+IMPACT MAGAZINE ISSUE 17

IMPACT 1715

Official publication of the Green Building Council of South Africa

Inside UPFRONT

IMPACT The official publication of GBCSA

Editor Alexis Knipe alexis@greeneconomy.media Director Danielle Solomons dani@positive-impact.africa Editorial Contributors Anne Schaeffer Chris Whyte David Baggs Direshni Naiker Melinda Hardisty Nicole Cameron Roxanne Dovey GBCSA Editorial Advisory Georgina Smit Jenni Lombard Jo Anderson Design and Layout Carla Lawrence, CDC Design Media Sales Gerard Jeffcote Glenda Kulp Tanya Duthie Vania Reyneke

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

Chief Executive Officer Lisa Reynolds

Web Digital and Social Media Steven Mokopane

Finance & Operations Manager Levinia Palmer

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

Marketing Manager Christy Borman

Professional Membership Partners

Consulting Engineers South Africa

CALLING ALL THOUGHT LEADERS

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

Are you a thought leader in your relevant field? GBCSA members are invited to submit stories about projects, design concepts, materials, research and anything else that promotes a healthy sustainable built environment. Submit a 100-word description of your content idea to: alexis@greeneconomy.media

ADVERTISE WITH US For advertising and sponsored content contact Danielle Solomons 081 7800 233 Advertising rates are discounted for GBCSA members and further discounts are available for booking multiple editions in 2022.

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

POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 17

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2-4 Nov 2022

Century City Conference Centre, Cape Town & Virtually

Calling all Exhibitors.

Make valuable connections with over 800 influential leaders, decision-makers, and built environment professionals.

The exhibition village at the Green Building Convention is a vibrant space where all delegates meet throughout Convention to network and engage with the latest technology, green products, services, projects, and initiatives.

Put your sustainability credentials on show.

OPTION 1: 3M X 2M SPACE ONLY Member: ZAR 12 500 ex VAT Non-Member: ZAR 13 500 ex VAT OPTION 2: 3M X 3M SPACE ONLY Member: ZAR 17 000 ex VAT Non-Member: ZAR 18 500 ex VAT

BOOK YOUR STAND

www.gbcsaconvention.org.za

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Our Editorial Advisory Board

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EDITOR’S NOTE

By Alexis Knipe

8 10 12

Steibel Eltron

CONTENTS

MAKING AN IMPACT News and notes

AN IMPROVED FUTURE Ikusasa is the new addition to the Oxford Parks vibrant precint in Johannesburg

20 22

Big Red Eco Tanks

AFRICA INSIDE A look at Nigeria’s first Green Star rated interiors

28 32

INNER-CITY LIVING ABSA Tower Main has just been certified

36 42

THE INSIDE TRACK Exxaro’s The ConneXXion

HE VALUE OF CERTIFYING T AN INTERIOR FITOUT Places that protect people’s health and wellbeing through design

CARBON CONSTRUCTION The energy embodied within materials, technology and products is a key factor in a building’s carbon footprint

44

ECARBONISING THE AFRICAN D BUILT ENVIRONMENT A materials and certification perspective

47 48

GREENING PRODUCTS Environmental claims and declarations

GREEN GLOBE TECLA: and this little house was made of technology and clay

49

GREEN PRODUCT CATALOGUE 2022 50 African Hardwood 52 Derbigum Manufacturing (Pty) Ltd 54 Harvey Roofing Products

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IMPACT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 17

EDITOR’S NOTE

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Alexis Knipe Editor

POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 17

Inside Upfront

elcome to the 17th issue of +Impact magazine. Our theme for this edition is sustainable materials and the interior space.

With the dawning of post-Covid in everyone’s hopes and prayers, people have become more aware of their environments and are seeking places inside that protect their health and wellbeing through design that prevents indoor air pollution while being visually, thermally and acoustically comfortable (page 32).

At the same time, the built sector worldwide has a major role to play in addressing climate change with buildings constituting 39% (almost half) of global carbon emissions. And highlighting its role, the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) in 2018 launched the Net Zero Carbon Buildings by 2050 Commitment in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement.

South Africa’s grid has always been carbon intensive, and so reducing our built sector’s carbon’s emissions is best achieved by targeting operational energy consumption. But in addition, the focus of reducing emissions in the built sector should move to targeting embodied carbon.

Embodied carbon results from producing, procuring and installing materials and components that make up a construction (page 42).

David Baggs, CEO of Global GreenTag, tells us in his article on page 47 that carbon emissions released before the infrastructure begins to be used, previously known as embodied carbon, are now being called “upfront carbon” for clarity and unless addressed, will be responsible for half of the entire carbon footprint of new construction by 2050.

The WorldGBC and GBCs around the world, including GBCSA, have endorsed the enhanced focus on tackling upfront carbon emissions at the same time as moving to eliminate net operational emissions by 2050.

A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool allows for the estimation of all the impacts, including carbon emissions for building materials from the raw material extraction phase, through manufacturing, packaging, transport etc. Summary LCA reports or Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are the starting point that allow various stakeholders to review how they can contribute to decarbonising the built environment. Do not miss Direshni Naiker’s article on the process of mininsing the impact of building products and materials (page 47).

I leave you now to ponder the upfront and the inside – and while you do so, please delve into our Green Star properties showcase: Exarro’s, The ConneXXion (recently certified with a 4-Star Interiors rating) on page 36, Ikusasa (Oxford Parks) on page 12, Absa Towers (page 28) and the little house made out of technology and clay on page 48.

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STIEBEL ELTRON

IN HOT WATER: WHEN YOU NEED IT, HOW YOU NEED IT! The fully electronic DCE-X instant water heater provides hot water at the exact temperature you have set – every time. 4i technology guarantees that any factors which would change the outlet temperature are compensated for. This way you can enjoy a shower in comfort, even when someone is washing their hands at the adjacent washbasin.

D

ue to the special haptic rotary selector, the appliance is very easy to operate.

Settings and adjustments are intuitive and take very little time. The set water temperature, ECO level and current power consumption can be seen clearly and concisely on the illuminated multifunction display. Energy consumption, flow rate, time, status, and service display can be checked in the lower area. Features include: • Instantaneous water heater with full electronic control • 4i technology for first class DHW convenience: The right temperature, every time • For supplying several draw-off points with DHW • Easy operation via large backlit multifunction display • ECO mode for highly frugal operation • Energy and water consumption indicators for maximum transparency • Individually programmable temperature memory buttons Comprehensive comfort and safety functions, such as temperature limit, wellness shower program, automated bath filling and childproofing.

010 001 8547 www.stiebel-eltron.co.za 8

COMPACT DCE-X PREMIUM INSTANTANEOUS WATER HEATER – A COMPACT APPLIANCE WITH CLEVER FUNCTIONS

The DCE-X Premium compact instantaneous water heater, as the first in its class to feature 4i technology, works so precisely that accurate temperature delivery is guaranteed at all times.

Frequently used temperature settings can be stored with the aid of two memory keys. As water is heated only shortly prior to draw-off, energy efficiency is increased.

Precise information at a glance.

The illuminated multifunction display enables easy operation of the appliance. It also shows the set water temperature at all times. Precise information on the current power consumption, energy consumption, flow rate and time, as well as status and service indicators, can be accessed as required.

Space is not an issue.

Thanks to its compact design, the DCE-X Premium is suitable for the kitchen sink, washbasin, and even the shower. In commercial settings, it can be used in utility rooms or for supplying multiple hand washbasins in sanitary facilities.

• Fully electronic compact instantaneous water heater with 4i technology • Maximum energy efficiency and accurate temperature delivery at all times thanks to fully electronic closed-loop control • E asy operation via a large, backlit multifunction display • Particularly energy efficient in ECO mode • High grade design • Two temperature memory keys • Permanently selectable temperature limit can be set to 43 °C, 50 °C or 55 °C

POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 17

STIEBEL ELTRON

EIL - ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED MINI INSTANTANEOUS WATER HEATER

With closed-loop control, outlet temperature sensor and variable flow rate restriction. Accurate temperature delivery up to the maximum output. Including special aerator for perfect water flow pattern and integral flow meter for fitting in existing taps (M22/24 thread). Antiscalding protection for high inlet temperatures via automatic output adjustment. Suitable for oversink and undersink installation.

Maintenance-free bare wire heating system, suitable for hard and soft water. Safety system with high pressure switch and electronic temperature monitoring. Maximum permissible inlet temperature 55 °C, maximum permissible inlet temperature for reheating up to 50 °C. • C an be operated with pressurised and nonpressurised taps • Accurate temperature delivery up to the maximum output • Special aerator for perfect flow pattern Internal temperature limit from 30 to 50 °C

WPL 25 AC(S) INVERTER AIR | WATER HEAT PUMP WITH OUTPUTDEPENDENT CONTROL

Designed as a compact mono block appliance for outdoor installation.

Can be used for heating, hot water

POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 17

and cooling in new builds and modernisation projects due to the high flow temperatures.

Optimum noise reduction due to encapsulated refrigerant circuit and acoustically isolated compressor. The wide gaps between the evaporator fins create low air resistance and, in combination with the modulating fan, result in a low sound power level.

The combined enhanced vapour injection/enhanced saturated vapour injection cools the scroll compressor at low outside temperatures, enabling a higher heating output/ flow temperature to be achieved.

• Air-water heat pump installed outdoors for hot water, heating and cooling • With energy efficient inverter technology for high flow temperatures • Suitable for buildings set closely together thanks to low operating noise • Can be combined with a solar thermal system • High energy efficiency class A++ even at a flow temperature of >55 °C

WWK 304 ZA IS A COMPACT AIR|WATER HEAT PUMP DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR OUTDOOR INSTALLATION

The heat pump unit and the cylinder made from steel, with a special enamel coating on the inside, and installed in one casing. The unit is supplying hot water to several draw-off points. Naturally, it can also be used for indoor installation.

Attractive design, cylinder with high grade thermal insulation and outstanding efficiency/COP values. Very quiet operation thanks to sound-insulated compressor.

• SABS tested, designed for the South African market • Suitable for outdoor installation (from -5°C up to 42°C)

• Hygienic Hot Water temperature of > 60 °C in efficient heat pump mode only • Maintenance-free impressed current anode (saves costs for anode checking/replacement otherwise required regularly) • Quiet compressor, soundisolated from the air flow • Heat content control via integral sensor • Rollbond safety condenser for maximum security and consistently high efficiency • S pecial connection for photovoltaic systems

CENTRAL AIR VENTILATION UNIT LWZ 280 WITH HEAT RECOVERY

Create a pleasant indoor environment in the home with the exclusive LWZ 280 ventilation unit. It’s extremely quiet operation makes the wall mounted LWZ 280 ventilation unit an excellent choice for apartments, detached houses and small commercial properties. All functions can be very conveniently operated with the FEB remote control which is available as an option.

