+IMPACT MAGAZINE ISSUE 21

IMPACT

Buildings of EXCELLENCE

Official publication of Green Building Council South Africa

THE SCENT OF SUCCESS

Firmenich’s refurbished offices and laboratories in Midrand have recently received a 6-Star Green Star Interior rating

TAKING “MEASURE, MONITOR, MANAGE” TO THE NEXT LEVEL

The headquarters for the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works is the first public sector building to achieve a 4-Star Green Star Existing Building Performance v1 rating

THE TIME IS NOW TO ACT ON THE JUST TRANSITION

It is crucial that we embrace South Africa’s just transition framework to maximise the social and economic opportunities presented by climate action

Joint Publishers Gordon Brown gordon@greeneconomy.media Danielle Solomons danielle@greeneconomy.media Co-Publisher: GEM Alexis Knipe

Web Digital and Social Media Steven Mokopane

MPeople Resourcing (Pty) Ltd t/a GreenEconomy.Media Reg no. 2005/003854/07

Harnessed

WWK304ZA

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.

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.growthpoint.co.za 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

Welcome to 2023! As I write this piece, I am nearing the end of my working year with my mind wandering regularly towards the beautiful beaches of the Eastern Cape that await me in just over a week. Last year was a substantially better year than 2020 and 2021 for most people and businesses, especially as a result of the impact of Covid-19 subsiding. We are excited about the improving economy and the increased importance of the sustainability agenda in the corporate world.

As I noted in my chairman’s address at the GBCSA Convention held in Cape Town at the Century City Convention Centre in November 2022, we have the opportunity to embrace a virtuous circle of improved economic activity coming off the hard-hit 2020 year, along with the heightened awareness and sensitivity of what we are doing to our planet and people by continuing to conduct business activity in the way that it has been conducted in the past.

The throw-away society mentality, fast-fashion and low-quality production, the massive and unnecessary generation of plastics, use of water as an infinite resource, and slow pace of change away from non-renewable energy are all being challenged. There is also a groundswell from consumers that are not prepared to tolerate this manufacturing mentality any longer.

We encourage the challenging ways of the past that can enhance our natural world. Construction materials and processes are also being challenged to improve our built environment’s impact on the world, an industry that is traditionally a massive contributor to carbon emissions at a global scale.

A highlight of this edition is the thought-leadership piece written by Shameela Soobramoney who is chief sustainability officer at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and a fellow GBCSA board member. There are so many standards in the sustainability landscape, and the JSE has tried to digest all the pertinent standards and create a set of sustainability and climate change disclosure guidelines, entitled Sustainability and Climate Disclosure Guidance, relevant in the South African business context. The disclosure guidelines aim to be more focused on impact than on an ESG tick-box approach. The work done has been well received by industry and has received a lot of positive feedback. Well done to everyone involved in this complex arena.

In this issue of +Impact, there is also recognition of performers that are certifying projects, a key component of the work that the GBCSA does.

The GBCSA is on track to perform its 1 000th certification in 2023 which will be an incredible milestone. It took six years to achieve the first 100 certifications, and another 10 years to do the next 900. What an incredible indicator of the success of sustainability in South Africa’s built environment.

Enjoy this edition of +Impact magazine.

Brian Unsted GBCSA Chairman

Chair’s Corner

MEET THE GBCSA CHAIRMAN

In

Brian Unsted is an asset management executive and drives “Good Spaces” at Liberty Two Degrees. Unsted has over 25 years of experience in the South African property industry with a particular focus on extracting value from South Africa’s most iconic mixed-use properties. Unsted’s role includes ensuring the implementation of sustainability interventions to propel towards the set net-zero strategies in the waste, water and carbon space.

2014, he co-authored a book called Sandton Places – a guide to the hidden gems, corners and destinations of northern Johannesburg, while providing both the history and future insights of Sandton.

Brian Unsted.

Welcome to one of Africa’s greenest neighbourhoods

The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. The V&A Waterfront started on a sustainability journey in 2008 by introducing greening initiatives across our 123 hectares. With our

intentional designs and real fire in the belly, we have significantly increased energy efficiency, water savings and waste recycling.

As a business with open arms, we honour and build up our

community by promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all, aligning the united nation’s sustainable goals with our own.

A FUTURE-FOCUSED COMMUNITY

We are an beloved destination and business hub that welcomes over 24 million visitors a year. Our unique waterfront neighbourhood is also home to many seeking a different,

more connected way of life. We have fostered a vibrant community that drives and supports environmental programmes that improve the overall standard of living while

OUR JOURNEY CONTINUES

Our goal is to achieve Carbon neutrality by 2035. This is how we’ll get there:

A non-negotiable Green Lease Agreement

reducing costs. And we’re not done yet: with tomorrow in mind, we’re constantly seeking new ways to enhance our sustainability strategy and make the impossible, possible.

A commitment to ensuring all new buildings and developments achieve a Net Zero Green Building Council of South Africa Rating An externally audited Heritage Environmental Management system

To help the V&A Waterfront reduce its carbon footprint, we have many innovative plans and projects in the pipeline. For now, we’re proud to announce that we’re establishing

A Pyrolysis Waste-to-energy Plant, designed to divert waste going to landfills and reduce our water and energy burden. Once this project is up and running, we will be able to produce

almost all the power needed to run a 3.3ML/day desalination plant. A major milestone on our journey towards a greener tomorrow!

WINNERS ON THE GREEN CARPET 2022

The GBCSA Annual Leadership Awards were announced at the 15th Green Building Convention held in November 2022. Here is a round-up of the winning sustainable buildings and submissions, proving yet again how the green bar continues to be raised, both locally and regionally.

WORDS GBCSA and Nicole Cameron

HIGHEST-RATED BUILDING

WINNER: THE RIDGE AT THE V&A WATERFRONT (CAPE TOWN)

Accredited professional: Mike Munnik, Agama Energy

Given that The Ridge employs some of the most advanced sustainable building technology available globally, it is fitting that this worldclass living, breathing building enjoys a second year of holding the title of Highest-Rated Building. “The Ridge development was created as a result of the V&A Waterfront’s vision to set new standards for the future of commercial office buildings. This approach underpinned the brief to the project team to challenge the norms and create a world-leading building which placed people and planet at the forefront of every design decision.

“The resultant design incorporates several standout features, some of which are firsts for South Africa, including the CLT timber facades, mixed mode thermally activated building and the use of over 16 000 eco-bricks as void formers,” says Mark Noble, development director at the V&A Waterfront.

Project

type: Commercial

The Ridge was designed to be a world-class living, breathing building by incorporating a number of standout features, some of which are firsts for South Africa.

This is the northern corner of the building. Note how the function of the sawtooth CLT façade corrects the north-south line, meaning that the sun in the east strikes the CLT panel and can’t directly enter the building.

highest

of

number

points in the final Green Star rating in the period since last year’s Convention.

BEST-QUALITY SUBMISSION

JOINT WINNER: BLACK RIVER PARK SOUTH AND CENTRAL*

*Black River Park – Park Building, Black River Park – Gatehouse, Commerce Square (Building 1), Commerce Square (Building 2), Commerce Square (Building 3), Commerce Square (Building 4), Commerce Square (Building 5)

Accredited professional: Sally Misplon, Misplon Green Building Consulting

Black River Park is a modern and diverse business park conveniently located in Observatory, Cape Town. Misplon was appointed to lead and manage the Green Star Certification process for Black River Park, South and Central, with each of the seven buildings targeting an independent Green Star performance rating.

“It is a great achievement to win the Best Quality Submission at the annual GBCSA awards. To be recognised amongst your industry peers for the standard of work you deliver to your clients really is a meaningful acknowledgement for Misplon Green Building Consulting. This award is an important collaboration between so many people that is helping pave the way for improved green ratings in the South African property sector; and a huge amount of credit must be given to Redefine and their ongoing support of sustainability,” says Sally Misplon, founder of Misplon Green Building Consulting.

Project type: Commercial Project owner: Redefine Properties

Green Star rating: Existing Building Performance v1

JOINT WINNER: GROWTHPOINT EXISTING BUILDING PROPERTIES*

*138 West Street, Brookfield Office Park, 100 West Street, Freestone Office Park and 28 Fricker Road

Accredited professional: Lesedi Tsimani, Zutari

Project type: Commercial

Project owner: Growthpoint Properties

Green Star rating: Existing Building Performance v1

These properties are all existing buildings of the Growthpoint portfolio, and form part of the ongoing effort to certify the majority of the buildings they own. “This award is a testament to the commitment of both Growthpoint and our team in transforming the South African real estate sector towards more environmentally responsible operations,” says Lesedi Tsimani, accredited professional at Zutari. “The existing buildings stock is the largest component of real estate in South Africa and efforts to reduce the use of finite resources and implement environmentally responsible practices are of great importance when the sector is aspiring to achieve net-zero carbon performance by 2050.”

