2.4 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSCIOUSNESS AND ENHANCEMENT

Mopani worms are seasonal and common in Beitbridge and areas around provinces in both countries. They picked in these areas towards the end and beginning of every year. The Mopani worms are dried up, which makes them be easily stored and available the entire year

2.4 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSCIOUSNESS AND ENHANCEMENT

Cross ventilation

Adequate natural ventilation serves energy and money local air quality is well surrounded by natural vegetation and a water body it improves the comfort of occupants as it removes stale air and replaces it with fresh air Help moderate internal temperatures It reduced the accumulation of moisture, odors, and other gases that can build up during occupied periods.

Rainwater harvesting

Beitbridge is in a dry region that receives less rain. Water flowing from roof surfaces from the Markets, Hotels, and cable car station buildings is collected and stored in tanks.

The water collected will be supplementary used in the reforestation project and soft landscaping.

Reforestation

planting new trees to expand an existing forest comes with many benefits and improves the environment in the dry region as follows: Reforestation will help raise the water table as vegetation slows down the rainwater runoff, forcing it to drain. It grows wildlife habitation Carbon sequestration Forested recreated opportunities It enhances the noise buffer

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To make the most of solar heat gain during winter and to protect the building from harsh east and west sun, the building is orientated facing north (within a limit of 22,5° on either side of true north.

The long axis runs as near to east/ west as possible (SANS 204, 2011:7).

Figure 15 orientation by Author

The north direction-oriented building comes with many advantages.

During the summer season, the sun is too hot. The path moves on top of the rooftops.

Figure 16 Sun path by Author

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Figure 17 Sun path by Author During the winter season, the sun is low. North-facing buildings will receive more heat penetrating the building.

The north-facing roof is best for solar panels with 100percent of solar input.

Figure 18 Solar panel positioning by Author

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