Ensuring the right air quality and maximum efficiency at all times: With the ventilation unit’s optimised heat exchanger, up to 90 % of the thermal energy can be recovered from the extract air. In the summer months, the energy efficient cooling function of the LWZ 280 ensures a high level of comfort in the home.

• Centralised ventilation unit for optimum air quality • High heat recovery level of up to 93% • Q uiet operation thanks to significantly reduced noise levels • S imple, intuitive operation directly at the appliance or as an option with the FEB remote control • New modern STIEBEL ELTRON design • Easy filter change

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NEWS

MAKING AN IMPACT GBCSA APPOINTMENT

AIR QUALITY IN 2022

The GBCSA is pleased to announce that André Theys has been appointed deputy chairman of the board. Andre is the Executive Manager: Operations at the V&A Waterfront and has served on the board of the GBCSA since 2017.

“André is a board stalwart and always raises his hand first when practical support for GBCSA is requested. He has demonstrated keen strategic insight and a strong commitment to the sustainability agenda, on the board and through his work,” says Lisa Reynolds, GBCSA CEO. With Theys in this important role, the GBCSA looks forward to making great green strides toward transforming the built environment for people and planet to thrive.

According to the World Health Organisation, air pollution is one of the biggest threats to human health next to climate change. In September 2021, the global organisation revised its air quality guidelines, reducing levels of key pollutants, warning that exceeding the new air quality guidelines is associated with “significant risk to health”.

“We associate South Africa with beautiful, clear air, but the fact is that many of us are going to work every day and breathing in air that is unsafe. Building regulations are designed to minimum standards, but employers should be looking to maximise the air quality, not only because it is the right thing to do, but because of the very clear benefits that come with improved air quality,” says Edward Hector, MD at SFI Group.

TÉTRIS RESTRUCTURES Tétris Design and Build South Africa has formalised a new executive team to lead the growth of the global interior architecture firm in its Sub-Saharan African operations.

Emma Luyt, founder of Tétris, has moved into a position on the global board and will now manage a hub that includes the Netherlands, UK, Brazil, Morocco and South Africa.

Sarene Nel is the new Managing Director.

The Tetris executive committee: Ryan O Donovan, Maggie Weber, Sarene Nel, Steven Fish, Mpho Mosotho and Emma Luyt.

New research led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health shows that air quality in an office can “have significant impacts on employees’ cognitive function, including response times and ability to focus, and it may also affect their productivity.”

It’s not only those buildings close to refineries and other obvious pollutants that suffer from air quality challenges. South Africa is a hot country and Hector points out that bringing in large volumes of fresh air means having to cool it down to a more tolerable workplace temperature.

“The more fresh air you bring in on a hot 32 degree day, the harder the air-conditioning system works to cool that air down to 21 degrees, and this has associated energy costs. When we shifted to green buildings the thinking was to minimise fresh air. It’s only now with Covid that the thinking has reversed, but there is a trade off when it comes to energy costs. The sensible route is to ensure the air that is already circulating in the building is as clean as possible,” he concludes.

EAPs REGISTRATION DEADLINE EXTENDED Environmental Assessment Practitioners (EAPs) have been granted an extension to 8 August 2022 to register with the Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa. After the deadline, unregistered EAPs will not be permitted to hold primary responsibility for the planning, management, co-ordination or review of environmental impact assessments and environmental management programmes.

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POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 17

NEWS

SUSTAINABILITY GROWS IN EAST AFRICA The focus on sustainability in building design and construction is set to become sharper over the next 12 months, according to leading East African architecture and engineering practice FBW Group.

FBW is calling for more work to create the circular economy in Africa and says that the issue will have an increasing impact on building design and construction, not just regionally but globally. The Group believes a continuing focus on sustainable design and the increased use of locally sourced African materials is vital moving forward.

The African Development Bank’s Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) have approved a combined-equity investment of $20-million in the AfricaGoGreen Fund. It is a debt fund established to promote private investments in energy-efficient technologies and business models.

The new investments come on top of a $11.5-million equity contribution approved by the Nordic Development Fund at the end of last year.

It has also been reported that Rwanda is to receive a $12.5-million grant from Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), a German development agency, to support its Kigali Green City project. The sustainable urban development project will be built on land near the Rwandan capital.

FBW is a major player in the region’s construction sector.

It has operated in East Africa for more than 25 years, working on high-profile infrastructure projects enabled and driven by international investment. MD Paul Moores says: “When it comes to the circular economy, in construction that means a focus on more reliable, locally sourced products, created out of natural and traditional African materials. Apart from clay and stone products these could be bioplastics or natural fibre boards.

“Added to that is the need to drive the industry towards recycling products on a larger scale, even including something as basic as using reclaimed products in concrete.”

He believes the will is there to do better and adds: “Businesses want to do the right thing when it comes to the environment and the construction sector must rise to that challenge.

“It means a continuing emphasis on sustainable design and construction strategies. The challenge begins during

International School of Kigali in Rwanda.

the design stage and the work needed to reduce embodied carbon in buildings.”

FBW Group is committed to sustainability and ecological considerations in its building designs. It has gained a wealth of practical experience in the design and delivery of sustainable building solutions and is a member of the Kenyan Green Building Society, which is part of the World Green Building Council.

It is also a champion of the EDGE green building certification system. The Kenyan government has declared that all affordable housing development projects under the nation’s “Big Four” agenda must meet the EDGE standard.

FBW’s work to create a green campus for the International School of Kigali in Rwanda is an example of that sustainable approach – from its natural ventilation to the products used in construction.

The project will use locally made, eco-friendly brickwork, fired through a low embodied carbon technique.

35TH COROBRIK STUDENT REGIONAL WINNER A thesis that centres around how humanity has positioned itself with modern technology and how this manifests through the typology of the power station has seen Enrico Pescivolo from the University of the Witwatersrand declared a regional winner in the 2022 Corobrik Student Architecture Awards.

Entitled “Obsoles[s]ence: Recharting humanity’s relationship with technology through the adaptive reuse of the Kelvin Power Station”, Pescivolo’s thesis aims to transform the symbolism of the power station from “that of environmental destruction and the flawed modern technological attitude towards a symbol of innovation and recharted technological attitudes for the future, building off of the errors of the past”. This idea is reinforced dealing with decommissioned power stations, when considering their adaptive reuse as the end of an era of obsolete technology and attitudes birthing the beginning of a new.

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AN IMPROVED

FUTURE

“Ikusasa”, meaning “the future” in Zulu, is an appropriate name for the new addition to Oxford Park’s vibrant precinct, located in Rosebank, Johannesburg.

With registration for 6-Star Green Star Design and As-build Office v1.1 certifications, along with registration for a Net Zero level 1 certification, the 7 500m² building is the new home of the Anglo American Global Shared Services space.

WORDS Nicole Cameron 12

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PROJECT

Project nutshell Project dates: 12-month construction programme ended 15 February 2022 Green Star rating: Registration for both Design and As-build Office v1.1 rating and registered for Net Level 1 rating Location: Oxford Parks precinct, Dunkeld, Rosebank Type of building: Office building consisting of four basement levels and four office buildings Project cost: Construction cost +/- R200-million

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Proud to have delivered South Africa’s first GBCSA 4, 5, 6 Star & Net Zero Certified Buildings To explore the future of sustainable architecture, and to take a look back at our iconic history, visit our website www.glh.co.za

Grosskopff Lombart Huyberechts

JOHANNESBURG La Roche, 54 The Valley Road, Parktown

PRETORIA Office 1, 267b West Avenue, Centurion

PHONE +27 (0)11 486 2770 FAX +27 (0)11 486 0552

PHONE +27 (0)12 663 1918 FAX +27 (0)11 486 0552

WEB www.glh.co.za

PO Box 521933, Saxonwold, 2132

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ith a 12-month construction programme ending 15 February 2022, the striking new building is the result of an incredible team effort. Developed by Intaprop, designed by GHL Architects (base building architecture), Paragon Interface (interior architecture and design) and built by Concor and professionally accredited by sustainability consultancy Solid Green, together with several other consultants and contractors.

Concor contracts manager Martin Muller sums up the finished product by saying: “The entire project looks amazing and adds to the overall scheme of the Oxford Parks precinct.” Indeed, nestled into its position at 7 Parks Boulevard, the high-quality building serves to exemplify a node which embodies a modern, dynamic, high-street culture together with the connectivity of business, life and leisure.

“At Anglo American, everything we do is driven by our purpose, which is to re-imagine mining to improve people’s lives. A core part of that is our contribution, on a day-to-day basis, to help usher in a low-carbon future.

We are aiming to be carbon neutral by 2040, with an ambition to reduce our Scope 3 emissions by 50% – also by 2040,” says Anton Uys, corporate services manager for the Anglo American Group in South Africa.

PROJECT Comprising of four basement floors and four office floors, the building has been designed with sustainability features throughout. “Elements such as solar and water harvesting, wet waste composting, recycling and a range of energy efficiency interventions have been incorporated,” says Uys. “In addition, we are applying the principles of a circular economy by using as many elements as possible from our old building and donating other furniture and fixtures to non-profit organisations in desperate need of these.”

In terms of Green Star, three main requirements had to be met before the project commenced with demolition and construction: a Waste Management Plan (WMP), an Environmental Management Plan (EMP), and a Hazardous Waste Management Survey on existing buildings. To reduce waste to landfill during building operations, a waste recycling storage was provided in the basement, which accommodated paper and cardboard, plastic, glass and cans as well as metals. Great care was taken to ensure that all selected gaseous and fire suppression systems, refrigerants and thermal insulants used for the development had an Ozone Depleting Potential (OPD) of zero to eliminate any contributions to long-term damage to the earth’s stratospheric ozone layer.

The interior of the building is based on the notion of “progressive minimalism” – the design advocates Anglo American’s commitment to progress and improvement; and minimalistic in that simple elements are used to create maximum effect.

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GRAHAM BERMAN REFRIGERATION SERVICES (PTY) LTD PROUDLY INVOLVED IN IKUSASA, ANGLO AMERICAN GSS Supply and installation of new refrigeration equipment: • Cold & Freezer rooms • Drop Temp areas • Keg rooms • Wine Cellars • Underbars • Fridges & Freezers • Blast Chillers • Blast Freezers • Ice Machines • Flower Rooms Service department offers servicing and maintenance of all commercial refrigeration: • We supply various profiles of door gaskets/door seals • Strip curtains • Glass and stainless steel shelving/racking for commercial refrigeration • Specialists in domestic application cold rooms & storage solutions • Maintenance contracts, supply and install air conditioning.

