+IMPACT Magazine Issue 25

IMPACT 25

REIMAGINING THE FUTURE one building at a time

Strive for Net Zero while saving money at the same time!

Rooftop, solar carports, ground-mounted solar, and agrivoltaics represent the best-value energy available to the energy customer in South Africa.

Blue Sky Energy is an expert in the design, procurement and construction of such plants. Battery energy storage installations provide access to solar energy daily during peak hours when the sun is not shining and enable users to bridge their primary energy needs through grid interruptions. While the levelised cost of hybrid solar and battery storage installations is significantly greater than solar PV only, appropriately sized solutions can be commercially feasible. Would you like to know if your property or business can achieve energy security at the same cost or less than what you are paying currently?

Agrivoltaics and Solar Carports

Blue Sky Energy works with leading light steel frame construction suppliers to offer a range of innovative solutions such as agrivoltaics and solar carports.

Have you considered putting your spare space to work? Whether you have low-value land or large parking spaces, bring them to life through solar PV installations that create energy and highvalue spaces such as shade for parking or tunnels for agriculture.

Website: www.blue-sky.energy Email: enquiries@blue-sky.energy

Did you know that Section 12B of the Tax Act allows for the accelerated depreciation of your power generation capex, resulting in a 27.5% saving on your project installation?

CONTACT THE EXPERTS AT BLUE SKY ENERGY RIGHT NOW!

INTERIOR MOTIVES: THE WORKPLACE REVISED

At ENS’s 5-Star Green Star Interiors V1-certified Cape Town office, the welfare of its people is as integral to sustainability as its considered design

DEEP DIVE: RESPONSIBLE & HEALTHY

The next two categories in the New Build v2 tool centre predominantly around the well-being of building occupants and system processes 34

42

FROM THE GROUND UP

As the first GBCSA-certified, Net-Positive Ecology Level 2 – Operational Ecology (Measured) project in South Africa, dsm-firmenich South Africa paves the way for sustainable landscaping in the green built environment

LESSONS IN PRESERVATION

Having been awarded a 5-Star Green Star certification for its new building complex design, Cape Town’s Bracken Nature Reserve is set to align with the City’s Net-Zero carbon goals

48

A POWERFUL FORCE FOR GOOD

Recently appointed CEO of the National Business Initiative, Shameela Soobramoney shares her vision for the role of business in supporting sustainable development objectives

52

ON THE LEADING EDGE

Illovo Country Estate’s affordable housing project has garnered an EDGE certification from the GBCSA – a first in the country

IMPACT

The official publication of GBCSA

Editor

Mariola Fouché editor@positive-impact.africa

Director

Danielle Solomons dani@positive-impact.africa

Editorial Contributors

Nicole Cameron

Marlinée Fouché

Katherine Graham

Melinda Hardisty

Anne Schauffer

Shameela Soobramoney

Editorial Assistant

Melanie Taylor

GBCSA Editorial Advisory

Georgina Smit

Jenni Lombard

Abi Godsell

Dash Coville

Anja Thompson

Ann-Mari Malan

Design and Layout

Carla Lawrence, CDC Design

Media Sales

Tanya Duthie

Glenda Kulp

Vania Reyneke

Cover Photograph ENS

Professional Membership Partners

Joint Publishers

Gordon Brown gordon@greeneconomy.media

Danielle Solomons danielle@greeneconomy.media

Co-Publisher: GEM

Alexis Knipe

Web Digital and Social Media

Steven Mokopane

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

CALLING ALL THOUGHT LEADERS

Chief Executive Officer

Lisa Reynolds

Finance & Operations and Executive Director

Levinia Palmer

+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: editor@positive-impact.africa

ADVERTISE WITH US

For advertising and sponsored content contact Danielle Solomons 081 7800 233 | dani@positive-impact.africa Advertising rates are discounted for GBCSA members and further discounts are available for booking multiple editions in 2024. TALK TO US Subcribe to newsletter | www.greeneconomy.media

WHERE INNOVATION MEETS PRECISION

Experience the Canon imagePROGRAF TZ-30000 – designed for architects, construction firms, and interior designers.

With rapid 4ppm (A1) printing and a 5-color, 700/330 ml ink tank system, redefine CAD drawing and poster production. Handle 100 A0 CAD pages with the top delivery tray and minimise downtime with hot swap media rolls and inks. Smart software prevents misprints, while Canon’s water-resistant pigment ink ensures industry-leading quality.

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– Where innovation meets precision.

Scan QR Code for more information.

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

Leaders in Entrance & Security Design

Keep the bad weather out, and the good weather in.

Energy Efficient: Save energy, save costs. Reduce heating and cooling expenses by minimising air exchange. Improve Traffic Flow Management: Ensure smooth and uninterrupted pedestrian flow. Improve Security: With controlled access and easy integrate with your building's smart system.

Improved Climate Control: Maintain a stable indoor climate, stay comfortable in any weather. Accessibility: Inclusive and convenient. Revolving doors cater to everyone, including those with disabilities or using mobility aids. Noise Reduction: Experience tranquility indoors.

Revolving doors minimise external noise for a quieter, peaceful environment. Create extra space: Making internal spaces comfortable thereby increasing use and rental opportunities.

While writing this, I’ve had to scuttle outdoors every now and then to thaw out in the sun – poking its pale head out between bouts of the ubiquitous Cape rain. I think I may speak for most South Africans in saying I look forward to spring after a rather chilly and prolonged winter!

While spring brings with it renewal, growth and expansion, for the global building and construction sector, these very things go hand in hand with a key responsibility: helping drive the transition towards a decarbonised, energy-efficient and sustainable future for all.

Annually, the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) brings us World Green Building Week – falling on 11–15 September 2023 this year. Led by a network of over 75 national Green Building Councils and their 46 000 members, the weeklong campaign will show how, through systems-change thinking and leveraging local solutions, we can transition to sustainable built environments. For the events line-up, and to find out how you can take part in World Green Building week, visit https://worldgbc.org/wgbw23/.

Our spring issue is testament to our local successes in this journey, showcasing a broad variety of projects that go way beyond bricks to address sustainability.

Law firm ENS’s office in Cape Town’s striking 35 Lower Long Street building is a case in point (page 18), having secured a 5-Star Green Star Interiors v1 certification. A sublime departure from the traditional office concept, the space’s innovative design is truly a union of functionality, design and sustainability, at the same time catering to the health and wellness of its staff.

Apropos the well-being of building occupants, part four of our Transforming Tomorrow series on page 26 unpacks the Healthy and Responsible categories of the Green Star New Build V2 tool. These categories centre mostly around the comfort of buildings’ users and the efficient functioning of system processes, aiming to transform the market and increase work productivity, while saving on resources like water and energy.

What better way to embrace greenness and growth than through considered landscaping? Dsm-firmenich South Africa set a benchmark for sustainable landscaping within the green building industry by becoming the first GBCSAcertified, Net Positive Ecology level 2 – Operational Ecology (Measured) project in the country. On page 34, +Impact looks at how the site’s original vegetation type was used as a way to regenerate and increase its diversity.