RUNNER-UP: WATERFALL CORPORATE CAMPUS BUILDING 4

Accredited professional: Alison Groves, WSP

Waterfall Corporate Campus consists of seven buildings, all of which received a 4-Star Green Star rating from the GBCSA between 2018 and 2022. “This was the sixth building that the project team and I worked on through the certification process, and so there was a great sense of familiarity and a team cohesion; this certainly contributed to the high standard achieved in the submission,” says Alison Groves of WSP. “The holistic approach to the whole development is what really shone through for me on every level – from the way the buildings are positioned amidst the landscaped gardens, through to the unifying islands such as the central Maxwell Park Village campus café. This planned approach also meant that learnings from the first buildings could also be incorporated into subsequent builds, with project synergies enabling a slick outcome.”

Project type: Commercial Project owner: Corporate Campus Joint Venture

Green Star Rating: 4-Star Green Star Office As Built v1.1

This award goes to the project whose submission attains the highest percentage of points targeted in the round 1 submission before clarifications, which serves as an indicator of the quality of the submission. 13

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Design processes emphasize the importance of energy efficient and economic solutions to building technology in Botswana climate.

Mashatu is the first building to achieve 5 star as built green rating outside South Africa. The first 5-star As built certification in Botswana. Mashatu also achieved Botswana’s first Net Zero Carbon modelling rating.

info@altum.energy www.altum.energy

HIGHEST-RATED AFRICAN SUBMISSION

JOINT RUNNER-UP: MASHATU TERRACE, GABORONE

Accredited professional: Nomamfengu Mbele, Solid Green Consulting

Mashatu Terrace is the first building in Botswana to be awarded a 5-Star Green Star rating. Project overseer Kagiso Sebetso of Time Projects said that the company is pioneering the green label space in the country, and so the process has not been without its challenges. “We are so aware of the importance of ensuring that it does not end with getting the certification, but that operational performance monitoring continues after construction. We look forward to working with the end-users to ensure optimisation of our green buildings throughout their lifecycle,” she says. Mashatu Terrace’s current occupants include SADC departments, Bank Gaborone, Huawei, Africa Lighthouse and TLS.

JOINT RUNNER-UP: THE PRECINCT, UNITY BUILDING

Accredited professional: Adrie Fourie, Solid Green Consulting

As the first development in Mauritius to achieve a 5-Star Green Star office design rating from GBCSA, as well as the highest-rated green office development in the Indian Ocean Islands region, The Precinct, Unity Building has achieved accolades which attest to the philosophy that all role-players on the project committed themselves to. Adrie Fourie of Solid Green Consulting says that together, the

team – spread from Mauritius to South Africa – pulled out all the stops, with the building encompassing innumerable elements which contributed not only to the 5-Star Green Star rating but took it beyond. “The collaboration between the architect, façade engineer, and Solid Green modelling simulations consultant allowed for a building façade solution that resulted in multiple green star points.”

Project type: Commercial Project owner: Gr1t House Ltd

Green Star rating: 5-Star Green Star Office Design v1.1

*The winner in this category has opted to remain confidential.

Project type: Commercial Project owner: Time Projects Green Star rating: 5-Star Green Star Office As Built v1

NET ZERO SUBMISSION

Project type: Commercial Project owner: Fuchs Southern Africa

Green Star rating: Net-Zero Carbon – Level 2 Occupant Emissions (modelled)

WINNER: HEADQUARTERS OF FUCHS LUBRICANTS

Accredited

The new headquarters for Fuchs Lubricants form part of the company’s net-zero carbon strategy, with the office being located within a campus that includes several of their production facilities. A key focus of the building was to ensure occupant comfort for at least 80% of the year using outdoor air only. To achieve this, considerable effort was put into optimising the building fabric and specifying

a high-performance double glazing. A comprehensive metering system was installed. With the building fabric optimised, decoupled ventilation was designed into the cooling system to ensure that when outdoor conditions allow, the building can be cooled by fresh air only without having to open windows – effectively keeping the main cooling system off.

RUNNER-UP: SANBS KZN ZONE HEAD OFFICE

Accredited professionals: Alison Groves and Hlologelo Manthose, WSP

As a non-profit organisation, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) provides a critical, often lifesaving, service to the public. WSP worked with the client to transform a shell industrial building into a sustainable, light space that now accommodates the head office, laboratory and a public-facing area.

Project type: Non-profit sector

Project owner: South African National Blood Service

Green Star rating: Net-Zero Carbon Level 1 Base Building Emissions

(modelled) As-Built

The carbon footprint of the revitalised headquarters was greatly reduced by replacing the HVAC system, installing energy-efficient LED lighting throughout, capturing rainwater for re-use, reusing materials and installing a large solar array in the parking area. As part of the refurbishment, the goal of raising SANBS awareness and public interest was achieved by including an auditorium and upper level from which visitors can see into the laboratory, to engender greater interest in the SANBS’ work.

professional: Alex Varughese, Solid Green Consulting

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SUCCESS The scent of

For the project, Firmenich partnered with Tétris Design & Build which was tasked with delivering a holistic design-and-build solution that considered the entire eco-system of the workspace. The goal was to breathe new life into Firmenich’s dated Midrand office, in collaboration with Firmenich’s Global Workplace Solution’s division, whose focus is to provide employees with a great workplace experience every single day.

Ashley Sams, facilities manager for sub–Saharan Africa, joined Firmenich at the concept stage of the project. The interior was to be completely stripped of its cellular offices making way for an open-plan layout, aligning with an entirely different way of working. Sams explains, “Firmenich had changed its strategic direction to ‘smarter working’ – largely prompted by the pandemic – encompassing the fact that people can work from home. This meshed perfectly with the new open-plan workspace being created, one where nobody takes ownership of a desk.”

Sams not only brought extensive experience with green star ratings, but a deep passion for sustainability: “The

pandemic arrived shortly after the project began, and –without implying any positive sides to Covid – that hiatus provided breathing space to relook at the project with a view to getting the project accredited. It was such a golden opportunity.” Sams was convinced that, with sustainability as one of the Group’s core values, Firmenich could achieve a 6-Star Green Star rating.

Smarter working at Firmenich means that no one takes ownership of a desk in the open-plan workspace.

Potable water – and ongoing access to it – is vital for the functioning of the laboratories, so it was imperative in a water-stressed country, that there is ample on-site water storage and availability.

With Tétris firmly behind the sustainability quest, Firmenich partnered with Solid Green, professional green building consulting services in South Africa. Sustainability consultant, Cebisa Mafukuzela, stepped on board: “From there, the project just went from strength to strength,” says Sams. “It didn’t necessitate massive changes to design or

From the outset, it was a delicate journey, because of the nature of Firmenich, and the stringent requirements for its laboratories.

even direction. In fact, the only physical extension to the original building, was a double-volume atrium with large double doors leading out to the garden and a staff canteen for eating, meeting and connecting.”

Tétris, working with Studio Fanucchi Architecture, created this haven of natural light, an appealing visual statement for visitors entering through reception and for people moving through the space on the stairway connecting the two floors. An unplanned-for bonus was, that when the time came, the atrium provided an additional roof surface for further photovoltaic (PV) panels.

For Tétris’ project manager, Ryan O’Donovan, the project’s additional focus married perfectly with their ethos: “Tétris does design based on sustainable and best practice – we have an internal tool called The Sustainability Code. We want our teams to be sustainably minded, every day – every decision made must be about, “Can I improve the sustainability of the project?” It’s an active methodology of encouraging people to push that on every level – so, not just the wallpaper, but the glue, the substrate…”

From a colour and design perspective, Firmenich has a global playbook – brand guidelines. “In engaging with Tétris, our job was not only to upgrade the interior of the facility but to anchor it in a regional context from an African perspective,” says Sams.

Firmenich’s work involves combining molecules to create unique smells and tastes, so the design team used its hexagonal shape as the framework for its design language.

They began with the molecule. Firmenich’s work involves combining molecules to create unique smells and tastes, so the design team used its hexagonal shape as the framework for its design language and combined it with the structured geometry of traditional African Shweshwe fabric patterns. The brand guidelines are interpreted in bold wallpapers in pre-set colours and imagery relevant to the different divisions. From planters to carpet tile designs, all reflect the design language, resulting in an international look and feel that’s combined with local culture.

Acoustics were a consideration, particularly in the hard surfaces of the laboratories. Soft furnishings and aural bestpractice dry walling and ceiling systems offset the harsh audibles; in the office spaces, boldly patterned carpets and upholstered informal meeting booths both look appealing and absorb sound.

Internally, lush greenery features strongly, none so much as the large African map outline – in essence, a living moss wall – which also localises the brand attractively.

From the outset, it was a delicate journey, because of the nature of Firmenich, and the stringent requirements for its laboratories. O’Donovan says, “Our team worked closely with the client to understand the lab requirements, which are designed to analyse, create and produce samples. Air quality is core to Firmenich achieving a healthy workspace environment. Positive and

Achieving the GBCSA 6-Star Green Star, which is a World Leadership rating, was a team effort.

The brand guidelines are interpreted in bold wallpapers in pre-set colours, African Shweshwe fabric patterns and imagery relevant to the different divisions.

negative air flows are engineered to ensure that odours remain inside laboratories and don’t extend beyond these areas.” Firmenich installed a fresh air reticulation system to distribute fresh air throughout the space, and CO2 monitors continually measure air quality, constantly displayed for all employees to take note of.