Tel: 011 791 7992 Email: info@gbrefrigeration.co.za Web: www.gbrefrigeration.co.za

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JOHANNESBURG CONTROL SOLUTIONS

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PROJECT

Regent Lighting Solutions supplied lighting for the reception area of the Ikusasa building.

Recessed lights were used in the ceiling as well as surface mounted between the wooden slats. The Linear 40 was used as there was limited space above the ceiling and was also installed on special mounting brackets on the glass façade to form a continuous L-shape with the ceiling-mounted lights. The lengths had to be exact as there was no tolerance on the glass façade.

A MODEL FOR EFFICIENCY To minimise greenhouse gas emissions associated with operational energy consumption, an energy model of the building was generated during the design state, comparing the building to a SANS 10400 notional building model. This energy model has helped to inform the building design to ensure a high-performing building, both externally and internally. The building is equipped with solar panels with a capacity of 230kWp; with an annual energy production of 385 500kWh, which serves to reduce its reliance on energy produced from coal substantially, thus reducing the organisation’s carbon footprint.

Inside the building, modelling enabled internal operative temperatures to be assessed, to ensure that they fell within the ASHRAE Standard 55-2004 Acceptability Limits for at least 98% of occupied hours, thereby ensuring a high level of thermal comfort.

Building Glazing Performance modelling was also carried out and performance values were agreed with the architect and mechanical engineer. In terms of reducing energy consumption inside, all individual or enclosed spaces are individually switched with occupancy sensors. The project also saves energy by providing office lighting that is not over-designed, with an average maintained illuminance level of no more than 400 lux.

“The interiors were designed and constructed to give each user a soothing experience, with good flow and natural light used for user comfort,” said Muller, in terms of which sustainability features really stood out for him. Automated blinds perform an important role, along with environmental strategies which have been implemented to enhance the wellbeing of the building’s users such as ample fresh air, access to external views and plenty of natural daylight.

Sub-metering of major energy consuming systems is in place, along with sub-metering of water usage.

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Water reduction has to be a key goal for every green building, and Ikusasa works towards this through the installation of water efficient fittings which limit occupant water usage.

“The project will also target the Watercourse Pollution credit, which deals with stormwater runoff.

It is important that a development like this tries to capture the stormwater and reuse it within the building or within the precinct. The system has also been designed so that minimal pollutants and trash are diverted to municipal stormwater channels,” explains Annelide Sherratt, Head of Department: Green Building Certifications, Solid Green Consulting.

SHINING OUT FROM THE INSIDE Anthony Karam, associate at Paragon Interface, explains that from an interior design perspective, the desire to showcase Anglo American’s identity as “one brand, one culture, one shared purpose”, a sustainable company that focuses on its “people, communities, environment, safety and health, and social performance” to help improve people’s lives and the spaces around them, a variety of ideas are drawn into the space to depict these concepts.

“Conceptually, the interior of the building is based on the notion of ‘progressive minimalism’

The design intent draws from Anglo American’s South African influences, and interweaves the brand’s rich history, mining landscapes and peoples.

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PROJECT

Oxford Parks is a sustainable and cosmopolitan medium-density urban environment that brings 300 000sqm of development to the Dunkeld Precinct linking Illovo to Rosebank along Oxford Road.

– progressive in that the design advocates Anglo American’s commitment to progress and improvement; and minimalistic in that simple elements are used to create maximum effect; not only in the design sense but towards a people-led space which encourages inclusivity and diversity, collaboration and innovative thinking,” says Karam. “As an atmospheric pallet, the materiality of the space ties in a rich combination of textures though ‘engineered and expressive detailing’ in an interplay of technical materials and natural elements. The lighter tones within design are infused and celebrated by a minimal yet impactful positive use of pops of colour which reflect Anglo Americans core brand colours.”

Karam goes on to say that to create a meaningful space, the design intent draws from Anglo American’s South African influences, and interweaves the brand’s rich history, mining landscapes and peoples – authentically embodying a South African Anglo-American aesthetic in bold use of colour and design elements. Further, the design draws from the humane and responsive urban nature of the Oxford Parks precinct, bridging the outside and inside relationships by leveraging the use of indoor planting and materiality.

Given the proven benefits of biophilia (the innate human instinct to connect with nature and other living beings) the Ikusasa building has an indoor horticultural maintenance plan that provides one plant unit for every 50m² of regularly occupied space and specifies that at least 70% of the plants incorporated into the fitout are suited to indoor environments.

FUTURE SMART “The interior spatial framework includes shared employee value propositions such as the restaurant, coffee shop and a diverse set of more work focused environments such as an innovation hub, showcases.

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The framework puts forward the concept of a ‘future smart workplace’, an idea which draws on contemporary workplace tools and technology to empower employees, providing them the opportunity to creatively work within a flexible and adaptable system according to their diverse and specific needs, towards enabling concentrated work, as well as facilitating agile and adaptive business, while strengthening social collaboration between colleagues,” says Karam.

When it comes to the furniture fitout, all primary workspaces – with items including but not limited to the desk, workstation, restaurant/coffee shop counters, reception counter or similar furniture designed for a specific task – need to be compliant with ergonomic requirements which have been set out by a trained professional. The ergonomics professional also conducts an assessment for each user interacting with the workspace. Jason Mazaham of Perception Architects was the universal access consultant on the project, reviewing and commenting on access throughout the building to ensure inclusivity and access within and throughout the building.

A sustainable building relies on a location that is within a short walking distance of public transport options. The Ikusasa building has two different modes of public transport stops within one kilometre, and cyclist facilities are available for those who choose to commute via bicycle between home and work. There are dedicated tenant parking spaces for transport options which are more efficient than cars, such as mopeds, scooters, motorbikes, carpooling and/or electric vehicles.

“We are aware that we will not achieve our sustainability goals unless we take the necessary steps, and the design and how we approach our corporate office buildings, like the Ikusasa Building on Oxford Parks, is one such example of how we are living our purpose,” concludes Uys.

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POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 17

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BIG RED®

SOUTH AFRICA’S NEW KID ON THE BLOCK Brand new, tried and tested modular waste water treatment plants

FEATURES & BENEFITS •

Completely plug and play, modular Waste Water Treatment Plants

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Flow-rates from 1kL/day-400kL/day

• Domestic plants from 4 people to 12 people (garden cottages to large homes) •

Commercial/industrial custom designed systems up to 2000 people

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Manufactured using virgin LLDPE

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100% recyclable

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e-use every drop for irrigation, dust suppression, toilet flushing R and many other applications

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Treats combined grey and black “whole house” effluent

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Eco Tanks is SABS ISO 9001 2017 accredited

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Discharge parameter meets and exceed DWS general standards

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Below ground, above ground, containerised for export

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Biological (AR, MBBR and RAS) process

• Ideal for remote estates, rural schools, clinics, hospital and urban developments •

No municipal sewer connection available? No problem

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Cost-effective and efficient and solar compatible

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Access to sanitation is a right, not a luxury

The new household name in water tanks

SCAN FOR MORE INFO

WASTE

: MODULAR PACKAGE WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANTS After many years of treating waste water with a combination of old school underground septic and conservancy tanks, clever plumbing and mechanical know how, the technical team behind the Big Red joint venture is proud to release the latest blend of technologies in waste water management for domestic and industrial use.

B

ig Red is an all-in-one waste water treatment system, capable of treating a wide range of waste-water conditions, and turning black and grey water into recycled effluent for irrigation purposes. The development of this product was in response to the demand for a packaged solution, and was the result of combining all the parts and processes required in a successful treatment plant, into one ‘plug & play’ unit, which is now available to South Africans off-the-shelf and ready to install.

The design team have created a modular design, which is scalable, making the waste water treatment plants available in a wide range of sizes. By simply connecting one’s domestic sewer pipe to the inlet, the black and grey water enters the custom-designed multi-chambered septic tank. Here, separation and break down of organic solids occur. Partially treated effluent gradually feeds into the bio-reactor, oxygen is introduced, followed by the aerobic digestion process.

The treated effluent then enters the disinfection chamber, and goes through an in-line chlorinator, ready to be used as irrigation water.

The durable system is manufactured using pure linear low-density polyethylene and is 100% recyclable.

It can be installed below ground, above ground or containerised for export. This makes it ideal for remote estates, rural schools, clinics, hospitals, and urban environments. The product is also cost effective, efficient, and solar compatible, and offers flow rates from 1kl/day to 500kl/day. Domestic plants can cater for between four and 12 people, where commercial or industrial, custom-designed systems can cater for up to 2 000 people.

Big Red 75 - Savuti 1

Big Red HQ

The systems can effectively treat a combination of grey and black “whole house” effluent.

The Big Red system is South African Bureau of Standards- and Organization for Standardization 9001 2017-accredited, and discharge parameters meet and exceed Department of Water and Sanitation general standards. This means that the treated effluent is discharged lawfully back into the environment.

“We believe that Big Red is the future for modular waste water treatments,” says business director Clinton Havenga. “Every drop of water counts, and should be re-used for irrigation, dust suppression, toilet flushing etc. Access to sanitation is a right, not a luxury, and, as market leaders, we are striving to be creative and stay true to our brand. Join us on our journey,” he says..

WATCH VIDEO HERE

Clinton Havenga Cell: +27 82 319 5185 Clinton@aquao2.co.za www.ecotanks.co.za www.Aquao2.co.za

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A look at Nigeria’s first Green Star rated interiors

AFRICA INSIDE

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INSIDE AFRICA

Two office interiors projects in Nigeria recently became the first Green Star rated interiors projects on the continent outside South Africa. We investigate the processes involved, the contextual challenges and the sustainable office spaces that emerged.

Ecocentric

WORDS Melinda Hardisty

Unilever’s playful pause areas provide staff with areas of respite.

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INSIDE AFRICA

N

igeria is the most populous country in Africa and is home to over 206-million people. In turn, Lagos is the country’s most populous city with over 14-million residents (some estimates have this number closer to 21-million). It is a coastal city, extending from the mainland onto a collection of islands and land reclaimed from the sea. It has a tropical climate with two distinct rainy seasons and average temperatures of 24°C to 33°C and an average annual relative humidity of 85%. Both temperature and humidity levels are expected to rise as the result of climate change. It is in this context that we find Africa’s first two Green Star rated interiors projects outside of South African borders.