From regeneration to preservation: the City of Cape Town’s Bracken Nature Reserve has recently been awarded a 5-Star Green Star certification for its upgraded building complex design (page 42). While water and energy efficiencies were the main targets on this project, indoor comfort was also an important focus, and when completed, it will offer the public an escape into nature, along with experiential education around sustainability and the environment.

The role of business in supporting sustainable development objectives is key, according to CEO of the National Business Initiative (NBI), Shameela Soobramoney. Read more about how Shameela intends to focus on sustainability in her new role at the NBI on page 48.

To round off this issue’s diverse offering, we highlight Illovo Country Estate in KwaZulu-Natal on page 52, which recently achieved EDGE® certification with the GBCSA – a first in South Africa in the affordable housing sector.

As, increasingly, new and retrofitted projects employ mindful design and construction practices to reduce environmental impact, decrease costs and provide better places in which to work, it’s an honour and a pleasure to present them to you, our readers. We hope you enjoy this spring-time edition.

Mariola Fouché Editor

It is an honour and privilege to take up the reins as chair of such a prestigious organisation, one tasked with making a real and measurable impact on our environment. At the same time, I’m also humbled, given the legacy set by past chairs. I want to thank Brian Unsted for his tireless work and handing over the organisation to me in its commendable state.

Although I am acutely aware of the board’s duties and the responsibilities it must discharge in the interests of good governance, I’m also reminded of the influence a board has on an organisation’s culture. In his book Flying Blind, Peter Robison charts the decline of Boeing after its merger with McDonnell Douglas, manifested by the crashes of the 737 MAX that ultimately led to Airbus displacing Boeing as the market leader in commercial aircraft. As chair, this account holds lessons for me and makes me mindful of the impact that we as board can have on the GBCSA.

Furthermore, it strikes me how, in aviation, decisions about new aircraft designs are made every 10 years, but then the industry must “live with the consequences for 50 years”. The parallels to the built environment are uncanny – build an inefficient and resource-consuming building, and the consequences on the environment remain long after the developers have moved on.

The GBCSA has weathered multiple headwinds and we have come out stronger, agile, and more resilient than ever before. I plan to build on that culture and on strategies that drive further positive performance, creating value for our members and the environment. I am excited about the finalisation and imminent pilot phase of the Green Star New Buildings Rating Tool (New Build V2). As green building has matured in South Africa, so too has the need to improve and update our rating tools to move the built environment forward, and this will continue to form part of my agenda.

Having said this, I also believe that there’s plenty of scope for more utilisation of the Existing Building Performance Rating Tool in its current form, and the IFC’s EDGE® Rating Tool, in the residential sector. I was privileged to attend IFSEC in London in May this year. IFSEC International is an annual trade fair and conference for the global security industry, held alongside the FIREX International Show, the Safety & Health Expo and the Facilities Show.

One of the addresses was by the UK Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, Lord Martin Callanan, on how the UK government is planning to achieve net zero carbon. The UK has recognised that one of their biggest challenges is how much of their built environment is pre-WW II. While they have new standards for new builds, the amount of retrofitting required to meet current resource efficiencies requires the funding of incentives – what he referred to as improved cladding or insulation “taking precedence over shiny new kitchens”. I came away from that talk convinced that the GBCSA’s driving use of the Existing Building Performance Rating Tool will contribute immensely to the South African built environment, given just how much of our building stock pre-dates green building.

In his book, Robison also details how the Boeing 737, while developed much earlier and on a limited budget, became Boeing’s bestseller decades later – the “stepchild” ultimately outperforming more modern aircraft such as the 747, 777 and 787, in terms of revenue earned. For me, this presents another parallel for our Existing Building Performance Rating Tool: while not necessarily addressing new and “shiny” buildings, the tool will look to existing building stock and ultimately contribute to better resource usage and retrofitting, thus increasing capital allocation and the associated job creation.

Brian Unsted’s last note reflected on the areas he wanted to give attention to, and I want to close by reassuring you that in addition to my agenda, I will continue to build on those areas as well. I am buoyed by the support, dedication, professionalism and passion of Lisa Reynolds and her able team at the GBCSA.

Chair’s Corner

André Theys GBCSA Chairman

MAKING AN IMPACT

SHAPING A NET-ZERO FUTURE

Presented by the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC), the 2023 Advancing Net Zero (ANZ) Status Report highlights the collective efforts of 35 Green Building Councils, the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment signatories, partners and the wider GBC network to decarbonise the built environment.

The ANZ Status Report showcases examples of current industry collaboration and actions towards accelerating this objective at local, regional and global levels. In July, the UN High Level Climate Champions announced that a critical tipping point had been reached as 20% of key actors from the building and construction sector had joined the Race to Zero. Read more about this achievement at https://snip.ink/ZQ8v5Y8i, and the fifth edition of the ANZ status report at https://snip.ink/s92TB25a.

2023 CESA AON ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AWARDS

High-quality and sustainable infrastructure development is crucial for driving socioeconomic development in South Africa. Now in its 51st year, the Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) Awards celebrate innovation, outstanding workmanship and professionalism in the consulting engineering industry. The winners were announced at a ceremony, hosted in partnership with sponsors Aon South Africa, on 16 August in Midrand. Among those taking top honours were: Projects with a Value Less Than R50 million category: Naidu Consulting, MSW Consulting JV; Tongaat Water Treatment Works Emergency Remediation Works for eThekwini Municipality

GROUND-BREAKING DEVELOPMENT

Merging sustainability with innovative design, Africa’s first biophilic building – in Cape Town’s Upper Bree Street – is set to undergo construction. The 24-storey mixed-use development, named The Fynbos, is currently undergoing Green Star accreditation.

As part of an innovative urban project conceptualised by the project’s developers, Lurra Capital, before becoming reclaimed building materials, the existing derelict building

Projects with a Value Between R50 million and R250 million category: Zutari; Square Kilometre Array Meerkat Extension for the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) Projects with a Value Between R250 million and R1 billion category: KBK Engineers; N1 Musina Ring Road for the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) Business Excellence: BVi Consulting Engineers

Small/Medium Company of the Year: Koleko Solutions

Mentor of the Year: Herman Cronje, SMEC South Africa Young Engineer of the Year: Mareli Botha, Zutari www.cesa.co.za

on site was given a new lease on life, and turned into Cape Town’s first-ever curated pop-up urban street art gallery, showcasing over 1 000 artworks by 120 invited graffiti artists.

According to development managers Gardner Property Solutions, who are working with Lurra Capital in the development of The Fynbos building, water conservation measures will include low-flow fittings, well-point filtration,

The CESA Aon Engineering Excellence Awards 2023 winners.

and a sophisticated rainwater harvesting system, integrated into the unique, cantilevered balcony design. Integrated PV solar panels will generate double the electricity quota needed to power the common areas, and a central heated water system allows for economies of scale and avoids individual geysers. Expansive double-glazed windows and glass sliding doors will allow abundant natural light in, thus reducing the amount of energy spent on heating in winter.