Tétris carried out an extensive analysis of the light, and it deems the result as one of the key successes. The team created an entirely new floor plan whereby almost everybody in the building is within seven metres of natural light. The standard office plate was turned upside-down or rather, inside-out. Where office-based staff would traditionally be on the outer perimeter of the building with garden views and laboratory staff in the middle floorplate in fluorescent-lit labs with storerooms downstairs, Tétris broke this mould. All storage facilities not requiring daylight were moved to the inside of the floorplate – the large flavour and fragrance libraries, as well as evaluation and sensory rooms where taste and scent profiles are tested over time. All the working and engagement facilities were pushed to the exterior. From a wellbeing perspective, staff look up from workstations straight out the large windows to the landscaped gardens, with increased natural light, which assists with focusing, concentration and mood enhancement.

Interior spaces are shaded through external awnings, which decreases the need for excessive air conditioning and shields staff from glare. Areas are accessed through sealed, no-touch, double doors activated by access cards to ensure each space is thermally controlled.

For lighting, motion-activated LED lights are found throughout the building, achieving greater energy efficiency, requiring less maintenance and enhanced product lifespan.

Potable water – and ongoing access to it – is vital for the functioning of the laboratories, so it was imperative in a water-stressed country, that there is ample on-site water storage and availability. Tétris was tasked with providing solutions for harvesting rainwater, storing water, sourcing underground water and ensuring efficient water use. The result: rainwater is harvested from the roof and parking area, stored in a 100 000l underground concrete water

storage tank, thus reducing reliance on municipal water supply by 75%. Thereafter, this rainwater is pumped to an above-ground 5 000l tank, providing potable water to the building through a reverse osmosis treatment plant. In addition, a borehole was sunk to access natural underground water. The quality of its water production is regularly tested and measured, thereby ensuring the supply of compliant potable water for employees.

“It was a journey of evolution,” says Sams: “As we progressed, we included various sustainable aspects. We questioned ourselves constantly, ‘Why this when we could do that?’” Hence, all toilets are Propelair, 84% less water use in comparison to conventional toilets; no-touch timed sensor taps with blended water at a pre-defined set point are used throughout – more hygienic, with a water saving of 60% over conventional alternatives.

Water wastage was curbed by the installation of a circular heat pump so that hot water is immediately available when taps are opened.

Tétris oversaw the installation of the PV system, a 110 kilowatts peak (kWp) system including battery storage. That power is supplied to the building ensuring continuous power even during outages, with a satisfying 75% reduction in municipal power usage in comparison to historic consumption. Non-critical air conditioners are on timers to reduce unnecessary use of power.

It was a journey of evolution.

Sams adds, “We also installed an electric vehicle charging station. Currently nobody has an electric car, but if anybody had been toying with the idea of getting one, free charging here could be persuasive.

“Things often happened which guided the direction in which we all wanted to go,” he says. From a staff member wanting us to collect plastic bottle caps to support an owl rescue organisation, it progressed to installing a bat box and two owl houses. Once occupied, they’d become natural pest predators, potentially allowing us to water

From a wellbeing perspective, staff look up from workstations straight out the large windows to the landscaped gardens.

down our existing pest control treatment strategy.” This action too, became a catalyst for rethinking the gardens: “There wasn’t an extensive breakaway space, so we added two external decks and on the landscaping side, chose to regenerate 20% of the landscaping back to its original state. We swapped the kikuyu grass for Egoli Granite Grassland and, weaving through it, created a journey of smells that links back to Firmenich as a fragrance house. It’ll have certain scented plants – all labelled – and we’ll also measure the biodiversity impact over a five-year period, so there will be some useful data there. It’ll also be interesting to see what the area looked like before human inhabitants.”

For recycling, individual desk bins were removed and central recycling stations established. “Initially,” says Sams, “there was a little resistance, but soon everybody realised the benefit in terms of movement, etc. Importantly too, the consciousness of recycling becomes entrenched.” That consciousness is considered significant, and at regular intervals throughout the building, smart meters communicate internally around indoor air quality, power and water usage levels, all to create a culture of awareness.

“Firmenich wasn’t only focused on the green certification,” says Mafukuzela. “The firm is committed to sustainability. For example, it has obligated officially to only using certified green products for its interior. We repurposed the Existing Building Performance tool for Firmenich.”

In the office, adjustable Haworth chairs, 100% recyclable with up to 24% of recycled material, were supplied for all employees, and the monitors are on adjustable arms for optimal comfort.

Achieving the GBCSA 6-Star Green Star, which is a World Leadership rating, was a team effort. “To stick within the original budget, to achieve this and have happy employees and colleagues enjoying a vibrant workplace experience, that was the main success of the project. But none of this is possible if you don’t have a company which supports the vision and journey. Firmenich did.”

For Sams, “I envisage a site that has zero impact on the environment it operates in and maybe, even looking past that, moving from zero to positive. That’s where my vision is now, so we’re not only targeting the net-zero rating across all four categories but net positive. That’s the journey ahead.”

To have happy employees and colleagues enjoying a vibrant workplace experience is the main success of the project.

SERVING THE NATION’S REQUIREMENT FOR VITAL CEMENT SUPPLIES

Even as South Africa’s construction sector struggles through difficult cycles of low profitability and declining capacity, it needs responsible and sustainable companies to maintain momentum.

This is the view of AfriSam’s sales and marketing executive Richard Tomes, who highlights that, after almost nine decades in business, the legacy of AfriSam – a leading supplier of superior quality construction materials - has been to demonstrate the value of good corporate citizenship. AfriSam began its journey as Anglovaal Portland Cement Company in 1934, with a cement plant in Roodepoort.

“The time since then has seen many changes and we are proud to have grown stronger, with our customers confirming that we are still their preferred choice,” says Tomes. “Even with the depressed state of the construction sector, our focus on quality and sustainability means that we can continue to serve the market to world class standards.”

A CONSIDERABLE CONTRIBUTION

Tomes argues that the extensive investment in cement plants, readymix facilities and quarries over the years laid the groundwork for AfriSam’s considerable contribution to the country’s infrastructure. As Anglo Alpha, it had become a fully vertically-integrated construction materials business in the 1990s through the strategic incorporation of aggregate producer Hippo Quarries and readymix company Pioneer Concrete. When the country re-entered the international community post-democracy, the company was acquired by the multinational Holcim group, further augmenting its access to world-class expertise and best practice.

“The learnings gained when part of the Holcim group were valuable in positioning AfriSam where it is today,” he says. “Our access to global research and the sharing of technical expertise further enhanced the expertise of many staff still with the business.”

He emphasises the large capital commitments which AfriSam has historically made in the country’s productive capacity. Often located in remote areas due to their need for limestone deposits, cement plants must be built for optimal longevity to justify the investment, he explains. These facilities – such as AfriSam’s Ulco and Dudfield

plants – operate not just as production facilities but as integrated settlements.

“We have been able to serve the nation’s requirement for vital cement supplies by maintaining entire village environments at these sites, including schools, houses, churches and other services,” says Tomes. “These facilities must be carefully managed and maintained for sustainability, and to make it attractive for our staff to live and work there.”

There is also an ongoing commitment to education and training, to ensure that all plants are professionally operated and systematically serviced while creating opportunities for future generations.

Looking further ahead, AfriSam has taken a leading role in the sector to reduce carbon emissions. Aiming at producing carbon neutral products, the company has already made significant progress in offering the market a range of lower carbon cements. It is also considering renewable energy sources at some its plants, to reduce coal usage.

“We will continue to make a positive contribution in helping South Africa meet its commitments to the relevant global treaties and conventions on climate change,” he says.

AfriSam has taken a long-term view on quality, experience and capital investment.

AfriSam has set the standard in the sector regarding carbon emissions and broader environmental responsibility.

The company trains and maintains the best skills to oversee and maintain large and complex plants.

Taking

The headquarters for the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works is the first public sector building to achieve a 4-Star Green Star Existing Building Performance v1 rating with GBCSA. This flagship project boasts several innovative features.

WORDS Marlinée Fouché IMAGES Western Cape Government

Number 9 Dorp Street is a renowned modernist building in the City landscape. These buildings are typically modern, in that they employ a level of horizontally clean white façades, floor-toceiling glazing which offers views of the South African landscape, ribbon windows etc and are typically harder to renovate for greater efficiencies.

“If you aren’t addressing sustainability in your existing buildings, you’re not making a big enough impact.” These words, by the deputy director-general of the Department of Transport and Public Works for the Western Cape, Gavin Kode, are the driving principle behind the first performance rating of an existing public sector building with GBCSA.

Initially a guinea pig for sustainability projects, 9 Dorp Street can now be considered one of the pioneers for performance-based sustainability in the public sector –not only because of its physical sustainability features, but also for ingraining a culture of sustainable practices among employees and other government officials.

The working environment in the building, situated close to parliament and the central train station in Cape Town, is constantly adapted with this principle in mind. “There’s sort of a freshness to it,” says in-house accredited professional (AP), Karl-Robert Gloeck. “As you step out of the lobby, you can already see the perimeter windows where the natural light comes in. A lot of the areas are open-plan and with single corridor access. More employees can be accommodated on a single floor, and that reduced the overall footprint as far as accommodating government staff within the CBD.” The concrete brise soleil elements on the building façade help mitigate unnecessary heat gain, and the upgraded air-

chilled HVAC systems ensure user comfort is maintained, altogether creating a light and airy feel for all spaces on the modernised floors.