UNILEVER Project nutshell Project dates: Green Star rating: Location: Type of building: Project size:

August 2020 (certified) 4-Star Green Star (Interiors v1) Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria Office Interior 1980m² GLA

ADAPTING FOR CONTEXT Ecocentric’s Jutta Berns, who was the sustainability consultant on both projects, explains that the first project targeting Green Star rating in a new context has to pave the way for others to follow. The team had to draw up a Local Context Report (LCR), using the proposed Unilever project as a case study in order to pursue certification. The report assesses the rating tool in the new context and proposes any changes to the criteria that may be required in a new setting. Berns highlights that the LCR development process allowed for multiple workshops and review sessions with the local Nigerian team, which helped to clarify the intent and the requirements to achieve the sustainable goals.

Unilever’s old offices with partitioned offices and garish billboard style branding.

Julie Anderson

The Unilever offices in Ikeja, Lagos were the first offices to target a Green Star rating. Unilever, as a global brand, already had its Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP) in place, guiding the sustainable standards and targets for all developments and operations, explains Praveen Sharma, programme manager at Unilever. “The driver to pursue a Green Star rating came from Unilever and also my passion as a project lead to do the right thing when it comes to building environmentally friendly workplaces,” he adds.

Unilever was already housed in an existing office building and wanted to update two office floors and their reception area. DNA Interior Design, based in Durban, South Africa, was commissioned to design the

new offices. DNA’s Julie Anderson describes the brief as being “to transform the existing outdated, visually cluttered, closed floor plan office into an open plan office interior that met Unilever’s global workplace standards and attained 4-Star Green Star accreditation”.

Unilever’s new open plan offices are light and airy with pops of colour.

Ecocentric

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INSIDE AFRICA One of the biggest adjustments that needed to be made in this context was around materials and their ratings. In the South African context, materials ratings are heavily based on international standards like South Africa’s Green Tag. In Nigeria, it is difficult and expensive to source these products. The team developed a specialised ranking tool to be able to assess locally available materials and products in terms of sustainability. “Just because something is local does not mean it is sustainable,” adds Berns, so the tool assists with the assessment of environmental and life-cycle criteria without the requirement for international certification. The tool interrogates material sourcing, emissions, disclosure, end-of-life/ disposal plans, local industry support, knowledge transfer and material transparency to be able to rate a product’s environmental impact. Berns highlights that it was invaluable to have a client willing to invest the time and money into developing the framework required not only for their own project but for others to follow suit.

The team developed a specialised ranking tool to be able to assess locally available materials and products in terms of sustainability.

Unilever’s bright meeting rooms incorporate colourful, fun brand art into the décor.

OFFICES REIMAGINED

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MASTERCARD Project nutshell Project dates: Green Star rating: Location: Type of building: Project size:

April 2021 (certified) 4-Star Green Star (Interiors v1) Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria Office Interior 645m² GLA

MasterCard’s Lagos office is also housed in an existing building and required an upgrade to update the aesthetics, functionality and environmental performance. The 645m² office plan needed to accommodate approximately 45 staff in a comfortable and functional space. As with Unilever, the Green Star certification requirement was part of MasterCard’s global sustainability strategy and the green requirements were built into the brief.

Ecocentric

The existing Unilever office plans were housed in a building that was over forty years old and had outdated cellular office arrangements. “A major interior transformation was required with the central focus being employee wellbeing and creating a healthy environment for occupants,” says DNA’s Anderson. Climatic and local needs were addressed when envisaging the fresh, bright, and crisp interior.

Newly launched global brand illustrations added pops of artistic colour throughout and provided a clear linkage to Unilever’s brand identity. “Efficiency of space usage was also essential to create a new, agile work environment,” says Anderson.

Almost 95% of paints, sealants and adhesives are low VOC. According to Anderson, this was one of the location specific project challenges as these products are hard to source in Nigeria, but credits the contractor’s local knowledge and experience with being able to source the right products. Another challenge was the tracking and recording of recycled materials as part of the project’s waste management strategy. Though recycling, especially of building materials, is extensive in Nigeria, it is largely informal, making it harder to monitor.

Other sustainable building features include LED lighting, lighting and HVAC occupancy sensors, low flow plumbing fittings and improved fresh air rates.

Energy and water is sub-metered, and CO2 and humidity sensors are linked to a visual display in reception, keeping occupants aware of how well the building is performing. Indoor plants help to purify the air and connect office staff to nature.

Sharma expresses Unilever’s satisfaction with the end product, “The transformation improved the overall employee experience and their performance in the office.” He adds that staff working in the office especially appreciate the open plan layout, maximised natural light, vibrant interiors, improved indoor air quality, better control over thermal comfort, visible greenery and improved ergonomics in the office.

MasterCard’s meeting rooms have natural light and outside views.

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INSIDE AFRICA

MasterCard’s Breakout spaces are colourful, modern and clean in design.

Ecocentric

Swiss Bureau Interior Design, based in Dubai, were commissioned to create a contemporary, light, comfortable office space that would meet the operational requirements of a modern office and also the sustainability standards required for a 4-Star Green Star rating. This project was able to utilise the legwork already put in on the Unilever project in terms of the Local Context Report and the materials ranking tool. All the furniture, flooring, and assemblies had third party certifications, had recycled content or were manufactured in ISO14001 manufacturing facilities and easily met the rating tool requirements.

Indoor plants help to purify the air and also, along with extensive external views, connect the occupants to the natural world, contributing to their physical and mental wellbeing. Blinds control internal glare.

Sensors were installed to monitor Co2 levels within the offices and trigger fresh air intake when levels reached certain maximum levels.

Just because something is local does not mean it is sustainable.

A total 87% of construction waste was diverted from landfill and operational waste is sorted at source and recycled where applicable. All the usual energy and water saving devices are installed and a physical display in reception, detailing the fit-out’s performance in terms of water and energy consumption keeps occupants aware of their own impacts on the planet.

Bicycle parking was not supplied as, in the context, this is not a common mode of transport. But car pool bays were provided, encouraging people to share transport. The location also assists in lowering

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occupants’ carbon footprints as it is close to many amenities. Video conferencing facilities reduce the need for travel for meetings, either abroad or locally.

This is particularly important in a city with such a high population and a high dependence on road travel.

BLAZING THE TRAIL IN LAGOS Berns and other team members highlight some of the main project challenges as being those relating to the unfamiliarity of the ratings tools and sustainability concepts in context. This was the first time most of the local consultants and contractors had had to engage with the stringent requirements. The remote management of the project with consultants scattered around the globe also didn’t aid with the initial vision casting and collaboration.

The strict monitoring on site is also more difficult at a distance, but systems were put in place to be able to meet the various requirements. Sharma highlights the importance of “first projects” as trailblazers for change, “This was a great opportunity to inspire others to see that, even with all the social, economic and cultural challenges faced in new contexts, especially in Africa, it is very important and relevant that we embed sustainability in our workplaces.” In the end all the targets were achieved and the challenges experienced on these projects should be minimised in other projects following their lead in the rest of the continent.

“Interiors projects are small and replicable,” says Berns, “lending themselves to quick knowledge transfer over a short period of time, making learned concepts and techniques easy to apply again on other projects.”

Requirements should become better understood and easier with each project, enabling building performance to be pushed further, and for sustainable building practices to be prioritised in more African settings.

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FLOORING

NEW RELIABLE UNDERLAYMENTS MAKE A DIFFERENCE The quality of an underlayment makes all the difference between a smooth flooring system application and a troublesome one.

Sika South Africa self-levelling screed, the Sikafloor-200 Level meets and exceeds all the latest standards and requirements for both new work and refurbishments.

S

ikafloor®-200 Level is a very low emission, cementbased, self-levelling compound which provides customers with peace of mind by providing a high quality and reliable underlayment for most hard and soft surface floor coverings.

Suitable for interior and exterior residential and nonindustrial applications, Sikafloor®-200 Level is ideal for filling, smoothing and levelling of suitable substrates; before applying parquet, ceramic tiles, seamless resin floors, textile and elastic floor coverings.

This flooring system has applications in manufacturing industries, institutional, residential and domestic buildings as well as levelling of pre-cast concrete planks and pre-levelling for roof membranes.

WHY SIKAFLOOR®-200 LEVEL? Two competitive edges of Sikafloor®-200 Level are the pot life of approximately 40minutes at +20°C, and its foot-traffic readiness after about 4 hours. Other valuable product and end-result features include very low emissions, improved surface finishes, increased durability, enhanced safety, and improved appearance. #flooring #reliableunderlayments #sikafloor-200level Sika South Africa Durban, South Africa Phone: +27 31 7926500 Email: cloete.romaine@za.sika.com

TAKING YOU TO THE NEXT LEVEL OF PERFECT FLOORS SIKAFLOOR®-200 LEVEL SELF LEVELLING SCREED

Sikafloor®-200 Level is a very low emission cement-based self-levelling compound, suitable for interior and exterior areas.

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Low shrinkage Filling, smoothing & levelling Moisture resistant & rapid hardening compound Layer thickness up to 60mm with aggregates Suitable for application on subfloor heating sytems Pumpable Suitable to build bonded screeds under ceramic tiles on cementitious substrates

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Photograph: American International school of Pretoria

INNER-CITY

LIVING 28

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PROJECT

Towers Main is the redevelopment of a thirty-storey 1973 building in inner-Johannesburg. The mixed-use development features nine office levels refurbished as office space for ABSA and 19 residential floors with affordable housing rental all with awe-inspiring views of the city. The vision behind the redevelopment was to create an inclusive neighbourhood in keeping with new urban trends.

The redevelopment of Towers Main has extended the lifespan of this landmark building which is one of the ten tallest on the Johannesburg skyline.

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PROJECT

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bsa Towers Main in Marshalltown was certified by GBCSA in February 2022 with a 5-Star Green Star rating – Interiors v1. The property developer included sustainability elements for ABSA as part of the base building delivery.

Towers Main was developed for Divercity Urban Property Fund whose purpose is to renew and reenergise South Africa’s urban centres by developing unique inner-city precincts.

The development took home a duo of awards at SAPOA’s 2021 Propery Development Awards for Innovative Excellence. Co-developed by Atterbury and Ithemba Property, Towers Main won the mixed-use category as well as the prestigious overall transformation award. The awards celebrate exceptional design quality and honour developments with positive impacts on our cities and towns.

Atterbury has been a regular recipient of these accolades over its twenty-seven years of delivering excellence in property development, investment, and asset management in South Africa and internationally.

Armond Boshoff, CEO of Atterbury South Africa, says: “Towers Main was designed to change lives for the better, and we are thrilled that SAPOA has recognised its transformational impacts. It has brought new life back into the Johannesburg CBD, enabling people to live closer to where they work and helping them save precious time and a fortune in transport costs. It contributes to addressing the city’s housing backlog and gives people all the amenities that they need and want to enjoy quality of life. Winning these awards from SAPOA is indeed a great honour. It is a testament to the exceptional quality of the team we have at Atterbury and the distinctly successful developments we deliver.”