The exterior of The Fynbos will be draped in a 1 200m2 vertical garden of indigenous trees and shrubs, offering a natural layer of insulation. Added to this, a waterfall at the front reception of the building will provide white noise for the building’s inhabitants. This circular waterfall, set amid the lush, flowing foliage of The Fynbos, is the starting point of a unique water feature that will run from Buitengracht to Bree Street.

Once complete, The Fynbos will feature residential apartments, a rooftop sunset terrace with a lap pool and co-working space, a rooftop fitness centre, and a groundfloor plant-based restaurant, tearoom and botanical bar. Visit www.thefynbos.com for more.

WHAT’S THE BUZZ?

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), a third of global food production depends on bees as pollinators – but they are increasingly threatened by human activity, habitat loss, pesticides, air pollution and climate change.

Since 2020, South African real estate investment trust Emira has installed 16 beehives at eight of its properties in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. Emira CEO Ulana van Biljon says: “Our bee conservation project is a holistic approach

to reducing the impact of environmental degradation, which goes beyond planting trees.”

The first hives were installed in 2020 in the heart of the Bryanston business node and Hyde Park Lane in Sandton, in locations with an abundance of flowering plants.

The beehives are managed in a safe, controlled environment, away from heavy foot traffic and clearly signposted, while beekeeping activities take place at night. www.emira.co.za

The biophilic concept at The Fynbos integrates nature into its urban setting, benefiting both the external and internal environments.

The honey collected from Emira's various properties all taste unique.

Ulana van Biljon, Chief Operating Officer of Emira Property Fund.

The beehives are clearly sign-posted.

Night-time beekeeping.

Y/OUR SPACE

Africa’s leading green building gathering, the Green Building Convention brings together industry leaders, experts and change-makers in the field of sustainable development, all focused on creating a better future for people and planet.

Among this year’s line-up of esteemed plenary speakers, you can expect to see Marcela Guerrero Casas, Dr Stanley Liphadzi and Gabriel Klaasen.

UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF PUBLIC SPACE

By providing green areas, essential amenities, trading opportunities and safe spaces for social interaction, public spaces serve as a catalyst for sustainable development.

Marcela Guerrero Casas is the co-founder of Local South, a dynamic social enterprise committed to building sustainable and liveable cities in the Global South. With her profound expertise and extensive experience, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the urban landscape in both her hometown of Bogotá, Colombia, and her current base in South Africa.

As part of her talk, Marcela will explore the various strategies and innovative interventions that can be employed to maximise the potential of public space, with a particular focus on working collaboratively with communities at the neighbourhood level. Drawing from her extensive background in policy and advocacy, Marcela will share successful case studies that demonstrate the transformative power of neighbourhood-level engagement. From temporary road closures for economic activities to leveraging the value created through partnerships between local government and the private sector, her insights will empower attendees to take practical steps toward creating vibrant and inclusive urban environments.

IMPROVING LIVING SPACES THROUGH INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS IN A WATER-SCARCE ENVIRONMENT

Renowned expert in the field of water and sanitation, Dr Stanley Liphadzi brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as the Group Executive Manager of the Water Research Commission and Adjunct Professor at the University of Venda. With a focus on producing new knowledge and innovation for the water and sanitation sector, Dr Liphadzi has made significant contributions to improving living conditions in water-scarce environments.

During his presentation, Dr Liphadzi will discuss the pressing concerns of water and energy insecurity faced by communities and businesses in South Africa and other developing countries. Driven by a commitment to authentic and transformational leadership, he will shed light on the ground-breaking research and development efforts led by the Water Research Commission to address these challenges.

ENGAGING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PEOPLE AND PUBLIC SPACE

A passionate Intersectional Justice activist and a driving force in the realm of sustainable development, Gabriel Klaasen is the Communications Coordinator for Project 90 by 2030 and a Programme Manager for the African Climate Alliance. Gabriel’s dedication to sustainable development is truly exceptional. Their recognition as one of Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans in 2021, specifically in the Environmental category, underscores their influential contributions to our world.

In this session, Gabriel will unpack the intricate dynamics that define the relationship between people and public spaces in South Africa, delving into both historical context and present-day realities, and offering a comprehensive understanding of this ever-evolving relationship. Gabriel’s engaging talk will venture beyond analysis, exploring how collective efforts and collaborative thinking can reshape the design and purpose of public spaces.

Join the GBCSA’s 16th Green Building Convention, 15-17 November 2023, at Cape Town’s Century City Conference Centre. Regular registration closes on 10 November 2023 – make sure to secure your space! www.gbcsaconvention.org.za

Marcela Guerrero Casas, co-founder, Local South

Dr Stanley Liphadzi, Group Executive Manager, Water Research Commission

Gabriel Klaasen, Communications Co-ordinator, Project 90 by 2030

WHERE SUSTAINABILITY AND INNOVATION CONVERGE

Discover the Ultimate Green Building Experience at the 16th Green Building Convention.

Africa’s premier event is back, and it’s bigger than ever! Join us at the forefront of sustainable design, where SPACE takes center stage in redefining our built environment for people and planet to thrive.

120+ Visionary Speakers

40+ Cutting-edge Exhibition

800+ Built Environment Professionals

Be part of the transformation. View the programme and register now.

gbcsaconvention.org.za

BUILDING CONVENTION 2023 DRAFT PROGRAMME

GREEN BUILDING CONVENTION 2023

Draft Programme

Unlock the full potential of Y/OUR SPACE for a sustainable and vibrant future. Step into a world of innovation, collaboration and connections at the Green Building Convention, #GBCSA2023.

15–17 November 2023

Century City Conference Centre

Cape Town

Driven by our #yourspace theme, the draft* programme for the 16th Green Building Convention is live! Join the green-building movement’s thought leaders, influencers and innovators in accelerating the transformation of the built environment – for people and planet.

*Subject to change

WEDNESDAY – 15 NOVEMBER

10H00

Registration opens

11H00 – 13H00

Satellite session: Energy

Zanele Mavuso Mbatha

Marc Abdullah

Ray Fernandez

Seetsele Seetswane

Brad Duncan

13H00 – 14H00

Networking lunch

14H00 – 15H30

Workshops

S1. WORKSHOP 1: HKA Global

S2. WORKSHOP 2: Ethekwini

S3. WORKSHOP 3: IFC

S4. WORKSHOP 4: TBA

16H00 – 18H00

Opening plenary

Lisa Reynolds

Brian Unsted

Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis

Robert Swan

18H00 – 20H30

Welcome cocktail

THURSDAY – 16 NOVEMBER

07H30 – 08H30

Morning networking

08H30 – 10H30

Plenary

Graham Hill - Virtual

Speaker 1: Dr Sara Candiracci

Speaker 3: Prof Stanley Liphadzi

Speaker 4: Marcela Guerrero Casas

10H30 – 11H30

Refreshment break, exhibition & SMME Village

11H30 – 13H00

Parallel sessions

Track 1: Session 1: BUILD: DESIGN

Track 2: Session 1: INVESTMENT: PUTTING YOUR ESG STRATEGY TO WORK

Track 3: Session 1: RESOURCE ECONOMY: SHAPING A DIALOGUE BETWEEN CONTEXT AND REBALANCING

THE ROLE OF ARCHITECTURE

Track 4: Session 1: CITIES: STRATEGIES OF RESILIENCE IN THE AGE OF FAILING INFRASTRUCTURE

13H00 – 14H00

Networking lunch, exhibition & SMME Village

THURSDAY – 16 NOVEMBER

14H00 – 15H30

Parallel sessions

Track 1: Session 2: WATER

Track 2: Session 2: INVESTMENT: THE NEW RISK ON THE BLOCK: CLIMATE RISK AND THE IMPACT TO PROPERTY

Track 3: Session 2: RESOURCE ECONOMY: DESIGN FOR NATURE, BUILDING FOR GOOD, A SOCIAL AND ECOLOGICAL CHALLENGE

Track 4: Session 2: CITIES: ASSET-BASED, COMMUNITY-BASED MODEL: COMMUNITIES SHAPING THEIR SPACES THROUGH COLLABORATIVE ACTION IN THE CITY OF JOHANNESBURG