Desk space has been optimised, light sensors were installed, and shelves are mostly limited to a height of 1.4 metres, allowing natural light to reach throughout the floor.

Kode says there’s more to the process than meets the eye. “It’s part of the journey of becoming an employer of choice, to attract the best people to do the best job for the people and citizens of the province. At the same time, you are reducing water and electricity as well as the cost of thereof to the taxpayer.”

This nine-storey office block incorporates various sustainability initiatives in line with the Existing Building Performance v1 certification tool. The most notable of which, according to Gloeck, concern water usage, the building monitoring system as well as the property efficiency report.

“There are 32 electrical meters, one of which is connected to the solar PV panels, and there are nine water meters and a groundwater meter,” says Gloeck. “Essentially, these allow for monthly reports to be issued to the general infrastructure directorate for capturing and monitoring, and there’s a display of energy and water usage for the building in the foyer. Users entering the building are able to read the measurements.” This allows for accurate performance measurement concerning energy and water, which can be compared month on month, season on season and year on year.” Energy usage, for example, is metered per floor, which means that comparisons can be made to identify where improvements can be made.

Visitors to the building are welcomed in an open, light space.

The threat of day zero in 2017 ushered in a drastic review of the approach to water management, so it comes as no surprise that this was one of the highest-scoring categories. “There were a lot of drastic interventions, including waterless urinals and low-flow fittings for many of the bathroom taps. The water meters are tuned to a level where they detect even minor leaks early on.”

Along with this, there are two bigger intercessions: replacing the water-cooled chillers for the HVAC with air-cooled chillers, and a groundwater system in the second basement. Kode says a lot of work has been done historically, and the dual plumbing system, which now supplies 95% of the water requirements for the building’s ablutions, is one of them. It was part of the original building design, but because no one was thinking about water scarcity back then, it was only recommissioned more recently: “Now we are using a lot of free basement water that would otherwise have been discharged into the municipal stormwater system.” The water is UV-filtered, and then distributed for toilet flushing, without cost or potable municipal water consumption. “That accounted for about 40% of the water use in 2019/2020,” says Gloeck.

Measuring, monitoring and managing is of primary concern at 9 Dorp Street, an approach epitomised by the yearly Property Efficiency Report, which scored the building a point in the innovation category. “Last year we published our tenth edition,” says Kode. “This document reports

on the office portfolio of every building greater than a thousand square meters. Then we can set targets and benchmark ourselves against similar buildings in the private sector.”

According to Gloeck, it’s a one-of-a-kind publication in South Africa. “It reviews the performance and resource usage of applicable buildings in the portfolio by capturing and recording their energy and water usage, space efficiency and other performance metrics, and there’s quite a substantial framework for comparison for energy and water usage.” Instead of only having access to information on the last year or two, APs can now see a decade’s worth of comparative data. “The improvements have been quite staggering. There was a reduction in 57% of the energy usage for 9 Dorp Street from 2013 to 2021, and a remarkable 97% reduction in the use of water for the same period.”

One aspect that sets this certification apart – and contributed to yet another innovation point – is the Western Cape government’s attempt to “grow their own timber”. The eight APs that certified 9 Dorp Street, formed

We are endeavouring to develop awareness in the realm of sustainability by investing in our people.

The headquarters for the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works.

part of 54 Public Works officials who were trained as APs under GBCSA’s Existing Building Performance tool. The team of eight formed a task team, that initially used 9 Dorp Street as a case study and then through to simulated registration and certification of the building – with the goal to do the actual certification of the building after completing their training.

This team, consisting of engineers, immovable asset management professionals and architects in the public sector, allowed for a substantive approach to the process. Gloeck, a chief architect in the Chief Directorate Health Infrastructure, played a leading role in the certification process. He is particularly proud of this. “We’re all in the accommodation and infrastructure implementation sphere, building hospitals, schools and clinics, upskilling internal staff and managing various property issues; this was an opportunity to address a different challenge. These are steps working towards our goals of becoming a net-zero government by 2050 to align with the national mandate, and to foster an understanding of what needs to be done, to reach a point where the province’s buildings are recognised as sustainable.”

This is exactly what the Western Cape government wants to achieve, says Kode. “We are endeavouring to develop awareness in the realm of sustainability by investing in our people. They might not necessarily all take part in the certification training or directly be involved in the process, but it enables them to see the impact more broadly through the buildings they interact with, which has a ripple effect through the organisation and communities.

Plans are underway to vertify two more of the Western Cape Government’s office buildings in the city centre, and it is expected that they will receive their ratings early in 2024.

Initially a guinea pig for sustainability projects, 9 Dorp Street can now be considered one of the pioneers for performance-based sustainability in the public sector.

The threat of day zero in 2017, ushered in a drastic review of the approach to water management, including the utilisation of basement water for the building.

Partitions and storage space in the open plan office is mostly limited to a height of 1.4 metres to create an airy feel.

Modernisation is part of the journey to attract the best people for the job.

XPOD AND BIOBUILD™A BUILDING METHODOLOGY FOR A BETTER ENVIRONMENT

Through

To understand how green the xPod designs and BioBuild™ materials are, you would be forgiven in thinking that it is all just context – but, on the contrary, the reality is very different.

In South Africa, between 5 million and 8 million tonnes of construction waste are generated annually. Only a small fraction is reused or recycled. The result is that a large amount of waste is disposed of in landfills, which are rapidly reaching capacity in many places. The literature suggests that as much as 30% of the material delivered to a construction site ends up as waste. Concrete and other cementitious materials were most frequently cited, followed by bricks. Wood, plastic and cement bags, formwork and sand were also mentioned.

The two most prevalent reasons cited for the causes of waste were the lack of skill of labourers and contractors, and poor supervision. Other reasons include poor material handling, negligence, speed of execution, design changes, poor management and planning, and the standard work process. Construction workers sometimes did incorrect work, leaving waste after the incorrect work was demolished. (The Conversation, 5 October 2022)

The impact of buildings and construction on the environment is astounding, with the built environment currently accounting for 20% of the world’s water usage and 40% of its electricity. There is great significance in the fact that green buildings can reduce global carbon emissions by up to a third. South Africa is on its way to becoming one of the global leaders in green building.

The xPod off-site fabrication and manufacturing solutions are extremely beneficial to this environment, in that the central feature of all our models and designs is that they are non-invasive and seek to leave the natural topography untouched.

We have emphasised that wood waste is one of the largest portions of the waste stream generated from construction

and demolition activities and the lack of sustainable usage for the disposal of the material. Hence the incorporation of BioBuild™ panels in the xPod designs.

BioBuild™ consists of an ingenious combination of mineralised woodchips and cement, which provides a unique ecological and economical alternative to traditional building materials. This is due to the ease/speed of installation and modular design capability, as well as providing various insulation and acoustic properties. With our core materials consisting of recycled wood waste and cement, we have created a fully sustainable green building alternative that we feel is a direct replacement for brick & mortar.

BioBuild’s eco-friendly production contributes to the reduction of CO₂ emissions in the manufacturing process and offers a sustainable solution for the recycling of wood waste. BioBuild™ offers an alternative that assists in the preservation of energy and natural resources during the construction process and throughout a structure’s life cycle.

The structural frame was designed to avoid the need for any cut and fill excavation, to preserve the natural conditions, topography and existing flora. Since all units are premanufactured, on-site waste and site establishment processes are kept to a minimum. The design philosophy allows for the integration of PV systems, incorporating water harvesting systems, as well as various waste disposal options. Since the implementation relies on an installation methodology as opposed to a construction methodology, all logistics and process-supporting activities are vastly streamlined.

The xPod and BioBuild™ building methodology intends on creating a healthier and 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, and affordable.

the use of recyclable materials, the core intention is maintained, to provide an ecological building alternative that is accessible, and affordable.

THE TIME IS NOW to act on the just transition

Driving sustainable development is now an absolute imperative. It is crucial that we embrace South Africa’s just transition framework to maximise the social and economic opportunities presented by climate action, while minimising and carefully managing any challenges that might arise.

WORDS Shameela Soobramoney*

Green and social bonds are positioned to raise funding for environmental or climate-related projects that have favourable environmental and social impacts, respectively such as enhancing energy efficiency, preventing pollution, establishing sustainable agriculture, improving education and healthcare outcomes as well as reducing inequality.

In December 2021, Nedbank listed a R1.09-billion green bond on the JSE, whose proceeds would be used to fund green residential developments. The bond was floated on the JSE’s Sustainability Segment. Similarly, FirstRand Bank earlier this year listed two sustainability bonds to finance and refinance borrowers looking to invest in green buildings and affordable housing projects. The two bonds, with a total value of R2-billion, are part of a long-term programme to raise R72-billion for FirstRand’s sustainability projects. TUHF Limited (TUHF) in partnership with Standard Bank listed four social bonds valued at R609-million, in March 2021. The proceeds of the bonds will drive sustainable development through the provision of affordable housing and improved access to funding for property SMMEs and entrepreneurs.