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The new Absa premises were specifically designed to be Green Star SA rated by the GBCSA. In addition, the residential component of the building used sustainable materials where possible and employed sustainability enhancing interventions that limit energy and water use, and costs, for residents.

Sustainable building features include new ducting and sensors that were installed to distribute the centrally provided fresh air. An air-cooled chiller located on the ground floor distributes water through a four-pipe system to the office area of the building.

LED lighting is installed throughout the fitout, and

It has brought new life back into the Johannesburg CBD, enabling people to live closer to where they work and helping them save precious time and a fortune in transport costs. all lights are operated using occupancy sensors that double as daylight harvesting switching. Hot water is provided by a heat pump that is circulated to the office WCs. As part of the base building, water efficient fittings were installed. Ceilings, doors, joinery, carpets and furniture were procured from environmentally preferable sources. Electronic office equipment is ENERGY STAR® rated.

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PROJECT

Over and above the base building design, ABSA included additional meters for electrical and water consumption. These are linked to the ABSA BMS system to allow the facilities management team to accurately track consumption patterns within the building and allow for early detection of anomalies.

“We are constantly looking for ways to express who the new Absa is and what we stand for. We are taking an old building and giving it a new lease on life to benefit our colleagues and the broader community.

It’s about finding new ways of getting things done by creating a vibrant space where we can live, work and play together,” said Wendy Cuthbert, head of Absa Corporate Real Estate Solutions.

As part of a wider neighbourhood development initiative, a pedestrian-friendly walkway with street furniture, lighting and art was created from Absa

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It’s about finding new ways of getting things done by creating a vibrant space where we can live, work and play together.

Towers Main all the way to Maboneng. Between Absa Tower Main and Maboneng is Jewel City, the former heart of the diamond and precious metals trade in Johannesburg. The Gautrain bus stop is directly next to the building, and the building is a short walk away from Gandhi Square with all shopping amenities.

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INTERIORS

THE VALUE OF CERTIFYING AN INTERIOR FITOUT We have all had to undergo changes to our daily life due to Covid-19. Some of the positive results of those changes illustrate that if we make changes in our way of working and living, we can yield great environmental impacts.

WORDS Roxanne Dovey

W

e are starting to see a shift in the way of thinking as the new generation considers where to work, shop and play based on the indoor environment and sustainability commitments of the building owner or tenant. They are seeking places that are designed with mindful use of limited resources or eventual reuse which reduces waste and the need for remodels.

More and more people are becoming aware of their surroundings and therefore are seeking places that protect their health and wellbeing through design that prevents indoor air pollution and is visually, thermally and acoustically comfortable to be in. Employees and business owners on the other hand want their employees, tenants or customers to be productive and healthy to ensure reduced sick days, longer rental agreements or continuous returns to their retail store.

There is increased pressure for building owners or tenants to demonstrate how they are contributing positively towards society and they are becoming more conscious of the operational savings that benefit their investment and the environment. The latter may also assist with any sustainability reporting required. When the latter objectives are required to be met, we tend to look to the experts who have done the extensive training and have the knowledge of why, how, who and what we need to achieve those positive impacts associated to the objectives.

Let’s take a quick high-level look at the why, what, who and how to achieve the sustainability objectives:

WHY? This can be broken down into two parts: Why use a rating tool? The rating tool provides locally contextualised best practice standards that encourages the property industry to align with these standards.

Why should the Interior fitout be rated? As with most things in life, consumers, employees, employers, etc want verification that you are qualified in what you do or want verification that your business is doing what it claims to be doing. Without certification, the property can say that they are green or sustainable, but how does one verify that? This is where accredited professionals (APs) come in, as we guide the project team to ensure that the standards are met and that these standards

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are then independently verified and rated through the certification body that is the GBCSA.

WHAT? This section addresses what information is available and what we can use to assist with achieving the objectives and ensuring that a benchmark is set. The Green Star Interiors Rating tool which addresses fundamental principles associated to the health and wellbeing of the occupants through indoor environmental quality, comfort (thermal, light, visual, acoustic, ergonomics), emissions and addresses the operational efficiencies through resource management and conservation and material saving initiatives. It also addresses other principles such as knowledge transfer, connection to nature (indoor plants) and transport.

WHO? The parties involved will be the client (tenant, developer, owner, etc), the relevant professional(s) from the interiors fitout team and the APs. GBCSA is the independent certification body.

HOW? The Green Star AP who has specialised in the Green Star Interiors Tool works with the project team and client to determine the Green Star strategy to ensure that the fundamental principles are implemented and that an overall Green Star rating of either a 4, 5 or 6-Star is achieved. Once this is done, the AP will then submit all the required evidence and documentation to GBCSA who will then issue it to an independent auditor who will verify the achieved Green Star rating. *Roxanne Dovey is a Green Star Accredited Professional (AP) across all the tools offered

by GBCSA, an assessor and a member of the GBCSA Academy.

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AWARDS

ROCLA SANITATION AND IZANDLA ZIYAGEZANA TAKE SECOND PLACE IN THE IMESA/CESA AWARDS FOR COMMUNITY UPLIFTMENT AND JOB CREATION Rocla Sanitation partnered with Izandla Ziyagezana Trading to enter their Mkhondobased Community Cast Factory in the IMESA/CESA Excellence Awards 2021, in the Community Upliftment and Job Creation category. They were awarded second place for their Supply and Delivery of Waterborne Structures project within the rural Rustplaas Village in the Mkhondo Municipality, Mpumalanga.

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he Rocla Sanitation/ Izandla Ziyagezana collaboration emerged as a result of Izandla Ziyagezana’s support for Rocla Sanitation’s Thuthukisa Initiative of ‘taking the factory to the people by empowering communities to be manufacturers in their own right’. Izandla Ziyagezana has specialised in community manufacturing and erection of low flush dignified sanitation since 2006 when the company was formed.

Dumisani Simelane, Managing Director of Izandla Ziyagezana commented: “We are very proud to have been judged runner-up in the IMESA/CESA Awards. It is an acknowledgement of the importance of the work we are doing within rural communities.

“The Rustplaas Project has so far created at least 23 new jobs, and we thank the Mkhondo local municipality for supporting this initiative. Projects such as Rustplaas show how job creation can be achieved in its simplest form, through a transfer of skills on how to manufacture sanitation units of a good quality. The Rocla Sanitation Thuthukisa Initiative benefits both the local community and small businesses like my own,” said Simelane.

The Rustplaas Project enabled the local community to collaborate with on-site casting and stripping of 238 twin eco toilet top structures and pit structures in the 2020-21 financial year, and a further 204 tops structures in the 2021-22 financial year. The Rustplaas community were also trained in the receiving and dispatching of casting kits and the associated materials from stores.

Andre Labuschagne, Product Development Manager for Rocla Sanitation said, “We are very pleased to have been placed second with Izandla Ziyagezana in the prestigious IMESA/CESA Awards. This recognition for our Thuthukisa Initiative confirms our belief that many rural communities, through skills training, enjoy the benefits of healthier sanitation facilities as well as work opportunities. This has been proven through our collaboration with Izandla Ziyagezana, who, from day one, have believed that this kind of initiative is imperative to the wellness of people residing in rural areas.

“We look forward to continuing our relationship with Izandla Ziyagezana, and will be collaborating with them on an 800-unit waterborne toilet project in Driefontein, Mkhondo shortly,” said Labuschagne.

She added: “The communities that urgently require toilet units are often found in rural areas of the country.

Many of these areas have no infrastructure. Meaning

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‘to share’, the Thuthukisa Initiative’s philosophy led to the development of the ‘Community Cast’ toilet unit that can be simply manufactured by local community entrepreneurs or SMMEs and be ready for use within two weeks.”

“We would like to see our collaboration with Rocla Sanitation grow; our aim is to roll-out the Thuthukisa Initiative countrywide,” commented Simelane. “There is so much added benefit for local communities. The goal is to provide healthenhancing sanitation units to the community through the wider impact of skills transfer to the community and to also help to fight poverty and unemployment.”

The IMESA/CESA Excellence Awards is a biennial event and the awards took place in Cape Town on 11 November 2021 alongside their 84th IMESA Conference. The IMESA/CESA Community Upliftment and Job Category focuses on projects demonstrating labour-intensive construction, skills development, community awareness and participation.

Rocla is part of the ISG which also includes Technicrete.

Malebusa Sebatane, Group Marketing and Communications Manager The IS Group Tel: 011 670 7600 Cell: 078 803 9863 Email: Malebusa.Sebatane@isgroup.co.za

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IT’S TIME TO GET BACK TO BUSINESS… FACE-TO-FACE

7 - 9 JUNE 2022 GALLAGHER CONVENTION CENTRE, JOHANNESBURG

CONNECT WITH SOUTHERN AFRICA’S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY The Big 5 Construct Southern Africa, previously African Construction Expo, is a significant contributor to the economic growth, recovery and transformation within Southern Africa’s construction industry with a special focus on facilitating buyer/seller face-to-face connections and showcasing the most innovative solutions for the region.

Register for your FREE visitor pass to:

CONNECT with over 8,500 industry buyers and distributors

DISCOVER the most innovative products and technologies available

REGISTER FOR FREE NOW Simply scan the QR code with your phone’s camera app

Co-located with:

www.thebig5constructsouthernafrica.com

ENGAGE with public and private sector stakeholders over the most critical issues

LEARN about the latest trends, best practice and upcoming construction projects

INDUSTRY NEWS

AFRICAN CONSTRUCTION EXPO REBRANDS TO THE BIG 5 CONSTRUCT SOUTHERN AFRICA African Construction Expo, Southern Africa’s construction and built environment multiaward winning, flagship exhibition, has unveiled its refreshed and reworked identity. The event will run as The Big 5 Construct Southern Africa for its 2022 in-person edition from 7 – 9 June, at its usual home, the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Gauteng.

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ccording to the organisers, leading event company dmg events, the name update is reflective of the evolution of its place in a dynamic and transforming market and geography. Whilst a name change and rebrand is significant, the core foundation and vision of the event has not changed and the team is committed to ensuring that they provide a platform that not only unites the Southern African construction sector but demonstrates cutting-edge innovation, and provides a stage for knowledge and business opportunities for industry stakeholders.

Timing of the event could not be better. A key component of South Africa’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in November 2021 is underpinned by ‘aggressive infrastructure investment’, with a strong emphasis on localisation, job creation and streamlining of the regulatory framework.

According to Devi Paulsen, Vice President of dmg events, “With a healthy pipeline of infrastructure projects on the cards in both Southern and South Africa, indicators point to a healthy rebound for one of the worst hit sectors by the pandemic. The decisions by governments to develop and invest in infrastructure provides a wealth of opportunities for established players and new market entrants.”