15H30 – 16H30

Refreshment break, exhibition & SMME Village

16H30 – 18H00

Innovation stage: Session 3 – Greenovate winners

16H30 – 18H30

Delegates at leisure

18H30 – 00H00

Gala awards dinner

FRIDAY – 17 NOVEMBER

07H30 – 08H30

Morning networking

08H30 – 10H30

Plenary

10H30 – 11H30

Refreshment break, exhibition & SMME Village

11H30 – 13H00

Parallel sessions

Track 1: Session 3: BUILD: MATERIALS

Track 2: Session 3: INVESTMENT: KEEPING THE SPACE ILLUMINATED – THE LOADSHEDDING OPPORTUNITY

Track 3: Session 3: INVESTMENT: REALIGNMENT OF ESG STRATEGY BASED ON GLOBAL TRENDS

Track 4: Session 3: CITIES: SPATIAL DESIGN IN THE REALITY OF INFORMALITY

Track 5: Session 3: CITIES: AREA-BASED MANAGEMENT: CREATING SAFER SPACES TO LIVE, PLAY AND WORK

13H00 – 13H10 Comfort break

13H10 – 14H30

Closing plenary

Facilitator: Kura Chihota

Nedbank: TBA

Rand Water: Mbuyiswa Makhubela

Pareto: Malose Kekana

Property Point: Shaun Theunissen

L2D: Amelia Beattie

GBCSA: Lisa Reynolds

André Theys

Lisa Reynolds

14H30 – 15H30

Networking lunch, exhibition & SMME Village

15H30 Exhibition closes

Maintaining Kikuyu the Water Wise Way

Lawn and other turf grasses are often seen as high water users, especially in the spring and summer seasons before the rainy season has started. But, can lawn be used in a water wise way? Water Wise explains the wise use of water with kikuyu.

Kikuyu

Pennisetum clandestinum, commonly known as kikuyu, is the most widely used lawn grass in South Africa. It is native to east Africa and has an aggressive growth form, which means it can become invasive and take over indigenous grasses. Kikuyu is drought tolerant, inexpensive, and easy to maintain because it can grow in areas where most grasses cannot. However, it is sometimes considered the highest user of water in comparison to other commonly used turf grasses.

Kikuyu is mostly used as an instant lawn for sports fields, golf course construction, and rehabilitation. It has a mat root and a herbaceous growth habit. It doesn’t grow well in shaded areas.

Dormancy in lawn

Dormancy refers to a period where growth of the grass temporarily slows down, and grass goes into a resting state for one season. Kikuyu always goes dormant during winter, where the grass will turn brown. However, brown kikuyu grass does not mean it is dead; it has simply gone dormant.

Dormant kikuyu does not need to be watered. Lawn in a state of dormancy is simply ‘resting’ and conserving energy for the new growing season. Dormancy is a natural way for lawn to conserve moisture and nutrients in cold and dry seasons.

Water wise watering for kikuyu

• Avoid watering kikuyu when it is dormant.

• Wait for the rains to start before awakening your kikuyu from its dormant state.

• Newly installed kikuyu will only require more water during its settling or establishment period. Gradually decrease the frequency of watering after this phase.

• In summer, water in the early morning or late afternoon as this reduces water lost to evaporation.

• Use a trigger nozzle if watering kikuyu with a hose.

• Educate your clients on the water use changes.

Advantages of kikuyu

• Fast growing.

• Grows in full sun and in most soils.

• High-traffic resistant and persistent growth form.

• Survives long dry periods and is drought tolerant.

• Better frost tolerance than some warm season grasses.

• Very effective for erosion control in ornamental landscapes.

• Rapid summer growth rate with high yield potential.

• Very competitive; suppresses weeds.

Disadvantages of kikuyu

• Requires regular mowing.

• High evapotranspiration rate.

• Can become invasive and difficult to control.

There are many other simple ways you can save water. Visit the Water Wise website by going to the Rand Water website and clicking on the Water Wise logo for more information. Always be #WaterWise!

INTERIOR MOTIVES: the workplace revised

Law firm ENS has secured a 5-Star Green Star Interiors V1 certification for its office in Cape Town’s dynamic 35 Lower Long Street building. People-centricity, as integral to sustainability, is the focus.

WORDS Anne Schauffer

IMAGES ENS

PROJECT NUTSHELL

Location: 35 Lower Long Street building, Foreshore, Cape Town

Green Star rating: 5-Star Green Star Interiors V1 certification

Type of building: Office interior over seven floors

Project dates: 2020 – 2022

Project size: 7 761m2

A union of functionality, design and sustainability underpins ENS’s reimagined office space in Cape Town's 35 Lower

Long Street building.

Positioned on Cape Town’s Foreshore at 35 Lower Long Street is the signature glass-planed office building developed by Abland Property Developers. The base building, designed by dhk Architects, had been awarded a 4-Star Green Star Office V1.1 Design certification, which solidified law firm ENS’s commitment to achieving a high rating for its interior fitout. Closely aligned to the firm’s commitment to upholding environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles, the office fit-out was designed and constructed to achieve a 5-Star Green Star Interiors V1 certification. It secured the required 60 points, many awarded for the group’s drive to innovate and focus on staff wellness.

For ENS’s COO Lee Mendelsohn, “It is not enough to say you believe in those principles – you have to change how you do business to ensure ESG becomes a way of life. This is something that can happen only when each of us changes our approach to what we do, day to day, little by little, and across all aspects of our operations, which includes our Cape Town office interiors. It is the only way we will sustain our business – and in so doing, demonstrate how much we care for our clients, our people, and our planet.”

Health and wellness is integral to ENS’s vision for its staff and workspaces, and providing them with a “green” workplace and the tools to optimise it was important,

continues Mendelsohn. “We developed a User’s Guide to ensure that our people and operations teams knew how to best use the building sustainably. Ongoing awareness campaigns – from simple things like switching off the lights to ensuring you focus only for 50 minutes and break for 10 – educates and encourages staff to play their part.”