Aside from providing the financial instruments to fund sustainable projects, the need to create a broader enabling environment for sustainable development is also extremely important, especially as regulation and guidance are changing rapidly on a worldwide scale. To this end, the JSE released its Sustainability and Climate Disclosure Guidance in June 2022 to promote transparency and good governance. The aim is to guide listed and unlisted companies on best practice in environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure through a combination of global best practice and local relevance, thus simplifying ESG disclosure for companies in a context of the various frameworks, guidelines, standards and ratings in the market.

Now more than ever, there is a critical need for climate financing in Africa, a region that is particularly vulnerable to the devastating impacts of climate change, such as severe droughts and flooding. There is currently a pressing need for capital markets to close the funding gap between the climate action financing needs of developing countries and the funding that has been pledged for sustainable development. Private market participation will be key to achieving this.

Driving a just transition is particularly pertinent in the South African and broader African context, where climate financing will be key to mitigating socio-economic impacts such as job losses and migration. Given South Africa’s massive unemployment crisis and high levels of inequality, it is imperative to achieve the transition away from fossil fuels to a green economy in a manner that does not exacerbate unemployment.

Transitioning to a greener economy is as much a socio-economic imperative as it is an environmental one.

While the retention of jobs is a critical factor, provision must also be made to compensate workers whose jobs might be lost or relocated across the fossil fuel value chain. These specific needs are key aspects that must be addressed in the context of Africa’s climate action financing to enable a just transition.

One of the main themes emerging from COP 27 (the climate conference convened by the United Nations that took place in 2022), is the need for developed countries to deliver on their promises of climate financing, particularly for developing economies to enable their transition away from fossil fuels. This must happen quickly, as the world is moving ever closer to the edge of the cliff if climate action is not undertaken as a priority. This was succinctly summed by UN Secretary-General, António Guterres at the opening of COP 27, who stated: “We are on the highway to climate hell with our foot on the accelerator.”

Another prominent theme raised at the summit is growing concern over the increasing debt burden on developing countries as much of their climate funding is being supplied in the form of debt financing. For example, given that South Africa already has R4.7-trillion debt on its balance sheet and its debt service already amounts to R330-billion annually, it is questionable how much remaining capacity we have for additional debt.

At the same time, South Africa cannot afford to procrastinate on the implementation of its Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET-IP), which was approved by government in November 2022 and announced at COP 27 by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Transitioning to a greener economy is as much a socio-economic imperative as it is an environmental one.

The plan outlines the country’s priority sectors as being green hydrogen, decarbonisation of the energy sector and the switch to electric vehicles. It is in these priority areas that urgent focus must be placed on project implementation and funding. However, the president noted that an additional R1.5-trillion would be needed within the next five years for the JET-IP, with a portion of this funding expected to come from international funders while the balance will need to be financed locally and implementation will be extensively supported by the private sector.

At the JSE, we are guided by our view that the stock exchange can a play a pivotal role in creating an enabling environment for better sustainability practices to take root in the markets we serve and facilitate the flow of capital to support the aims of sustainable development as well as resilient markets and economies. By building a sustainable business ecosystem, we can meaningfully contribute to the aims of sustainable development within our sphere of influence.

THE SUSTAINABILITY SEGMENT

Financial markets are positioned to act as a powerful force for good in driving sustainable value creation, and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) understands the importance of integrating a long-term perspective into markets. This approach facilitates the reduction of socioeconomic and physical climate risks, while contributing to improved financial stability and the transition to a low-carbon economy.

The JSE remains firmly committed to consistently advancing sustainability practices in business and integrating it across its value chain by guiding its markets on the key role that environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure plays in investment considerations. Furthermore, the JSE is leveraging its central role as a connector to drive engagement and advocacy in relation to sustainability, while also providing the tools and investment products needed to facilitate responsible investing and reorientate capital flows to more sustainable development.

In July 2020, the JSE launched its Sustainability Segment, which is a platform for companies to raise debt for green, social and sustainable initiatives. The Segment makes it accessible and easy for companies to list and trade sustainability-related instruments to raise funds for activities directed at sustainable development. The Sustainability Segment is essentially an expansion of the JSE’s Green Bond Segment to cover a wider range of sustainable finance instruments where interested issuers can list social, sustainability and green bonds along with transition bonds.

*Shameela Soobramoney is the chief sustainability officer at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

BY THE PEOPLE,

FOR THE PEOPLE

Talk of cutting-edge Green Tech, we are at the centre of it. No scarring of the ground with our EEZI Thermal Modular Composite Building System.

Our homes are alive; they breathe. We use Hempcrete, an old-time proven building technique.

Polluters? Not us - bamboo, the third hardest wood in the world, is our source of energy!

Long distance transportation of products? Not in our closed-loop communities - production takes place at the place of consumption.

Not only do we reduce CO2 gas emissions, but the cost of living too – household expenditure by 40-60%.

By the people, For the People!

BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE

Direct 2 The People is at the cutting edge of green tech where we deliver sustainable, mixeduse, closed-loop, agri-living communities to developing countries throughout the world.

Our housing communities will be net-zero carbon, passive homes using zero energy from the grid. Such buildings will be light on the land, replacing concrete foundations with composite ground screws.Not having to rely on the setting for the concrete, the ground screw can immediately be loaded with our fibre glass reinforced pultrusion (FRP) composite lightweight, high-strength frame.

The EEZI frame not only gives the structure the strength to withstand hurricanes, earthquakes and tornados but allows the fully complete modular floor, wall and roof to be inserted into the frame onsite. This eliminates the use of heavy equipment and cranes on site.

The EEZI hemp floor, wall and roof, all external and internal cladding, electrical wiring and conduits for fibre optic, television cables and airflow throughout the structure are assembled at the factory.

Due to the factory finished floor, wall, roof and pods, a 65m² house can be completed in one day on site.

The factory-finished structure is inserted into the EEZI lightweight composite frame which adds extreme rigidity and strength to it. This frame is designed fit-for-purpose for such building for the specific site where it is constructed. The hemp walling system is a net-zero carbon modular walling system which meets the requirements set by the passive building standards.

The EEZI thermal modular alternative building system excels in its thermal and acoustic performances as well as fire rating. This walling system is alive, breathes and absorbs CO2 gas emissions over the entire life of such

PEOPLE NOT POLITICS POLLUTION POLL

Direct 2 The People believes that the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) will see the uprising of the people, where the people’s voices will be heard.

Companies and shareholders polluting the planet will be judged by people rather than politics. Those on the list of polluters will be boycotted and immediately feel the financial losses of polluting.

We are now able to track all polluters in a real-time basis, making it possible to reveal this information to the discerning public so they can decide whether to support and purchase goods from polluters. Certification standards will regulate products and goods in terms of pollution.

For this very reason, Direct 2 The People is launching the EEZI thermal modular composite building system in Q1 of 2023.

building. Hemp walling systems have been in existence for hundreds of years and have stood the test of time.

In addition to these achievements, the buildings are 100% airtight, thus ensuring that we eliminate any airflow containing water vapour which causes rot and mould.

This unique alternative building system achieves these characteristics as the system uses no traditional building elements. These are sand, stone, concrete, cement, bricks, blocks, steel, aluminium, wood, glass, wooden trusses, cement roof tiles and gypsum ceilings.

All modular separate toilets, showers, baths and vanity glass are delivered to site completed in their predetermined position in the building. Due to the factory finished floor, wall, roof and pods, a 65m² house can be completed in one day on site.

This ground-breaking alternative building system is combined with our Direct Art of Living model, which includes an economic methodology that can contribute to the communities’ wellbeing through the Direct 2 The People community way of life, allowing for the following savings in capital and living costs:

• Capital cost of buildings reduced by 30%

• Energy and electrical cost reduced by 75%

• Water use reduced by 64%

The biggest saving will not only be the exclusion of rampant inflation but also in lowering the cost of living to between 40% and 60%.

This community agri-living model is the future of smart living, where production takes place at the place of consumption by the local community resulting in food being produced “by the people for the people”.

INNOVATIVE DISTINCTION

SAPOA Property Development Awards 2022

SAPOA President, Andrew König, and CEO, Neil Gopal, say, “This year’s entries are outstanding, and clearly indicate that the property sector has been steered in right direction regarding innovation and excellence. It is a great time to witness the world around us – and the places where we work – transform in unimaginably superb ways. Our winners will set the bar for the level of growth in the sector over the next decade.” And here are the winners…

COMMERCIAL OFFICE DEVELOPMENTS AWARD

WINNER: 35 LOWER LONG

Architect: dhk

STREET

While accolades are not the reason we practice architecture, being acknowledged for work we have done is always rewarding. A SAPOA award is all the more gratifying for being recognition from the industry itself. With the judges representing different disciplines within the built-environment industry, having their recognition is an indication from our peers that we are creating buildings and spaces that achieve our objectives and add value to the urban landscape.