“Our decision to rebrand to The Big 5 Construct Southern Africa allows the Southern African edition of this series to successfully align to the strengths of an iconic portfolio of global events, hosted in Dubai, Egypt, Saudi, Nigeria and Kenya, which has been running for over 42 years and collectively welcome over 100,000 participants annually.”

With hundreds of global suppliers exhibiting their products and services, a number of thoughtleadership conferences, hours of networking, business

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matchmaking programmes and free-to-attend workshops and talks, The Big 5 Construct Southern Africa 2022 will play host to thousands of attendees from over 45 countries, all in a safe and secure environment.

New for 2022, the exhibition will feature Green Construction products and services along with dedicated Green Construction Talks which will focus on the philosophy and processes that makes the creation and usage of the built environment to reduce, and ultimately eliminate, negative impacts on our climate and natural resources.

The President’s Clean Energy and Infrastructure Fund has deployed just short of R2 billion of capital that supports 17 wind, solar and hydro energy projects.

Inclusion of Green Construction allows The Big 5 Construct Southern Africa to align with overarching industry objectives in improving our quality of life whilst preserving precious natural resources through the use of innovative, sustainable products and services.

The event has also partnered with leading industry associations to provide free CPD-accredited workshops to equip industry professionals with tools and strategies to carry out their respective roles effectively. The interactive workshops and case studies, that will be examined by leading industry experts, will tackle advanced technology solutions, sustainable best practices, governance and regulation, new health and safety protocols and green construction solutions.

The Big 5 Construct Southern Africa is free to attend and construction industry professionals are encouraged to pre-register to secure their place at www.thebig5constructsouthernafrica.com. For companies looking to grow their business in the region, there are various options available to exhibit or sponsor the event to suit any budget. For further information, please contact KennethMasvikeni@ dmgevents.com.

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Exxaro’s The ConneXXion

THE INSIDE TRACK Project nutshell Project dates: The fit-out started 2018 and finished 2019.

Base building started 2016 completed 2019 Green Star rating: Base building: Green Star Office v1.1 Design; Green Star Office v1.1 As-Built; Fit-out: Green Star Interiors v1 Location: Centurion, Gauteng Type of building: Office building Project cost: R600-million project

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PROJECT

In 2020, Exxaro Resources’ head office, The ConneXXion, achieved a Six-Star Green Star As-Built rating from the GBCSA. More recently, it’s been awarded the SAPOA 2021 winner in the categories of Corporate Office and Sustainability/Green, and SAPOA’s overall project title.

To add to the accolades, Exxaro targeted a Green Star Interiors rating for their bespoke fit-out.

WORDS Anne Schaeffer

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PROJECT

T

he ConneXXion in Centurion, the new corporate head office for Exxaro Resources, was a major winner in the SAPOA Property Development Awards 2021 for Innovative Excellence. The project not only won in the categories of Corporate Office and Sustainability/Green, but also clinched the Overall project title. The base building, referred to as Lakeside Offices building, is one of only a handful of South African buildings to boast an Office As-Built 6-Star Green Star rating from the GBCSA, the country’s highest level of sustainability accreditation.

It is also the first building in South Africa to achieve Silver Level WELL certification for Core and Shell by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI).

Exxaro’s The ConneXXion forms part of the second phase of Growthpoint’s Lakeside development, and having achieved both Design and As-built Green Star Office ratings for the base building, Exxaro followed in targeting the Green Star Interiors rating for their bespoke fit-out.

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A thousand staff members in a five-storey structure means a complex work environment, so for us, the considerations around that were really huge.

Louwna Joubert and Yovka Raytcheva-Schaap, both Green Star interiors accredited professionals, were Zutari Environmentally Sustainable Designs’ consultancy team on the project. They explained, “Exxaro is the single tenant in the building, the fit-out is fully integrated with the base building and, as such, the fit-out benefits from the high-performing energy and water efficient systems and equipment installed as part of the base building.”

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PROJECT It was designed to be a sustainable building and it made absolute sense for Exxaro to take sustainability through into their office space and target the Green Star Interiors rating.

For Exxaro, the move into The ConneXXion wasn’t solely about a new head office. It was the perfect opportunity to break the mould and adopt a brandnew, contemporary workplace model. Adele van Zyl, director at thinkspace, the design team on the project, says, “A thousand staff members in a five-storey structure means a complex work environment, so for us, the considerations around that were really huge.

One of the key things was the approach: to promote collaboration, innovation and communication between Exxaro divisions, sectors which would otherwise have been quite isolated from each other. The whole idea in essence, is around activity-based working (ABW), creating an agile, flexible environment. ABW looks at how you create interiors which dispel the old-school way of very set environments in which to work – very much a modern philosophy about how people work.” Van Zyl adds, “One of today’s biggest, modern workspace considerations and theories, is that people

the layout than that. They created eight different work settings for typical day activities to ensure a balance between collaboration and individual work spaces.

Melissa Huntly, associate at thinkspace, unpacked each space as well as the team’s internal conceptual names based on activity-based working. On the drawing board, the furnishings and furbishings of each small to large hub were cleverly styled invitations and reflections of the various functions. The terminology for the zones describes the activity and/or where it is: The Jump Space – highly approachable work points that facilitate work for shorter periods; The Haven – a small shelter where employees can concentrate on work requiring intense focus; The Meeting Room – supports information sharing, and encourages ideation and interaction; The Cove – near to individual work points or common areas where people can assemble for a short period; The Landing Space – next to the meeting room, where employees can gather before and after a meeting; The Hive – a grouping of workstations where numerous people can harmoniously engage in collaborative and individual work; The Plaza – the vibrant part of the company where people can feel the

The design concept is around activity-based working (ABW), creating an agile, flexible environment. ABW looks at how you create interiors which dispel the oldschool way of very set environments in which to work – very much a modern philosophy about how people work.

tend to work with people and spark conversations in the common areas like the coffee shop, the lunch spot, and more – it’s that idea behind the formation of the agile workspace thinking.”

But breaking down barriers needs buy-in from everybody: “You don’t want to create interiors in a way that impedes the company’s existing processes and flow, so it had to be built hand in hand with the Group itself.” thinkspace dug deep into Exxaro’s traditional working model to ensure they, as designers, fully understood the workflow of each department, so the design – and concept of an agile environment – didn’t interrupt, but enhanced the flow.

As one of their design decisions to encourage that easy flow between departments and people, thinkspace devised eight well-considered concept areas. So, although staff are constantly crossing paths and meeting in the common areas – with the accompanying constant flow of information – there’s more strategic thinking behind

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pulse of the organisation; and The Workshop – the ideal setting for people to work together to generate new ideas and drive their work forward.

Acoustics are always a challenge in any open plan situation. Whether it was the little semi-private pods or bigger more communal spaces, a range of coloured fabric panels over acoustic materials both looks good, and performs well.

Exxaro consists of four key sectors, namely water, energy, agriculture and coal, each with their own brand colours. thinkspace used those colours but, says Huntly, “We explored the nuances of those colours to create an environment which was quite varied and more subtle.

Sometimes we shifted from that, so instead of having the entire area colour-blocked green (agriculture), we’d bring in some of the blues, if it was near a water area.”

Just as the approach was to blur or remove boundaries between divisions, departments and people, so too, colours suggested, rather than demarcated. “There’s

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PROJECT

Exxaro consists of four key sectors, namely water, energy, agriculture and coal, each with their own brand colours. thinkspace explored the nuances of those colours to create an environment which was quite varied and more subtle.

a white, grey marble and timber background to the interiors – a mutual base to everything – and it’s all light and bright. The colours are highlighted against that backdrop,” says Huntly.

Each floor has its own colour, and each of the four corners of every floor features the colours, textures and imagery of one of the pillars: water, energy, agriculture and coal. For some of the wall coverings, the team chose appropriate wood types and textures to reflect that particular zone, as well as hanging high-level imagery which related to one of the four pillars.

When it came to furniture, Huntly described a strong emphasis on organic shaping as a tribute to the building: “The building has these interesting shapes, curves and intersections, and we aimed to mimic that.”

All furniture had third party certification and the interior materials were all from a sustainable selection.

Little doubt, there’s a more relaxed feeling to this interior: “It leans more towards a – for want of a better word – hospitality vibe than a corporate or clinical one; more as if you’re in your lounge than at the office. That tends to loosen tongues, invite more open conversation with fellow employees, and encourage collaboration.” The big beautiful couches are testimony to the philosophy of being able to work from anywhere in comfort.

The building’s sustainability credentials to achieve a 6-Star Green Star As-Built rating contributed towards the building’s WELL rating: “WELL is all about the indoor environment quality and how occupants

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Just as the approach was to blur or remove boundaries between divisions, departments and people, so too, colours suggested, rather than demarcated. experience the building. For that reason, it was critical to ensure the mechanical services were designed and constructed with that extra level of performance, to ensure a continued supply of fresh air – with rates higher than required – and that the air is appropriately filtered,” says Raytcheva-Schaap.

Joubert adds, “All the finishes installed throughout the fit-out are toxin-free with low or no VOC emissions, these include the paint applications, adhesives and sealants used within the installation and all carpets in office areas.”

Plants, too, play a significant role in the interiors.

“Just as the superb, largely green views from the building, contribute towards wellness, so too the interior plants. Exxaro installed considerably more, perhaps even double, the number that the rating requires. It feeds into the value of biophilic design, where occupant wellness is enhanced by connection with nature,” says Joubert. In addition, of course, it

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PROJECT

enhances the air quality, by the conversion of CO2 to oxygen.

As part of the accreditation process, all occupants and visitors have access to energy and water consumption data by means of a display screen installed in the public area of the building – this offers an insight into the sustainable operation of the building: “The intent is that everybody can learn from it and apply the principles in their personal life at home,” says Joubert.

“Very important too, is that there is a collaborative relationship between the building owner and the single tenant, and this was formally put in place with a ‘green lease’ where both parties commit to manage and operate the building along environmentally sustainable principles while realising mutual benefit.”

It may not be directly related to the interiors, but transport has a multifaceted impact. RaytchevaSchaap points out the building’s prime location, and

the knock-on effect it has. “Perfectly placed across from the Centurion Gautrain station, it’s ideal for low-impact staff transport – with plenty of other public transport options in its vicinity also – this allows for easily accessible meetings with clients. It also feeds into the mobility which Exxaro encourages: every staff member has a laptop – no more desktops – and the building is equipped with state-of-the-art bandwidth and internet capacity. This results in less travel and more mobility, within and outside of the building. The activity based working interiors within The ConneXXion provide staff with a wide range of options to accommodate their specific working needs, and achieve that connected, collaborative hub envisioned by Exxaro.