The sustainability consultant was Annelide Sherratt, Solid Green’s Head of Department: Green Building Certifications (New Build and Interiors). Sherratt explains that, although the criteria for the base building 4-Star certification is quite different from the focus on materials in the Interior certification, many of the design attributes contribute and follow through, and points are acquired in the interior rating tool.

PARADIGM SHIFT

ENS’s fit-out spans the building’s upper ground level, floors 10 and 23, and five integrated office levels. Thinkspace was the interior design consultancy tasked with the project. Director Guido Tagge describes how, in constant close collaboration with his client, the design vision shifted away from a traditional office-bound concept to a reimagining of the space. Central to this were considerations such as post-Covid health and sustained wellness, confidentiality and security (imperative in a legal firm), the elevation of

The stand-out, glamorous staircase links floors 22 and 23.

Client-staff meeting rooms were constructed with vertical aluminium fins to break up the volume of glass, increase privacy and create visual interest.

the staff’s experience and well-being, and underpinning it all, a union of functionality, design and sustainability. A reduction of the fit-out’s environmental impact was a given. All the paint, adhesives, sealants and carpets procured had low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions; so too, usage of third-party eco-labels and certificates for furniture, assemblies and floor covering. The appliances and tenant equipment deployed are also energy efficient (rated under the Energy Star® system or the European Energy Labelling scheme).

VISUAL DESIGN

Spread over different floors – comprising just over 7 750m2 –spatial planning and the flow between functions and floors is key. The street entrance on the ground floor is a general reception area for all tenants. An elevator provides direct access to level 10, which is populated with dedicated nonclient-facing collaborative spaces for ENS staff. This works well for those working remotely and only needing a space to work from, or to utilise firm resources on occasion. It’ s also a sanctuary-like space for office staff to work away from the busyness and buzz of an office level, or those who need a change of venue. The 23rd floor houses a client-facing front-office – along with a restaurant for everyone.

Five “staff-only” office floors are below that, each with an identical footprint comprising individual areas called “own spaces” and collaborative facilities.

Although there are separate floors and functions, a discernible design language and uniquely personal handwriting is carried through all the spaces. The bold land art by Strijdom van der Merwe and his sculptural stonework was a concept departure point for Tagge. Working with ENS’s brand team, a visual design link was created between them and the custom zen-like planters filled with indigenous plants. This organic sensibility is a thread that flows throughout. From a sustainability perspective, the plants not only contribute to better air quality, but are aesthetically pleasing, contributing to staff wellness and, ultimately, productivity. A horticultural maintenance contract using green supplies ensures the health and

constant visual value of the greenery. The interior design team drew inspiration from these elements – the natural earthy imagery – and pulled it through the space in gentle ways, into the organic-shaped light fittings, wallpapers that speak to the zen garden, oversized photographs printed on panels, and graphics etched on glass.

Tagge took it further: “You’ll see repetition in a stylised way in different media, but there’s also adaptation from the ENS brand identity – there’s a natural flow of form that has its footing in their logo. This language starts at the reception desks – almost sculptural – [and it’s] a gentle, welcoming movement that directs the space. The materials are distinctly different on the client-facing 23rd floor, but that organic flow remains.”

“OWN SPACES”

Office floors 18 to 21 are exclusively for staff, designed with certain principles in mind. Unlike the offices of yesteryear, ENS’s reimagining began by moving away from a hierarchical layout. Every staff member who works in office – irrespective of title or position – has an identical, dedicated “ own space”, specially designed for concentration, focus work and collaboration on virtual platforms. The term “ own space ” relates not only to privacy, but also to the individual’s customisation potential. Each is individually controllable from a lighting and HVAC/air conditioning perspective – this means that lighting is controlled via wallmounted switches, enabling each occupant to control the lighting levels in their immediate environment.

Similarly, an occupant can determine their own temperature and air flow, and the air they breathe is

The natural earthy imagery is pulled through the space in gentle ways.

Small clusters of private “own spaces” are positioned centrally on the staff floors.

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filtered, directly to each one’s own space. The fit-out optimised indoor air quality – around 66% higher than required by building regulations (SANS 10400-O). From a health and comfort perspective, these mini offices are entirely independent of those adjacent. ENS took cognisance of the importance of health and wellness as a future-proofing element. Evaporative cooling towers or other evaporative cooling systems are eliminated from the design of the building.

“Importantly,” says Sherratt, “the fit-out focused on acoustics, and was awarded an innovation point for speech privacy. These quiet, sound-proofed spaces were fitted with specific sound-dampening features such as acoustic Class C ceilings, at least one acoustic wall panel, acoustic rated walls, and doors with acoustic frame and threshold seals, particularly to facilitate e-meetings.”

POINTS OF VIEW

Traditionally, offices are placed on the perimeter of an office level and a few have the privilege of having a view, symbolic of yesteryear’s hierarchical approach to space allocation. Not here. All ENS’s “ own spaces ” are in small clusters in the centre. Tagge explains: “We deliberately removed all offices away from the windows. We placed the

communal and functional spaces there, so everybody is able to connect to the extensive views and share the “ wow ” spaces. So, from stepping out of the lift, corridors radiate from that central point to each individual “ own space”, and from there, continue onwards towards the windows. The idea is that you’re always walking towards the natural light.” There were also strong sustainability reasons for moving offices away from the impact of the perimeter. Climate is far more controllable when it’s unaffected by cold or heat from the glazed facade. Heat and cold transmission is more stable when that factor is removed.

A HEALTHY MINDSET

The fit-out design focused on health in innovative ways. At the arrival point on each floor – and in three or four other positions – are dedicated hand-wash basins. They’re well-designed, inviting features, with greenery and partial privacy screens around them, so health remains front of mind. “They invite a shift of mindset,” says Tagge. “It’s not

A focus on wellness includes feature hand-wash stations.

All offices were deliberately moved away from the windows to allow for communal and functional spaces, so everybody enjoys the extensive views.

Everybody is able to share the extensive views and the “wow” spaces.

Strijdom van Merwe’s striking land art stone sculptures are part of the earthy, organic theme carried throughout ENS’s offices.

A larger private meeting room – strong art pieces are well showcased in ENS’s offices, particularly on the client-facing 23rd floor.

simply a sticker suggesting you wash your hands, nor do you need to go to the ablutions, or use a harsh alcoholic cleaner. They’re right there, elevating the concept of health as a priority.” The building and interiors also limit occupant water usage by using water-efficient fittings.

Movement “towards the light” – from “own spaces” to stand-up desks with views, or the different-sized meeting rooms – involves what Tagge describes as “interesting, not boring, straight corridors”. En route are the printer and photocopier stations, all of which meet the standards for low emission, so there are no additional indoor pollutants.

LEVEL BEST

The intention of level 10 was twofold, and is solely for staff. It offers numerous formal and informal spaces – from meeting rooms and break-out areas, to dedicated quiet rooms and prayer rooms, a library and coffee stations. Importantly, it’s designed to facilitate interaction – debate and ideas –across different practices and disciplines within the firm. Staff need to intentionally move from their office level to this one – this is important for wellness as staff need to move from being sedentary at a computer screen to a different floor, different vistas and different interactions.

