutants and mitigates sick building syndrome. Low-level VOC adhesives, sealants and carpets are installed in at least 95% of the fit-out.

The building offers access to good levels of daylight and external views, to mitigate eye strain and provide general stress relief. More than 80% of ground floor and office floor plates have direct access to external views. Recreational and restorative spaces such as pause areas, prayer rooms, outdoor seating and break places also contribute to building occupant wellbeing.

The building offers access to good levels of daylight and external views, to mitigate eye strain and provide general stress relief.

Karl Beath Photography

Aside from design input in Rewardsco Block B last year, Mthethwa is currently involved in the Rewardsco Block A building too (the latter still under construction). “The buildings are all connected by bridges, as they have the same main tenant Rewardsco, so A and B are quite similar,” she says. “We are targeting a Green Star Office Design v1.1 rating for Rewardsco Block A too.”

WATERWISE

What did she find memorable about working on the completed Rewardsco Block B? Mthethwa’s focus was on the building’s sustainability elements. “Sometimes with large developments, what looks like a water feature is used as a water retention pond to hold storm water,” she explains.

“With Block B, one of its most special features is the water system linked to the attenuation and retention ponds. As part of the Umhlanga Ridge precinct design, the ponds have additional capacity to store water. They are used for toilet and urinal flushing, as well as landscape irrigation and heat rejection.” All five office buildings draw from the ponds, thanks to some early design decisions.

This project is a perfect example of how all members of the design team have collaborated from concept to closeout. Rewardsco is proof that an integrated design process results in balanced designs and reduced resource waste. Thinking smart for a sustainable building future.

DYNAMIC DUO

REWARDSCO BLOCK B

Main contractor: Trencon Client: Zenprop Properties Value: R92-million Project: Construction of an 8 000m2 new office block including a podium, an external link bridge connecting an existing office (Block C) to the new office (Block B), and three basements of 6 000m2 .

A five-star Green Star Office Design v1.1 rating was achieved for Rewardsco Block B. A four-star Green Star As-Built submission on this project is being reviewed by GBCSA currently.

“Trencon prides itself on its ability to deliver projects of high complexity on time and within budget, while contributing to the social environment that it operates in,” says CEO Yavani Singh-Ninan. The company has been involved in numerous projects that have achieved four- and five-star Green Star ratings. Trencon was the main contractor on Rewardsco Block B, and is also involved on Rewardsco Block A, under construction.

Yavani Singh-Ninan (left) and Aradhna Singh-Sewdial (right).

When founding member Dino Singh passed away in 2021, his daughters joined the management team, with Yavani Singh-Ninan as CEO and Aradhna SinghSewdial as human capital and transformation director. “Our passion for women empowerment brings new energy and vision to a traditionally male-dominated environment,” says Singh-Sewdial. The sisters hope to build on their father’s legacy with “innovative and environmentally sustainable solutions”.

Accredited professionals on the Trencon team include their Green Star and environmental coordinators, Thembo Miya and Hendi Janse van Rensburg. Construction team members also attend an online Green Star course conducted by GBCSA. The project team is involved from the start until certification is achieved, ensuring compliance to targeted points.

All Green Star requirements are issued to Trencon’s sub-contractors and monitored, then distributed to buying teams to ensure compliance of materials. For instance, locally sourced, low-embodied energy materials used for building construction includes steel sourced from suppliers who have a high percentage of postconsumer recycled content, reducing resource depletion.

Management. Investment. Development.

Adowa specialises in the investment, development and management of high-quality, affordable student housing communities in South Africa. Backed by our deep understanding of the market, a commitment to quality and combined experience of over 50 years in property development and finance, Adowa aims to be the leading choice for students looking for a living environment complimentary to their university years.

We create spaces where students feel secure and comfortable, enabling them to focus on their academic objectives in stable environments.

Community:

For Students – we provide a “home-away-fromhome” and a supportive living environment

For Higher Learning Institutions – we offer a supplementary solution and service offering to the accommodation needs of institutions

Our Values

Customer (student) focus: We focus on our students in everything we do

Sustainability: We take genuine social, economic and ecological responsibility for our people and our communities.

Excellence: We consistently strive to excel in all our offerings

Innovation: We continuously challenge and improve how we operate

Our People: We work together honestly in a professional manner to achieve exceptional results

Collaborations: We strive to achieve mutual benefits with all our stakeholders

Adowa Student Accommodation – the new name in sustainable student living

The shortage of student beds in South Africa is well known. Various institutions have placed the supply gap at 500 000 . That’s half a million students who need suitable accommodation to enable them to complete their tertiary education in safe and secure living spaces. The impact of not having a safe, purpose-fit home to live in –sleeping in libraries or backyard makeshift rooms, for example – needs no explanation. It’s dire. And it contributes negatively to the upskilling and future of the country’s youth. Solving this challenge is a mantle that the Adowa Student Accommodation team has taken head on.

In partnership with the Government Employees Pension Fund, together with the Unemployment Insurance Fund, Adowa has set out on a task to contribute approximately 7 000 brand new student beds to the market, adding to the contributions of institutions such as the International Financing Corporation and other private student accommodation providers. Adowa aligns not only with the minimum norms and standards for student accommodation set out by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), but also with international guidelines of the Association for College and University Housing Officers-International’s (ACUHO-I) 21st Century Project design guidelines, and the Green Building Council of South Africa’s green building Edge certification. Sustainability and innovation are imperative ingredients to the Adowa designs, which makes Adowa’s projects world class.

The idea with the Adowa developments is to ensure students are housed in environments that are conducive to success in their studies. It’s called Purpose-Built Student Accommodation. Research shows that accommodation that aligns itself well with the campus environment and which is integrated into the academic and social lives of students at universities contribute to students achieving better results in their academic careers.

Key features of the Adowa developments is proximity to the targeted institutions and a design arrangement that fosters communities. All Adowa developments are located within a walking distance from targeted universities, to allow students to feel part of the on-campus community. Units are arranged in both apartment and dormitory-style set-ups that have communal kitchens and bathrooms. Also part of Adowa’s offering are greater communal areas such as study rooms equipped with libraries to combine with curated student life programs that assist in career development and tutoring, as well as mentoring during exam time. Laundry facilities, unlimited WIFI and spaces for leisure ensure rounded young adults can be selfsufficient but also confident knowing there is a house supervisor to lend a hand when things get tough.

Adowa recently launched its eye catching 1 047 beds facility named the Ellis Park Student Village in Johannesburg’s Doornfontein region – 50 meters from the University of Johannesburg’s Doornfontein campus. The vibrant and colourful building located on Beit Street is indicative of the renewed energy that Adowa is bringing, not only to the cityscapes of major South African cities and towns, but to student life as well. Another 6 000 student beds are due to come online in the next three years in Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Kwa Zulu-Natal and the Western Cape. The target market is the more than 70% of learners funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). Adowa aims to make quality purpose-built student accommodation accessible to all, but especially the indigent. The multiplier effect when these individuals are able to gain skills that empower them to feed and take care of their families is tremendous. And Adowa is proud to contribute to that empowerment.