WATCH VIDEO HERE

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Exxaro: The ConneXXion BIDVEST EXECUFLORA

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MATERIALS

CARBON CONSTRUCTION A significant amount of energy is trapped within the materials used in the creation of our buildings. The energy embodied within materials, products and technologies is a key factor in the carbon footprint of buildings due to their direct link to sourcing of raw materials, manufacture procurement and construction.

WHAT IS EMBODIED CARBON? Embodied carbon considers all the greenhouse gasses associated with the entire lifecycle of a material or product. It includes extraction, manufacture, transportation, installation, maintenance and endof-life carbon associated with each building material and/or component over the lifecycle of the building.

WHY DOES IT MATTER? Historically, reducing the building sector’s carbon emissions has always targeted operational carbon.

This has been appropriate in South Africa where our grid is so carbon intensive. But when grids become cleaner (as they have largely done in Europe), the focus of reducing emissions in the built sector moves to embodied carbon.

While operational carbon is produced during the day-to-day activities of running and using a building,

embodied carbon results from producing, procuring and installing materials and components that make up a structure, as well as encompassing the end-of-life stages of a building (ie demolition, removal and repurposing of materials). For the industry to make headway with understanding the overall carbon impact of the built sector, whole life carbon must be assessed.

Due to the lifespan of buildings (typically 60 years), materials that are being specified into new buildings now need to shift towards lower embodied carbon materials to support the required shift towards a low carbon built sector.

HOW IS IT CALCUATED? Embodied carbon is measured using a lifecycle analysis and is categorised into carbon associated with the various stages of a building.

CLF-Policy-Primer-1

Above: Embodied carbon (yellow) and operational carbon (blue) across the key lifecycle stages of a building.

Below: Terminology used in this report cross-referenced to terms and lifecycle stages defined in EN15978.

WGBC Bringing embodied carbon upfront

WGBC

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MATERIALS Upfront embodied carbon: this relates to embodied carbon from material selection to practical completion and includes A1-A3 as well as A4 and A5.

A1-A3: Manufacture, transport and installation of construction materials that relate to the extraction of raw materials and the manufacturing of materials to factory gate.

A1: Raw material extraction and processing, processing of secondary material input (eg recycling processes) A2: Transport to the manufacturer A3: Manufacturing to factory gate Module A1, A2 and A3 may be declared as one aggregated module A1-A3. All stages include the provision of all materials, products and energy, as well as waste processing up to the end-of-waste state or disposal of final residues during the product stage.

The assessment takes only the building and its parts into account, but typically not furniture or appliances.

A4: Transport to the building site A5: Installation into the building Stages A4 and A5 include all impacts and aspects related to any losses during this construction process stage (ie production, transport and waste processing and disposal of the lost products and materials). Stages A4 and A5 would typically be applied to reused materials.

Embodied carbon over the lifecycle: embodied carbon associated with the selection and replacement of materials during the lifespan of the building and relates to B1-B5.

End-of-life embodied carbon: embodied carbon associated with disassembly, transportation away from site and waste process of materials and relates to C1-C4.

Whole life carbon: includes all the above stages of embodied carbon and addresses all stages of a structure’s life (cradle to grave).

Beyond life embodied carbon: embodied carbon associated with the reuse, recycling and recovery of materials and relates to D, this is an additional section that can be included in whole life carbon assessment.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW? • Build and contribute to local data. Local data on carbon in materials is limited, but it is important in driving good life carbon assessments • Demand information from suppliers. One of the factors limiting the implementation of sustainability is the difficulty that professionals find in locating products with bona fide preferential environmental and health features.

• Look for and specify low carbon materials. Get to know what is out there regarding low carbon materials, products and systems available. This information is accessible locally through several eco-standard product certifications.

• D on’t forget about traditional materials.

Materials such as rammed earth, thatch and timber have a lower embodied carbon and although not always commercially viable can be used and adapted in a beautifully modern way.

• Design for flexibility. In this context, it means designing for a variety of space uses in the hope that the building does not need to be refurbished too often.

• Design for disassembly (DfD) and reuse. All sectors of the built environment need to design,

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manufacturer and incorporate materials, products and technology in ways that facilitate DfD, or at the very least do not hinder it. Only in this way can we be assured that once we have created a resource, that it is not lost and can enter the cradle-to-cradle recycling loops and not need to be replaced with virgin resources at end of first or subsequent use.

• Design for reuse. If it’s not reusable or recyclable to a high value, it’s not sustainable. This design approach drives design re-thinking throughout the project, requiring the design team to think “up” from the construction of building elements to the whole building. (Walker Morison, 2007) • Buy recycled. An important initiative to ensure that the carbon footprint of materials is minimised is to ensure that products being purchased and specified already contain recycled content.

• M aterial minimisation. Advancements in technology such as 3D printing allow the development of materials that take advantage of their structural integrity while eliminating the mass of materials required.

• Renewable inputs. The use of renewably sourced products has a major impact on reducing overall environmental and carbon impacts. Renewable materials can still be sourced in ecologically unsustainable ways, so care must be exercised that resources are sourced sustainably.

COMPLETING THE SOLUTION The initiatives discussed above have a critically important role in promoting sustainability up to a point. If we reduce our demands on nature’s systems and living resources, there is no doubt that regeneration will occur to some extent.

The key question is: can nature replenish herself in the context of explosive consumption, ongoing population growth and the inexorable growth of cities where impacts are concentrated and populations insulated from their impacts?

If we are to solve the looming global warming crisis, we need all the tools in our armoury to be fully primed and must be ready to actively implement.

FURTHER READING

Above: The WorldGBC’s report on embodied carbon.

Below: GBCSA’s guide to developing buildings in South Africa.

DOWNLOAD GUIDES BY CLICKING ON PICTURES

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MATERIALS

DECARBONISING THE AFRICAN BUILT ENVIRONMENT A materials and certification perspective The built sector globally and within Africa has a vital role to play in responding to the current climate emergency given that buildings are currently responsible for 39% of global carbon emissions. Decarbonising the sector is one of the most cost-effective ways to mitigate the worst effects of climate breakdown.

WORDS David Baggs, CEO, Global GreenTag

I

n 2018, in line with the ambitions of the Paris Agreement and to accelerate the built environment sector towards a 1.5ºC pathway, the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) launched the Net Zero Carbon Buildings by 2050 Commitment.

Embodied carbon contributes around 11% of global carbon emissions. Carbon emissions released before the infrastructure begins to be used, previously known as embodied carbon are increasingly being called “upfront carbon” for clarity and unless addressed, will be responsible for half of the entire carbon footprint of new construction between now and 2050. This growth threatens to consume a large part of the remaining global carbon budget if left unchecked.

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The WorldGBC as well as numerous country-based GBCs including South Africa have endorsed the enhanced focus on tackling upfront carbon emissions at the same time as moving to eliminate net operational emissions by 2050.

GBCSA uses its Green Star framework to support a common understanding of what a green building is within the South African property sector, as well as Green Building Councils throughout Africa including Ghana, Nigeria, Mauritius, Namibia, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania and Zimbabwe to achieve locally relevant context conditions within other African countries.

GBCSA has embarked on an industry collaborative process of updating the Green Star framework and

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MATERIALS what defines a green building for new buildings. A key focus of this revision is to set clear goals around decarbonising the upfront carbon emissions of certified buildings with a 2050 goal of net-zero carbon buildings both from upfront and operational emissions points of view.

The obvious question to ask is, “How likely is the industry going to be able to achieve the objective of reducing upfront carbon emissions to the goal level of net zero?” given that material processing and building operations make up a significant chunk (about 95%) of these emissions and for the industry to even make a dent, substantial change and innovation will be needed in a generally highly risk averse industry.

Decarbonisation from the material and embodied carbon perspective means taking on unparalleled innovation challenges and changes in processes and supply chain decision-making. One of the major questions this creates is on what basis does one makes the decisions needed to drive change in the correct direction without generating unintentional consequences eg increasing other chemical pollutants or water consumption.

GBCSA uses its Green Star framework to support a common understanding of what a green building is within the South African property sector, as well as Green Building Councils throughout Africa.

One tool that can enable both innovation and responsible supply chain decision-making is the study of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). LCA as a tool allows for the estimation of all the impacts, including carbon emissions for building materials from the raw material extraction phase, through manufacturing, packaging, transport etc through to fate of the product at the end of its initial “life”.

The analysis involved in LCA can be used internally by product manufacturers to identify hotspots in impacts including carbon emissions within the supply chain and inform decisions on how to reduce the emission intensity of any specific hotspots of concern.

LCA studies generate data that quantifies impacts across a wide range of indicators and when used as a carbon hot-spotting tool, supports decision-making to incorporate innovative low carbon ingredients or processes and assists, where information is available, in choosing lower carbon alternatives. In totality, all of these components together are described as “upfront carbon” in the GBC Australias new Green Star “Buildings” rating tool. Decarbonising buildings requires low carbon materials and both manufacturers and indeed projects need to start the process of decarbonising supply chains with assistance from LCA. LCA generates volumes of complex “inventory” data to develop the final set of indicators that include the total upfront carbon emissions data. Much of this LCA inventory data is highly confidential and will never be

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released even to the client involved because it often involves the direct provision of classified information from third party suppliers under non-disclosure agreements. So, the ability to communicate the results of the LCA depends on summarised “rolled-up” and de-identified data published in standardised formats and mandatory minimum content according to various international standards.

PRODUCT DECLARATIONS

The WorldGBC, GBCSA and building materials industry internationally has adopted EN15804 +A2: Sustainability of construction works – Environmental Product Declarations – Core rules for the product category of construction products as the accepted standard to publish these summary LCA reports or “EPDs” under to maximise potential comparability of products from different manufacturers and LCA providers.

EPDs are the starting point that allow various stakeholders to review and discuss how they can contribute to decarbonising the built environment.

They are in effect the “language” via which manufacturers communicate to the rest of the industry the environmental and carbon profile of their products and the tool via which architects, designers, engineers, builders and indeed their project LCA consultants can drive the decarbonisation process by preferred low carbon product and materials selection based on the data within EPDs, not just the provision of an EPD. “One of our local challenges around LCAs and accurately assessing upfront embodied carbon is the lack of local and contextually developed databases for materials and their embodied carbon impact,” explains Georgina Smit, GBCSA Head of Technical.

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MATERIALS

The building tool, which is under consideration, could be step one in the ratchetting up the decarbonisation process by Green Star between now and 2050.