Level 23 has both the main, welcoming reception and forms the client interface along with a shared area for the people of ENS to enjoy each other’s company and views over Cape Town. There are meeting rooms of varying sizes, some separate, others less formal, and the 22nd floor below can be accessed via a feature staircase. The ENS visual language is evident here, too, with different materials and artworks. And there’s an exceptional restaurant and coffee bar, showcased within the environment to create a draw card for interaction. Tagge calls it a “show kitchen”: highly contemporary, where diners look directly into the workings of the kitchen.

However, if quiet is what they prefer, they can choose to sit in one of the various visually connected spaces that all form part of the shared experience of the restaurant. There’s a wide range of options in terms of functionality, and the space can cater for an internal staff function as readily as it can an international indaba. The rooms can be reconfigured to hold different numbers of people and different functions.

The flow between functions and floors is key.

For staff in particular, the location of the building on Cape Town’s Foreshore has contributed to a significantly reduced reliance on private vehicles. The site is within walking distance of a range of amenities, and is close to the MyCiti bus stops and the Cape Town Station, connecting to various Metrorail stops.

The 4-Star Green Star Office V1.1 Design Certification at 35 on Lower Long Street was the beginning of the building’s sustainability journey. ENS has cemented its commitment to upholding ESG principles by securing a 5-Star Green Star Interiors V1 certification for its innovative and people-centric office fit-out.

The design vision shifted away from a traditional office-bound concept to a reimagined space.

The light-filled leisure, coffee and dining spaces offer panoramic views.

ENS’s office is housed in the signature glass-planed office building at 35 Lower Long Street.

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DEEP DIVE:

Responsible & Healthy

With the launch of the New Build V2 tool launch fast approaching, we examine the next two categories on the list.

WORDS Marlinée Fouché

Centring mostly around the well-being of building occupants and system processes, the Responsible and Healthy categories will not only transform the market and increase workforce productivity, but will also result in saving on resources like water and energy.

The Green Star New Build V2 tool per category, continued:

RESPONSIBLE CATEGORY

Credits with Minimum Requirements: A-1 Industry Development; A-2 Responsible Construction; A-3A Verification and Handover; A-3B Metering and Monitoring; A-4 Responsible Waste Management

Other Credits: A-3C Post-Occupancy Tuning; A-6 Responsible Product Framework

Featured Credits: A-2 Responsible Construction; A-3A Verification and Handover; A-3B Metering and Monitoring; A-3C Occupancy Tuning and Evaluation

The RESPONSIBLE category, according to category director and founder of Ecolution Consulting André Harms, answers questions on how buildings are handed over, and how they can remain environmentally responsible, well-functioning and efficient. “It’s a little more nuanced than some of the poster children of a few of the difficulties we face in South Africa, such as water constraints and the very acute energy crisis,” he says. “However, the indoor environments that we find ourselves in for so many hours a day shape our physical and mental health. They influence our productivity, and many other aspects of human development and human life.” To prove high levels of compliance, a skilled commissioning agent is pivotal.

VERIFICATION AND HANDOVER is process-driven, and aims at saving resources like energy and water, and creating an environment for happier, healthier and more productive staff. There are three aspects.

3A: VERIFICATION AND HANDOVER requires teams to design, build and test systems within a building to meet the owners’ requirements and to ensure that it is functional in all its operating conditions. “It’s based on international best practice guidelines, deriving from the American Society of Heating, Ventilation, and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and from the UK equivalent, the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE),” says Harms. Instead of just “flipping a switch at the end”, the goal is to show the advancement of principles such as functionality, quality efficiency, maintainability, accessibility and commissionability throughout the project development cycle.

Yogesh Gooljar, sustainability consultant, partner and director at PJC + Partners, and task-team member, says: “It’s about making sure the process is robust through its documentation so that information is not lost across the various stakeholders in a building’s cradle-to-grave life; someone responsible to ensure that the process is being

followed, and that there’s communication of all the different aspects across the project team.” A basic guideline will be provided for minimum requirements, but for additional points, a professional must be involved to steer the process. According to Harms, implementing these credits (although it may initially add costs) has significant long-term benefits that are paid back multiple times over a short period of time.

3B: METERING AND MONITORING speaks to the ongoing management of a building, using appropriate metering and monitoring systems – and the focus is not necessarily on quantity, but on functionality. “The priority is on the right number and location of the submeters for energy and water, perhaps even other sources like gas, or heating and cooling,” says Harms. Project teams must prove that the building can be managed effectively, and respond proactively to unforeseen, unintended consumption. “If the system automatically flags that you consume 50% more energy than last month,” Harms says, “an investigation should be triggered, rather than just having information that you don’t actually compare to anything.”

This credit requires a minimum set of meters. Going beyond that minimum makes it possible to achieve one point in this category.

3C: OCCUPANCY TUNING AND EVALUATION has no minimum requirements or different tiers, because, says Harms “it’s deemed as a stretch for industry”. It requires

“Toolbox Talks” are expected at prescribed intervals, covering various environmental topics.

that the project team stays involved for a certain period after the practical completion of the building, to “fine-tune the system to operate as effectively as possible, given the practical use of the building”. This could mean identifying too much ventilation, or insufficient water pressure – and intervening to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.

A word of advice to project teams: According to Gooljar, teams shouldn’t feel intimidated by the amount of work that will go into this credit. “If there’s a good verification and handover process, they will save money in maintenance, resources and operations. Rather have a good commissioning process now than pay for it later.”

The RESPONSIBLE CONSTRUCTION credit expects teams to strive towards construction practices that reduce the impact on the environment, and to promote opportunities for improved environmental and social outcomes. This credit comprises four initiatives, aimed at the Principal Contractor.

As one of the minimum requirements, an Environmental Management System (EMS) must be in place, to manage the environmental impacts on site. Projects with an ISO 14001-certified environmental management system are eligible for additional points.

Moreover, for this credit, project teams are expected to proactively create awareness among the various stakeholders on matters of green building principles and sustainability during the entire project development, by implementing a  Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) . This includes a once-off, high-level Green Building induction for each newly appointed contractor or subcontractor, to the requirements of the project-specific Green Star specification. Along with that, “Toolbox Talks” are expected at prescribed intervals, covering various environmental topics and, as a minimum, include: the sustainability attributes of the building and their benefits; the value of certification; and the role site work or site workers play in the delivery of a sustainable building.

HEALTHY CATEGORY

For additional recognition, the project team should develop a project-specific CEMP that is implemented from the start of site activities, and includes all work within the scope of the project. The plan should cover the scope of construction activities to assist the contractor and its service providers or subcontractors to manage environmental performance conditions and impacts arising from demolition, excavation and construction activities. The CEMP should be implemented on a monthly basis.

Project teams will also be expected to develop a  Construction Waste Management Plan (CWMP) and submit a final waste report summary. According to Harms, this an easy place to score, because it’s a practice that’s increasingly gaining traction in the South African context. Contracting teams aiming for this credit should have this in place from the time of Green Star registration, and a waste report summary must be produced at the end of construction.