Location: Lower Long Street, Cape Town CBD

Project dates: 2016-2018 (design). 2018-2020 (constuction)

Certification: 4-Star Green Star Design rating

Type of building: Commercial high-rise Project size: 28 235m2

CORPORATE OFFICE DEVELOPMENTS AWARD

WINNER: DELOITTE CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE

Architect: Aevitas Architecture Studio

Winning the SAPOA Award for Innovative Excellence in our category was recognition by our industry peers of the unique nature of the building’s design. The award is confirmation of the value that the building adds to its inhabitants as well as its context. We are extremely proud of the finished product.

Location: Waterfall City, Waterfall, Gauteng

Project dates: 2018-2021

Certification: LEED Silver rating

Type of building: Corporate Project size: 42 500m2

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS AWARD

WINNER: ALPLA SA

Architect: Empowered Spaces Architects

We, at Empowered Spaces Architects, pride ourselves on the impact we have had on the industrial landscape. It is a proud moment for the practice to be recognised. The industry, and ourselves, are striving to push the design envelope to even greater heights.

Lanseria Ext 75, Johannesburg

Completed in October 2021 None Warehouse facility 34 616m2

INTERIORS AWARD

WINNER: ANGLO AMERICAN HEAD OFFICE

Architect: Paragon Interface

We began this journey with Anglo American in 2019 when we conducted an in-depth workplace strategy into understanding its organisation that concluded with its successful move to Rosebank after nearly 100 years in the Johannesburg CBD. It is hugely gratifying to receive an award that registers the significance of this landmark project for this progressive global organisation and the success of the project as a whole.

Location: Rosebank, Johannesburg

Project dates: March 2020 (design), October 2021 (Anglo American moved in)

Certification: 6-Star Green Star Office V1.1 Design rating and a 5-Star Green Star Interiors rating is being targeted

Type of building: Commercial Project size: 29 461m2

INNOVATIVE AWARD

WINNER: CHRIS HANI BARAGWANATH HOSPITAL 500 ICU BEDS

Architect:

Ruben Reddy Architects

Ruben Reddy Architects is honoured to be part of the team that was awarded the SAPOA Award for Innovative Excellence for the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital 500 ICU Beds. This award will always be a reminder that we formed a small part of the worldwide team that fought day and night to alleviate the catastrophic reality caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Location: Soweto, Johannesburg

Project dates: 2020-2022

Certification: None

Type of building: Hospital Project size: 24 300m2

MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENTS AWARD

WINNER: BRIDGEWATER

Project Manager: Rabie Property Group

Receiving the award on behalf of Rabie, Mariska Auret, director, says, “We are incredibly honoured to be shortlisted with such innovative developments across the country and are delighted for the win. Bridgewater truly holds a special place as the pioneer development of the Ratanga Park family of developments we will be rolling out in the next few years. We would like to thank SAPOA for this prestigious award and the various teams at Vivid Architects, WBHO, all our fantastic professionals, service providers and our Rabie team for making a dream a reality. We share this award with them and look forward to many more.”

Location: Century City, Cape Town

Project dates: January 2020 to August 2021

Certification: 4-Star Green Star Design rating

Type of building: Mixed-use Project size: 80-room hotel is flanked by 122 apartments. It edges onto block 1 with 4 852m² office space. Block 2 has six double-volume studios. Block 3 comprises of 17 offices ranging from 120m² to 300m².

OTHER DEVELOPMENTS AWARD SUSTAINABILITY AWARD OVERALL WINNER

WINNER: GREEN SCHOOL SOUTH AFRICA

Architect: GASS Architecture Studio

Location: R45, Paarl, Cape Town

Project dates: Completion 2021

Certification: Living Building Challenge

Type of building: Education Project size: Site area 81 110m². Built area 3 313m² Landscaped/green area 63 408m²

Green School South Africa, what an adventurous challenge! Designing and constructing a regenerative schooling campus from natural and locally sourced materials (complying with the Living Building Standards), sculpting organic architecture, and creating learning spaces that ignite a sense of wonder in adults and children alike. This would not have been possible without the collective spirit and camaraderie of the professional team. The journey of becoming part of the Green School family and to see the impact that the campus has on everyday lives, is life changing, and something we are really proud of. Being awarded with the various accolades, is an honour and a privilege, and really creates awareness about the importance of regenerative design.

REFURBISHMENTS AWARD

WINNER: 3 ALICE LANE

Architect: ARC Africa t/a ARC MU:V

We are proud of the collaborative approach to delivering the final project within budget and good time considering all the challenges from manufacturing to Covid-19. Only three materials were used in this refurbishment and the outcome is simple, clean and well-articulated. The end result being a highperformance refurbished building crafted within budget which stands tall amongst its neighbouring buildings on Alice Lane.

Location: Sandton, Johannesburg

Project dates: January 2019 to April 2021 (later due to Covid-19)

Certification: None

Type of building: Office Project size: 15 000m2

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS AWARD

Architect:

Working on this project and winning the award is a great honour for our company and team. It is always important for us to create outdoor and open space in the buildings that we create. In this case, the building and its open space filters into the greater precinct and becomes the showpiece of the development.

RETAIL DEVELOPMENTS AWARD

WINNER: RUSTENBURG MALL

Architect: MDS Architecture

Rustenburg Mall’s design encompasses function and fun, which we believe is a key aspect of retail developments design. We are proud of the flexibility incorporated in the design that allows the building to adapt to external factors. Rustenburg Mall offers unique sensory experiences to visitors.

Location: Geelhoutpark, Rustenburg

Project dates: October 2019 to April 2021

Certification: None

Type of building: Retail Project size: 40 000m²

Location: 254 Fox Street, Johannesburg

Project dates: 2020 (completion)

Certification: Registered for an EDGE certification

Type of building: Residential Project size: 21 660m2

WINNER: THE ONYX

GASS Architecture Studios

RURAL AND SMALL-TOWN DEVELOPMENTS AWARD

WINNER: FLAGSTAFF SQUARE

Architect: MDS Architecture

Flagstaff Square is in a rural area, so it was important to offer a contemporary shopping experience. We are pleased with the results of including natural light in the design. One of the most memorable aspects of Flagstaff Square is the eye-catching graffiti work throughout the centre.

Location: Flagstaff, Eastern Cape

Project dates: November 2020 to October 2021

Certification: None

Type of building: Retail Project size: 11 000m²

HERITAGE AWARD

WINNER: OLD CAPE QUARTER

Architect: dhk

A SAPOA award is all the more gratifying for being recognition from the industry itself. With the judges representing different disciplines within the builtenvironment industry, having their recognition is an indication from our peers that we are creating buildings and spaces that achieve our objectives and add value to the urban landscape.

Location: 72 De Waterkant Street, De Waterkant, Cape Town

Project dates: October 2021

Certification: 4-Star Multi-Unit Residential Design v1 rating

Type of building: Mixed-use Project size: 5 315m2

TRANSFORMATION AWARD

WINNER: JEWEL CITY

Architect: GASS Architecture Studios

Location: 254 Fox Street, Johannesburg

Project dates: 2020 (completed)

Certification: None

Type of building: Residential and commercial

Project size: 91 480m2 plus surrounding streets

We are extremely proud of the award. It means that we are making an impact on the industry and people are taking notice of us and the work that we do. We are privileged to have been part of such an amazing opportunity to make a positive change in the Joburg CBD and to have a real impact on the lives of everyday people who will be making use of the precinct.

A CIRCULAR FUTURE AHEAD FOR PRECAST CONCETE ELEMENTS

At the end of 2021, Peikko Group Corporation, the global forerunner in Slim Floor Structures, Wind Energy Applications and Connection Technology for Precast and Cast-in-situ, implemented a pilot project in which a load-bearing frame of concrete elements and slim-floor beams was assembled, disassembled and reassembled. Precast manufacturer, Consolis Parma and Finnish training and research organization, TTS were also involved in the project which was carried out in Vantaa, Finland. The main purpose of the project was to prove that the connection technology between load-bearing structures unlocks the reuse potential of precast concrete elements. In 2022, the construction of a residential building consisting of demountable connections and a reusable load-bearing frame was started. It is the first residential building in Finland where the principles of Designfor-Disassembly have been applied, to allow direct reuse of its building components. Connections between load-bearing structures were designed by adopting the best practices from the pilot project in 2021.

These efforts are in line with the European Commission’s Circular Economy action plan, which defines concrete ways to achieve the EUwide targets to become carbon neutral by 2050. Given that the construction sector produces over 35% of all EU territory waste, 5-12% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, and used up 29% of all non-renewable raw materials in 2018, there is huge pressure on the construction industry to find more sustainable ways of operation.

One aspect of sustainability and circular economy is to keep products, components, and materials at their highest utility and maintain their value throughout the entire life cycle of a building. Connections may be designed to enable an effective dismount of building components as well as support the modularity of the building. The potential of existing building stock may also be utilised if their structures are found to meet modern requirements. These methods could effectively reduce the need for new structures and buildings, thus reducing both CO2 emissions and the consumption of raw materials.

PILOTING THE FUTURE

While the demountability and reusability of steel structures has been studied and is easier to put into

practice, concrete structures require installation tolerances on site and grout makes disassembling difficult. There have thus been few attempts to reuse concrete structures in practice.