One approach being considered, from a calculation point of view in Green Star, is an “upfront carbon emissions calculator” to enable a project team to calculate their embodied carbon impacts from key and generic products and materials used in the building’s construction. It aims to be a simple calculator for those not doing a whole-of-project LCA study and is measured in kgCO2e.

An alternative approach would require a project to capture LCA data from various sources including preferably product specific EPDs but also less preferred generic or industry average data based EPDs and compares the building and its specified products and materials against a reference building modelled by the project team using nominated benchmark materials.

This is a much more complex process and necessitates the use of EPDs from manufacturers to allow design teams to select upfront carbon emissions preferred

Decarbonisation from the material and embodied carbon perspective mean taking on unparalleled innovation challenges and changes in processes and supply chain decision-making.

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materials. Hence it is this specific credit that is driving the major increase in demand by typically the larger projects for EPDs from manufacturers and suppliers.

THE SOUTH AFRICAN MARKET The GBCSA Green Star new tool development task force is evaluating how this process can be made to be “user-friendly”, accessible to a wide scale of projects sizes and typologies. The South African market has taken some early steps in the direction of understanding the environmental impacts of products and materials, namely 3rd party eco-label certification programmes.

But now the built environment industry needs to be further incentivised and supported with appropriate information to make the best decisions and to get to our goals.

“Projects are increasingly reaching out to the GBCSA on guidance about whole life carbon vision – in other words, extending their focus beyond the operational energy consumption to include the upfront embodied carbon associated with the bricks and mortar of the building. This is why the GBCSA is delighted that upfront embodied carbon is a prerequisite for consideration in the new framework and we are also developing criteria to aid projects in declaring a net zero carbon status with regard to upfront embodied carbon. These are two exciting developments that we hope will support this exploratory learning curve that the industry is embarking on,” says Smit.

As alluded by a recent Australian industry report, embodied carbon will be responsible for over 80% of Australia’s built environment emissions by 2050 if steps are not taken by everyone involved. Similar impacts are likely for South Africa.

Looking at the growing uptake in the use of Green Star within Africa, there is no doubt that the building industry at large can unlock the potential to decarbonise the built environment by adopting policy to suit local conditions and potentially increase the use of Green Star® and encouraging the use of tools such as LCA and EPDs for decision-making across all spheres of the industry. The dire consequences of not getting rapid control of and dramatically reducing the industry’s carbon footprint locally and globally, do not bear thinking about.

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MATERIALS

THE PROCESS OF GREENING PRODUCTS The phenomenon of greenwashing appears to be growing, more so, since the demand for environmentally preferable products is on the rise. Therein lies the urgent need for consistent assurance of the environmental, health and ethical supply chain performance of materials and products.

WORDS Direshni Naiker

T

he development of sustainability focused product standards is one such way to scientifically assess the environmental and other performance of materials and products.

These standards define the product category specific criteria against which the product is evaluated.

An international best-practice framework for environmental declarations is ISO14020/4-Type 1 environmental labelling.

Type 1 is a voluntary, multiple criteria based, third-party programme that awards a license that authorises the use of labels on products indicating overall environmental preferability of a product within a particular product category based on lifecycle considerations.

Eco-label certification programmes that conform to ISO14024-Type 1 or third-party declarations are the gold standard for environmental labels. Type 1 ecolabels develop product category specifications that define specific criteria such as the following: • Material content and efficiency • Functional purpose fitness • Hazardous materials • Water consumption and efficiency • Energy consumption and efficiency • Water and air emissions • Waste management and minimisation • Environmental legislation and guidelines The above product-specific criteria in Type-1 ecolabels may also consider human health and ethical employment issues as well so they in effect focus more broadly on the entirety of sustainability issues.

Further to the above environmental productspecific criteria, certain eco-labels strive to be inclusively sustainable by including socio-economic imperatives in the criteria specifications. This broader perspective approach is aligned with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals and aims to ultimately facilitate the transition to a healthy people, planet and products paradigm where both nature and people thrive.

Furthermore, the World Green Building Council has identified three major global trends that feed into the need for increased robustness in product claims: 1. Carbon net zero by 2050 (relating to operational and upfront carbon emissions) 2. Circular economy and healthy biodiversity 3. Healthy and ethical buildings and supply chains

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Each of these have significant implications for products and manufacturers, especially those looking not just for domestic markets but export also.

NATIONAL PRESENCE There is an increasing appetite for third-party verified environmental claims and declarations. Particularly in the built environment as an increasing number of professionals such as architects, designers and specifiers become more and more educated on the inclusive benefit, environmentally compliant products have overall, especially with the growth and development of Green Building rating systems such as the Green Building Council of South Africa’s Green Star® rating tool.

In South Africa, research indicates an emerging eco-labelling certification sector that is still in its relative infancy and highlights the importance of due diligence when choosing an appropriate eco-label for your product. Factors for consideration include: • Expanse of market reach and appeal ie international vs national footprint and applicability • Degree of demonstration to international bestpractice framework and assessment standards • ISO14024-Type 1 eco-label alignment • Assessor qualifications • Inclusive socio-economic criteria eg equality, health and safety, etc • Exhibit options for comparative analysis of products within the same functional performance category • Strong sales and marketing leverage support Choose wisely, as the benefits of having a certified environmentally preferable product has far reaching impacts that incrementally compound to effect significant tangible changes in the way products and sales are made.

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GREEN GLOBE

FUTURE HOUSE TECLA TECLA, the peak of advanced research between matter and technology, is a 3D-printed global habitat. The project represents an unprecedented perspective for buildings and new settlements, in which the value of local raw materials is amplified by digital design.

The house was printed in Massa Lombarda, Italy.

M

ario Cucinella Architects and World’s Advanced Saving Project (WASP) completed TECLA (technology and clay) – the first eco-sustainable, new circular housing model 3D printed entirely from local raw earth.

TECLA responds to the need for sustainable homes at Km0. The double-dome solution makes it possible to cover the roles of structure, roof and external cladding, making the house high-performance on all aspects. The result is a highly flexible envelope designed to be resilient to any climate and energy efficient in a way that traditional housing models are not.

Since 2012, WASP has been developing viable construction processes based on the principles of circular economy and digital fabrication. On the market since 2021, WASP produces 3D-printed houses in the most sustainable way. Crane WASP is the world’s first modular and multilevel 3D printer designed to collaboratively build singular and even more extensive architectural works.

WATCH VIDEO HERE

WATCH VIDEO: The printer consists of a main base on which the different types of cranes that expand the printing area are added. The basic module offers a print volume of 6.60 metres in diameter and 3 metres in height. It would be able to extrude conventional concrete, bio-sourced concrete and natural pulp.

WATCH VIDEO HERE

WATCH VIDEO: TECLA can be synthesised in 200 hours of printing, 7 000 machine codes, 350 layers of 12mm, 150km of extrusion, 60 cubic metres of natural materials for an average consumption of less than 6kW.

TECLA in the daytime and at night.

The Crane WASP modulates as needed.

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GREEN PRODUCT CATALOGUE 2022

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A DIVISION OF

The green roof tile Welcome to the future of roofing – a technological breakthrough from Harvey Roofing Products: the Harvey EcoTile®.

Stylish Double Roman design combines functional advantages with classic aesthetics.

Harvey EcoTile® is a mineral composite roof tile. By utilising 98% waste material, Harvey EcoTile® is 100% recyclable yet provides superior functional benefits to other roofing options.

Non-porous, non-brittle finish ensures low water absorption and light weight in all weather conditions.

Harvey EcoTile’s® technological design advantage ensures an interlocking, lightweight tile that is low on maintenance, weatherproof and virtually unbreakable in normal use.

Advanced engineering provides interlocking system for weather proofing and superior strength.

Your building’s roof is one of its most important elements in function, aesthetics, surface area and investment. Increase its functional performance and green credentials with one innovative product – Harvey EcoTile®.

Lightweight

Low Maintenance

Durable

Weatherproof

Attractive

Easy to Install

Re-roofing

Solar Compatible

Paintable

SANS 10400-T

Waste Material

100% Recyclable

Waterless

Community Projects

A DIVISION OF

Tel: +27 11 741 5600

www.harveyroofingproducts.co.za

ROOFING/WASTE

GOING GREEN: HOW HARVEY ECOTILE® IS TRANSFORMING ROOFING In pursuit of sustainable, revolutionary roofing, Harvey Roofing Products has developed the Harvey EcoTile®, a sustainably produced mineral composite roof tile with superior functional benefits and enviable green credentials.

A

building’s green credentials are determined by a variety of factors such as water efficiency, energy efficiency, environmentally-friendly materials, waste reduction, lowering carbon emissions and sustainable development and growth.

Roofing materials are some of the least environmentally-friendly components of construction.

In South Africa, where roofing materials are primarily steel and concrete, it scores poorly in the sustainability index. It is well known that concrete production is one of the world’s top polluters, causing 8% of global CO2 emissions and is a significant water waster.

WASTE MATERIAL Harvey EcoTile® is manufactured from mineral waste products and waste polymer from recycling initiatives. Instead of contributing to water, land, and air pollution, EcoTile® removes these waste materials from the environment for productive use. Its blend of 70% mineral (silica) and 28% polymer ensures that for each tile, the equivalent of 3.8 two-litre milk bottles are removed from the environment.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Harvey Roofing sources waste materials from local community projects, providing support to these initiatives and creating opportunities for gainful employment.

GREEN IS NOT ENOUGH Having excellent green credentials is only one part of a product’s success. Harvey EcoTile® is engineered for superior functional performance in its intended use.

The lightweight roof tiles are precision engineered with an interlocking design to eliminate gaps, making the completed roof 100% weatherproof. It withstands galeforce wind, UV rays, rain, hail and dust and is virtually unbreakable once installed. Future maintenance is also minimised as all roof elements (such as ridge caps) provide a precision fit for a maintenance-free seal.

Gone are the days of unsightly crumbling concrete ridges and hips.

Harvey EcoTile® is taking roofing into the future.

A greener future.

Harvey EcoTile® is trademark registered and patent pending.

100% RECYCLABLE Each Harvey EcoTile® is manufactured from 100% recyclable waste material.

WATERLESS PRODUCT A standard concrete roof tile mix consists of 11.42% water addition, thus for every square metre of roof, 5.4 litres of clean drinking water is used. In addition, concrete needs to remain moist during curing which requires yet more water. The Harvey EcoTile® product requires no water; in fact, we extract moisture from the mineral to manufacture the product. It is also the ideal roof tile for water harvesting as it absorbs less than 0.36% of its weight in water (compared to 6-10% for concrete tiles).

POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 17

#roofing #harveyecotile® #recycledmaterials Harvey Roofing Products Albie Jordaan Phone: 011 741 5600 Email: albie.jordaan@macroofing.co.za

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

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