To achieve in this credit, more specifics on the plan and a specific diversion rate (which is still being researched) must be reached. “It has increasingly become standard practice, from recycling and reuse to avoidance, or by donating certain building materials,” says Harms.

He believes it’s now easier than ever to achieve high outcomes. “We’ve had a project that was built roughly 10 years ago in Cape Town, and it achieved over 95% waste diversion. That was obviously quite hard at the time – the initiative was associated with considerable effort – but in the past 10 years, we’ve increasingly seen projects that have managed to achieve diversion rates of more than 70% and 80%.”

Credits with Minimum requirements: B-1 Clean Air; B-2 Light Quality; B-4 Exposure to Toxins

Other credits: B-3 Acoustic Comfort; B-5 Amenity and Comfort; B-6 Connection to Nature,; B-7 Thermal Comfort

Featured credits: B-2 Light Quality; B-1 Clean Air

“The HEALTHY category is especially aimed at businesses with a focus on staff well-being, and to minimise presenteeism and absenteeism, by creating a healthy indoor environment that benefits all building users,” says category director Annelide Sherratt, Solid Green Consulting’s Head of Department: Green Building Certifications (New Build and Interiors). “The goal is to create trust that the building is safe, comfortable and conducive to occupants’ physical and mental well-being,” she says.

Note: This category is still in the process of being finalised. More information will be confirmed once the tool is launched.

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The LIGHTING QUALITY credit will challenge project teams to be more innovative in how lighting is selected. This is according to task team member, sustainability consultant and building physics modeller at WSP, Alex Varughese. The credit aims at optimising daylight, minimising the glare from natural and artificial lighting, and ensuring that artificial lighting is of high quality. By having performance glazing, enough daylight, and decreasing electricity usage with high-quality light fittings, Varughese believes energy usage can be reduced even further.

The category consists of three parts:

LIGHTING COMFORT will be informed by various lighting and colour-rendering indexes to set the minimum and higher standards. Project teams will also have to consider certain technical aspects of light and colour rendering. Glazing is an important element, and although Varughese says the know-how is there, the high cost for bigger projects remains a hurdle. However, he believes this credit might help to drive market change. “A few years back they asked for a certain certificate for paints without any volatile compounds. At the time it wasn’t available, but as the GBCSA rating system came through, it became readily available.”

GLARE FROM LIGHT SOURCES challenges teams to limit the glare provided by light sources, and obscure direct light from the viewing angles of the occupants. “We need to make sure that light doesn’t reflect too much off desks or certain flooring types, by fitting bare light with louvres, or using translucent diffusers in the ceiling designs,” he says.

Project teams aiming for this credit should ensure that building is providing DAYLIGHT access to building occupants. Certain levels of daylight have to be obtained throughout the different seasons of the year and these criteria are still being finalised. To measure and prove these

levels, simulation software or other measuring systems would be required.

A word of advice to project teams: “This credit isn’t more difficult to achieve than it was before. It’s very easy to apply to a project, but project teams just need to apply themselves a bit more,” says Varughese. He hopes these credits will deepen project teams’ understanding of the available technology, beyond the existing general understanding.

“I would also like to see a lot more automatic controls for lights, such as motion sensors or timers, which would just decrease the usage of that space when it’s not fully occupied, or after office hours.”

Avoid sick building syndrome with the CLEAN AIR credit. It’s all about air quality, because, says task-team member Alana Shuttleworth, “the single biggest expense for many building owners who employ a lot of people is on salaries, and if indoor air quality is poor, there’s a high chance that it will affect the productivity of the building occupants.” People want to know that the air they are breathing is healthy and not contaminated or stale. Getting this credit right can also bring down energy levels and save owners money, she says.

The credit comprises three criteria, guided by local and international standards: a high level of fresh air is provided; pollutants entering the building are minimised; and levels of indoor pollutants are significantly reduced.

The task team still needs to consider the impact of the revised SANS 10400 Part O regulations, recently released for public comment, on the benchmarks for this credit’s fresh air rates.

The indoor environments that we’re in for so many hours a day shape our physical and mental health.

Project teams will be expected to ensure that MINIMUM FRESH AIR RATES are achieved in occupied indoor spaces. In addition, MINIMUM SEPARATION DISTANCES BETWEEN THE POLLUTANT SOURCE AND OUTDOOR AIR INTAKES are specified, and outdoor air intakes shall be filtered to minimum filtration levels. “We’re going to reference tables with minimum distances, so your outdoor air intake must be a minimum distance of, for example, 5m away from an area where garbage is stored, or from air that’s exhausted from the building, says Shuttleworth. It must also be demonstrated that indoor pollutants are minimised in the regularly occupied areas.

Another minimum requirement is DUCT CLEANLINESS, which requires teams to clean ventilation ducts before the building is occupied. Notching it up one level, teams will be rewarded for ease of access for maintenance and cleaning, “to ensure that filters can be changed easily and equipment can be cleaned easily.” To ensure this, Accredited Professionals would look for access panels near coils, so that they can be cleaned, and near filters, so that filters can be changed.

MINIMUM FILTRATION RATES for specific types of spaces in all building typologies will be defined in the credit. This will extend to all building typologies. The latest SANS 10400 regulations will also be consulted to determine MINIMUM VENTILATION RATES for both natural and mechanical ventilation.

With regard to the MINIMISATION OF INDOOR POLLUTANTS, project teams must demonstrate that all pollutant sources inside of the building – whether from printing or even cooking – are limited. This can be done by expelling the equipment’s pollutants outside. “Another

CALLING ALL SUSTAINABILITY PIONEERS

option is ensuring that the relevant equipment complies with minimum emissions standards,” says Shuttleworth.

The new Green Star tool will now apply to all building typologies, including residential. Says Shuttleworth, “The amount of fresh air supplied to the building would need to be a certain percentage improvement on the minimum fresh air rate. As an alternate route, teams can implement demand-controlled ventilation, using carbon dioxide (CO2) monitoring. For this option, the ventilation system must be capable of providing enough outdoor air to maintain CO2 levels to a predetermined maximum level. The system must continuously measure the concentration of CO2 within the breathing zone and adjust the amount of outdoor air to the space accordingly.” This is an energy-efficient way of achieving the required fresh air levels without overdesigning the fresh air supply, and it aids in saving energy.

Projects are also able to achieve a point for producing and implementing an INDOOR AIR QUALITY PLAN

According to Shuttleworth, “The objective would be to facilitate a process that leads to design, specification and installation decisions, and actions that minimise indoor air pollution during the design, construction and occupation of the building.”

To reach the highest tier, projects are required to provide fresh air rates at even greater percentage improvements than level 1.

A word of advice to project teams: Take a few steps back and think pragmatically about how best to achieve clean air in your building. Don’t forget to consider how your building can best “breathe” on its own, when there is no power supply, such as during loadshedding

“We are looking for projects to pilot Green Star V2,” says the GBCSA’s Head of Technical, Georgina Smit. The GBCSA invites any stakeholders in the planning stage of a new build project (any typology) for Green-Star Certification, who want to be part of the V2 Pilot pioneers, to contact the GBCSA team as soon as possible. The Pilot pioneers will have the ability to use the existing Green-Star rating tools concurrently with the V2 credits being tested, so lose nothing in the certification process, but gain the ability to be at the forefront of refining and testing the potential of the V2 tool. “Please contact us to join this industry initiative,” says Smit, “and be part of writing the next chapter of green building history.”