In order to produce novel information and break down negative prejudices haunting over the reusability of precast concrete elements, Peikko implemented a pilot project where dismount and reuse of such structures were tested in practice. The test was done by assembling a frame consisting of 320mm deep DELTABEAM® Green composite beams, which was made from steel having 90% or higher recycled content, and ‘green’ hollow core slabs and precast columns, which are 50% lower in CO2 emissions than standard slabs due to PARMA Green™ technology. None of the components were damaged in the dismounting process.

During the reassembly, all disassembled components were placed in their original position and the bolted connections were reconnected (figure 8). It can be concluded that the current connection technology already enables the dismount and reuse of concrete elements. However, does the dismount of structures achieve economic viability, or does reusability have a clear effect on reducing environmental load?

LESS ENVIRONMENTAL LOAD WITH

SMALLER COSTS

After the pilot project, the environmental and economic impact of dismount and reuse were studied by running a comparison between two scenarios:

1) Reassembly of the frame by using the same dismounted components

2) Reassembly of the frame by using brand new building components

For the latter case, a similar precast concrete frame was assumed, but without the connection technology supporting the dismount. In that case, the reassembly of the frame simply meant the delivery of completely new components. Economic effects were estimated by calculating the costs associated with materials and processes (€) while environmental effects were determined as CO2 emissions (kgCO2). The study and its results are discussed more deeply in the White paper Dismount and reuse of precast concrete frame.

It was concluded that, although considering dismount and reuse in the design (scenario 1) produces additional costs and CO 2 emissions in both the first assembly phase and disassembly phase, economic savings and

environmental benefits are significant in reassembly phase when compared to manufacturing and transporting entirely new building components (scenario 2). In the pilot frame, which was implemented under the pilot project, disassembly and reusability resulted in approximately 35% cost savings and 50% lower emissions.

FROM PILOT TO PRACTICE

While the pilot has proven the technical feasibility of the current connection technology, the study for economic and environmental gains has revealed the leashed potential of dismount and reuse of concrete structures. One of the key challenges for applying design-for-disassembly as common practice is lack of regulative norms, which would provide rules and boundaries for designers. International standard ISO 20887 is one the few to present principles and requirements related the topic, and the concept of bolted connections is well in line with the standard. However, larger scale of standardisation work is further required. To fuel the ambition, more and more references are needed to reveal the best practices for dismount and reuse.

The residential building which has been constructed in Finland with demountable and resusable load-bearing structures, as the first of its kind, is a concrete benchmark for the buildings in the future, which are asked to be circular without compromising the appealing appearance and the structural performance.

KEEPING OUR EYES ON THE FUTURE

The future holds much innovation ahead, and Peikko is proud to be part of the solution, as the company continues to operate in line with its vision to offer a faster, safer, and more sustainable way to design and build.

A world-renowned mark of

EXCELLENCE

The International Property Awards are open to residential and commercial property professionals from around the world. The awards honour the highest levels of accomplishment by companies operating in the property industry. In this article, we celebrate the awards achieved by GBCSA-rated projects and GBCSA members.

BALWIN PROPERTIES

Best Apartment SA Thaba Eco Village

5 Stars

Best Architecture Multiple Residence SA Thaba Eco Village

5 Stars

Best Leisure Architecture SA

Leisure Development SA Munyaka Lifestyle Centre, Waterfall City

5 Stars

Best Social Housing SA GreenBay Eco Estate

5 Stars

Sustainable Residential Development SA GreenBay Eco Estate Award Winner

What does winning an International Property Award mean to you?

A cornerstone of Balwin’s approach has always been to consider what’s good for our clients and what’s good for the environment. To deliver a sustainable, exceptional quality product, we spend an inordinate amount of time and effort working with the best consultants, contractors and architects. These awards demonstrate that we can compete and win on one of the world’s biggest stages, which makes us very excited and grateful.

The International Property Awards (IPAs) is one of the most prestigious platforms in the world celebrating excellence in real estate. It sets an international benchmark that allows Balwin to scale itself against the best in the world. To date, we have achieved 38 awards recognising our commitment to excellent and innovation in sustainability, leisure and architecture as well as social housing.

SUSTAINABILITY JOURNEY

The journey of Balwin building multi-award winning developments starts with the application of an EDGE advanced certification for all our apartments. This ensures that we give our clients a 40% saving on their energy usage and a 20% reduction in water consumption. To achieve this we implement sustainable passive design, low energy appliances and on-site clean energy generation. Further into the journey, we provide a world-class lifestyle centre that will receive the highest Green Star rating, which is the 6-Star Green Star Building rating GBCSA. While providing a vast variety of amenities we still ensure our buildings are of the utmost efficiency and sustainability. This is all in line with Balwin’s vision of providing affordable yet aspirational and sustainable homes to our clients.

Munyaka Lifestyle Centre.

Where to from here?

The awards are a yardstick and we’re very proud to be at the leading edge of innovation in design, lifestyle offering and sustainability. Balwin is officially the largest IFC EDGE developer in the world, resulting in lower energy and water consumption during and after construction, which we’ve turned into a financial benefit for our clients through our green bonds. Going forward, we’re looking to address specific challenges in South Africa, such as

off-grid

power at our current developments to alleviate loadshedding and black water reticulation.

An innovation of IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, EDGE makes it easy to design and certify resource-efficient and zero-carbon buildings of every type, everywhere.

Thaba Eco Village.

GreenBay Eco Estate.

LYT ARCHITECTURE

Best Leisure Interior SA Highline Courtyard Hotel Rooftop Bar and Restaurant 5 Stars

Best Residential High Rise Architecture SA South Point Student Accommodation 5 Stars

Mixed-use Architecture SA Munyaka Lifestyle Centre Award Winner

Retail Architecture SA McDonald’s Flagship, Waterfall Award Winner

SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS AREAS

At LYT Architecture, working towards a sustainable future is at the forefront of every project. Our projects are designed in a manner that carefully consider our clients’ present and future needs to be able to successfully address these issues. During the planning and construction phases, the use of environmental-friendly systems and building materials is explored to develop alternate, future-proof solutions for our clients. Our sustainability strategies include: • Passive and active sustainable design • Prioritisation of sustainable materials in design • Landscape design

What does winning an IPA mean to you?

It is an acknowledgement of LYT Architecture’s design talent, as well as a vote of confidence for the dedicated and driven team that worked on this project. Winning the award is an affirmation of our commitment to providing highquality designs and service for our current and future clients. As our brand continues to be defined and developed, it generates the opportunity to market the company on a local and international level. The IPAs are an excellent platform to showcase LYT Architecture’s more prestigious projects and provide the opportunity to be recognised for the numerous ways in which they respond to the everchanging societal values and urban landscapes of our local and global contexts.

Where to from here?

We are committed to maintaining a leadership role in the architectural profession through outstanding service and the continued delivery of high-quality designs.

Highline Courtyard Hotel Rooftop Bar and Restaurant.

(Above) McDonald’s Flagship. (Below) South Point Student Accommodation.

Munyaka Lifestyle Centre.

WATERFALL MANAGEMENT COMPANY

Best mixed-use Development SA Waterfall City

5 Stars

What does winning an IPA mean to you?

Although Waterfall City is currently only 45% complete, it is fast becoming known as the new economic hub of South Africa and the ideal residential, lifestyle and blue-chip business destination in Gauteng.

Winning an IPA helps to attract international companies and reassures those who have already moved to Waterfall City that they have made the right decision. Receiving international recognition such as this on a regular basis – having won the Best Mixed-use Development in South Africa award eight times, Best in Africa seven times and Best in the World four times to date – certainly emphasises just how world-class Waterfall City is.

From inception, the Waterfall Management Company and our various development partners have had big aspirations for Waterfall City. Conceptualised as a safe, state-of-the-art smart city built on the cornerstones of connection, commerce, care and community, Waterfall City is unique. Entering such awards helps us to benchmark ourselves against international players, and to represent South African property developments on the world stage.

Where to from here?

Our aim is to continue to develop and improve this worldclass smart city. The golden thread running through this is the continued development of infrastructure enhancements with a focus on the future. Energy efficiency is critical in this regard and as such, Waterfall City plans to install more solar panels on the roofs of commercial developments while also investigating the possibility of a solar farm.

There are continuous investments being made in road infrastructure as well.

SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS AREAS

Future-proofed infrastructure and responsible environmental stewardship are at the forefront of design. On the energy front, the intention is to keep the carbon footprint small, air pollution low and energy efficiency high. The Waterfall City CBD boasts 31 green-rated buildings with rainwater harvesting and back-up power enabling business continuity during outages.

Waterfall City has mitigated against the risk of flooding and erosion through the building of 18 attenuation dams that have become part of its 130ha greenbelt. It has a water-use licence that allows for irrigation of common areas at the development using water from the Jukskei River, which is first pumped through an ozone water treatment plant. We have applied for licences to draw more water from Jukskei and harvest rainwater on a larger scale. Our landscaping focuses on indigenous, water-wise plants.

Waterfall City’s waste management processes divert waste from landfills, creating a circular economy. The city currently converts 90 tons of food waste a month into pre-compost to be used on the development. Residents drop off their recyclables, including e-waste, at a centralised waste management facility.

GIANT LEAP

Best Office Interior SA

AngloGold Ashanti Project AGA 5 Stars

What does winning an IPA mean to you?

We are so proud to have won the 5-star Best Office Interior South Africa, for AngloGold Ashanti. In 2020, we were encouraged by our client to enter the awards, and we won for our Barloworld project. We entered two more projects in the following years and are thrilled that we won 5-star Best Office Interior SA for three years consecutively.

Where to from here?

We continue to design and build office interiors, locally and internationally, that inspire efficient and innovative.

Location: Rosebank

Project dates: 2021

Certification: None

Type of building: Mixed-use Project size: 6 500m2

SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS AREAS

By understanding that making a balanced office environment can benefit employees’ wellbeing, we consider vital elements such as biophilia, good lighting, art and ergonomics to create the best environment while keeping sustainability in mind.

VIVID ARCHITECTS

Mixed-use Development SA Bridgewater Award Winner

What does winning an IPA mean to you?

We are extremely humbled and thankful our work has international relevance and appeal, and ecstatic for being chosen as one of the winning projects.

What prompted you to enter the project into the award? We were invited. Our WEX1 project won the Best of 5-Star award in 2017, so we understand it is a fantastic opportunity for our work to be assessed on the world stage.

Where to from here?

To win more awards! To keep creating places for people to inhabit and enjoy. Spaces that have relevance and longevity, buildings that make people happy.

Location: Century City, Cape Town

Project dates: 2019-2021

Certification: 4-Star Green Star rating

Type of building: Mixed-use Project size: 7 000m2 offices, 122 apartments, 80 hotel beds, +350 parking bays

SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS AREAS

We design our projects with passive sustainability in mind, using appropriate façade treatments and designed floorplate depths, to ensure natural light without excessive heat load build-up is attained. Natural ventilation is a key design factor, reducing the reliance on mechanical services.

PAM GOLDING PROPERTIES

Best Real Estate Agency Marketing SA

Best Real Estate Agency over 20 Offices SA

Best Real Estate Agency Website SA (5 Stars in all three categories)

Receiving these acclaimed accolades is testament to our market leadership, as well as our ongoing commitment to providing clients with differentiated, world-class service excellence, coupled with high technological and marketing innovation as we constantly strive to set new benchmark standards in the industry.

We are proud that this brings to over 67 IPAs achieved. With 46 years of experience in the residential property market, we have established a reputation as a globally recognised and respected brand in real estate, with our

success built on the same pillars as the IPA’s judging criteria. Coupled with this, the challenges and socio-economic impact of the pandemic and ensuing lockdowns on the global and local economy in today’s rapidly changing world, has further underscored our commitment to our core values and in the way we do business. Innovations include our Live Remarkable campaign which has been portrayed across media, whereby we recognise remarkable Africans and the positive impact they have on the world, celebrating the human spirit and inspiring our own lives.

Operating via a network of over 300 offices in sub-Saharan Africa as well as several international offices, our agents are active at both a hyper local, national and global level. Our aim is to influence and create increased consciousness among homeowners regarding sustainability, in terms of the home environment, namely, energy usage and saving, water conservation, waste and biodiversity in gardens.

We recognise remarkable South Africans and Africans and the positive impact they have on the world, celebrating the human spirit and inspiring our own lives.

These include renowned pulmonologist, Dr Taban, who has a burning desire to assist disadvantaged children to acquire an education, thereby ensuring that they have a brighter future. Together with our Heart of Gold Trust and the Emmanuel Taban Foundation, we have pledged our commitment to sponsor bursaries for girls from disadvantaged backgrounds to enrol at Jeppe High School for Girls.

Our campaign also recognises Farai Chinomwe, a Rastafarian, Zimbabwean musician and long-distance runner whose calling is to draw attention to the importance and plight of bees on our planet through Blessed Bees Africa. Then there is Hanli Prinsloo, an ocean conservationist, exceptional free diver and aqua-ambassador for the deep with her I AM WATER Foundation, who was also selected as one of the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders, who dives to make a critical and remarkable connection with aquatic wildlife, drawing attention to the fragility of our blue planet.

Farai Chinomwe.

DHK ARCHITECTS

Commercial High-Rise Architecture 35 Lower Long Award Winner

Hotel Architecture SA Radisson RED Rosebank Award Winner

Mixed-use Architecture SA Old Cape Quarter Award Winner

Residential High-Rise Architecture SA The Rubik Award Winner

What does winning an IPA mean to you?

Winning an award is always a bonus in that it’s a recognition of an aspect of design excellence, but it isn’t the reason we practice architecture. When a building fulfils its function in its context and achieves its objectives visually, functionally, in terms environmental impact, the comfort and wellbeing of its occupants while delivering financial return for the developer, then as a design inspired commercial studio, we have created a building both beautiful and fit for purpose. An award is simply recognition of the success of this endeavour. Award platforms are an opportunity to engage with the industry at large – and share current or recent work with the world.

Where to from here?

We continue the journey, trying to push and challenge the design envelope, constantly re-inventing to remain fresh and relevant.

35 LOWER LONG

Location: Lower Long Street, Cape Town Project dates: 2016-2018 (design). 2018-2020 (construction)

Certification: 4-Star Green Star Design rating

Type of building: Commercial Project size: 28 235m2

RADISSON RED ROSEBANK

Location: Rosebank, Johannesburg Project dates: 2018-2021

Certification: 5-Star Green Star rating Type of building: Hotel Project size: 8 100m2

OLD CAPE QUARTER

Location: 72 De Waterkant Street, De Waterkant, Cape Town Project dates: October 2021

Certification: 4-Star Green Star Multi-Unit Residential Design rating Type of building: Mixed-use Project size: 5 315m2

THE RUBIK

Location: 17 Loop Street, Cape Town Project dates: 2017-2021 (design). 2021-2024 (construction)

Certification: None Type of building: Mixed-use Project size: 21 420m2

SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS AREAS

We have always attempted to follow best practice in the buildings we design and in terms of outright sustainability we have come a very long way together with our fellow professionals. The bar is being set ever higher, not because of the points one scores but rather in our goal to genuinely support efforts to curb global climate change and urban blight in the pursuit of better places to work live and play. This must remain our goal.

The Rubik (left) and 35 Lower Long (right).

LEGARO PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT

Best Leisure Development

The Emerald 5 Stars

What does winning an IPA mean to you?

We are very proud to have won this award. It is recognition of our innovation and quality, two driving forces in our business, so it means a great deal. In our ongoing quest for excellence, we think it is necessary to put ourselves up for comparison with the best in the world. It is both motivating and rewarding. We also think our current homeowners and potential homebuyers value the quality assurance that this award represents.

Where to from here?

We have just launched our first residential development in the Western Cape, Drakenzicht. This luxury estate in Paarl will feature over 200 villas and all the lifestyle facilities The Emerald offers, and more! We have another development coming soon in the Hyde Park area, Hyde Park Square. We are increasing our commercial property portfolio, with the development of 84 Corlett in Melrose North.

SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS AREAS

Legaro Property Development has a strong focus on green building; from design to development, sustainability and eco-conscious living are paramount in the creation of all our developments. The Emerald energy-efficient and water-wise solutions and is Edge Advanced certified by GBCSA.

AMA ARCHITECTS

Best Mixed-use Architecture SA Towers Main 5 Stars

What does winning an IPA mean to you?

Winning this IPA exposes our firm to the global built environment that is inventive and skilled in the design of the urban architecture. It broadcasts the incredible vision and effort in rejuvenating a building in the city centre through powerful interventions. This was a meaningful opportunity to showcase a rare achievement in the innercity of Johannesburg, by renewing a mothballed office tower into a world-class mixed-use building, using the best design skills our country has to offer. Competing on the world stage and winning international design provides recognition of our architectural skills and shows what we are capable of in South Africa, which is immensely gratifying.

Where to from here?

AMA Architects is intent on transforming our cities and communities into safer, healthier and more connected spaces. The future of our world is strongly tied to how we live, work and play.

Location: Marshalltown, Johannesburg

Project dates: 2019 (completed)

Certification: Towers Main: 5-Star Green Star v1 rating

Type of building: Mixed-use Project size: 30 000m2

Type

SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS AREAS

The energy-efficient glazing on the main façade, and the careful composition of windows to the residential façade reduced energy consumption dramatically. The ETICS façade building system, used on the residential façade, is nine times lighter, four times faster to construct, and 12 times more thermally efficient than conventional brick construction. The lightweight and size characteristics of Hebel AAC block allows for reduced transport costs when compared to conventional brick.

Efficient ducting and sensors were installed to distribute the centrally provided fresh air. An air-cooled chiller located on the ground floor distributes water to the office area of the building. LED lighting is installed throughout. All lights are operated using occupancy sensors that double as daylight harvesting switching. The floorplate is not deep, therefore natural light is abundant.

The building is largely naturally ventilated and relies on fresh air distribution. Materials were procured from environmentally preferable sources. There are dedicated recycling areas and fuel-efficient parking bays.

Location: Hyde Park, Johannesburg Project dates: Completion due 2025 Certification: Edge Advanced certified by GBCSA

of building: Residential Project size: 292 apartments