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GROUND UP From the

Having recently become the first GBCSA-certified, Net Positive Ecology Level 2 – Operational Ecology (Measured) project in the country, dsm-firmenich South Africa sets a precedent for sustainable landscaping within the green building industry.

WORDS Nicole Cameron

IMAGES Marc Sherratt Sustainability Architects

PROJECT NUTSHELL

Client: dsm-firmenich South Africa

Location: Corner 16th & Pharmaceutical roads, Midrand, Gauteng

Green-Star rating: Net Positive Ecology Level 2 – Operational Ecology (Measured)

Type of project: Urban ecologically landscaped site

Date achieved: 3 May 2023

Project size: 1 240m2 (total gross floor area)

Through its sustainable landscaping project, dsm-firmenich’s South African office in Midrand, Johannesburg, is paving the way for urban ecological regeneration.

“Our roots may go back well over a century, but we’re always looking forward. We know from experience that that’s how we can grow our positive impact on people, climate, and nature – all in line with our purpose of bringing progress to life.” Such is the vision statement of dsm-firmenich, a leading global company that delivers sustainable solutions in the spheres of nutrition, health and beauty.

With sites located in nearly 60 countries, the company’s South African office in Midrand, Johannesburg, has recently brought progress to life by becoming the first GBCSA-certified, Net Positive Ecology Level 2 –Operational Ecology (Measured) project in the country. Through the planting of over 4 000 individual plants and close to 140 different species, all locally indigenous to this endangered ecosystem, the project is paving the way for urban ecological regeneration.

SOWING THE SEEDS

“I was contacted by green building consultancy Solid Green, who had been appointed to perform three other Net Positive certifications for dsm-firmenich,” says managing director of Marc Sherratt Sustainability Architects, Marc Sherratt. “They asked me to support them in achieving Net Positive Ecology for the existing building and site. This project excited us, as our company mission is “reversing local extinction through sustainable architecture”. Landscaping is essential to achieving this goal, and so we’ve built a landscaping division into the company’s service scope.”

According to Sherratt, the site’s original native landscape was discovered to be Egoli Granite Grassland, which originally covered most of the northern suburbs of Johannesburg. “This is the most endangered vegetation type in the city and so this project, with its lofty Net Positive goal, was a perfect candidate to test how many plants from this vegetation type we could ethically source,” he says. “This approach breaks with a widely held belief that there are not enough indigenous plants in commercial

production for indigenous landscaping to be interesting.”

The design process started by positioning the new landscaping correctly on the site, with the rating requiring about 15% of the site to be regenerated. In this case, it equalled an area of just over 1 500m 2 . Work then began on removing the existing exotic kikuyu lawn, and planting the carefully sourced plants from reputable indigenous nurseries. Adequate irrigation was installed to establish the landscape in its first year, after which it will be rain-fed. In total, the project took about 10 to 12 months from concept to completion.

“Engaging with the landscape is done via an interactive sensory pathway where specific species have been highlighted using insect hotels with integrated signage noting their scent, taste and medical properties. This links with the site’s core business of flavours and fragrances,” says Sherratt.

“South African grasslands have a unique look and feel. Many species die back in winter, so it was important that the client understood this visual change,” he continues. “The focus of the landscape design was on diversity above aesthetics. Perhaps surprisingly, these landscapes need intensive maintenance due to their small size. Specifically, it means making sure weeds don’t overgrow them, as they are usually surrounded by exotic species. This is an important aspect over which the client assumes ownership.”

A BLOSSOMING SUCCESS

Ashley Sams, Workplace Manager Sub-Saharan Africa Region at dsm-firmenich, says that they had thought that this accreditation might be the most complex of the four, but after working through everything, it presented fewer challenges than expected. “The additional birdlife that

The Net Positive Ecology Level 2 – Operational Ecology (Measured) GBCSA rating requires about 15% of the site to be regenerated. In the case of dsm-firmenich’s South African office, it equalled an area of just over 1 500m2

The landscape of a city is part of its identity as much as its architecture is.

has already been observed in the indigenous space is a real highlight,” he says. “There is an authentic beauty in an indigenous garden, bringing what should have been [there] back to life. We are also very pleased with the informative pathway, titled “Journey of Taste and Smell”, which links directly to the site’s core business.”

Gaining this rating means that the site has achieved an independently verified, measurable improvement of its native ecological system. Sherratt says that at the time of the project he was also part of the technical team writing the Ecological Regeneration credit for Version 2 of the Green Star New Build rating tool. “This project was a good pilot to test if the thinking we developed for this credit was achievable, especially around how to practically measure and report an increase in landscape diversity.”

The word “regeneration” is used in this context rather than “restoration”, as the latter means to bring back the site as it originally was, which is near impossible in many urban settings. Regeneration is about using the site’s original vegetation type as a reference, but with the freedom to adjust the design in order to achieve the highest possible biodiversity that the site can manage. It also means taking into consideration new local anthropogenic systems like afforestation or climate change.

“The importance of regenerating endangered vegetation types in cities is a vital discussion. The landscape of a city is part of its identity as much as its architecture is. You can tell a lot about which nations and cultures have influenced a city by what has been planted historically. Looking back is one thing, but as designers we also need to question what the future city should look like. Cities should be seen as a part of the natural realm, having wildlife corridors through them, having safe spaces for migratory animals like birds, and increasing their locally indigenous planting to provide food and shelter for many species that have been pushed out of their natural home ranges. Much of the work we do focuses on how to practically do this in an African context,”

explains Sherratt.

We have a collective responsibility as the most dominant species on the planet to care for our local species in need of protection.

The “Journey of Taste and Smell” is an informative pathway that links to the site’s core business.

The project showcases the variety of indigenous plants available and how landscaping can be used to reverse local extinction in urban areas.

Using the important taxa of Egoli Granite Grassland, the team tried to match the vegetation composition ratio of the new landscaping to this threatened ecosystem in terms of the ratio of grasses to herbs, geophytes, trees and succulents.

FUTURE GROWTH

“Having a client that strives for innovation was a breath of fresh air, when often going green is seen as a grudge purchase – especially regarding something like landscaping that doesn’t have a financial payback. Its positive impact on human health is also difficult to measure objectively,” he says.

“My hope is that this project helps show clients the value of highly diverse, locally indigenous landscaping. Landscaping is usually given only leftover space, and a budget that allows only a few pretty, easy-to-maintain species. Increasing the client base of cities to include endangered wildlife is a powerful idea. Without romanticising the past, it does link to a time of deep connection between people and

their natural environment, perhaps the original definition of sustainability.

“These projects remind us of our collective responsibility as the most dominant species on the planet to care for our local species in need of protection. With the government stretched financially, it highlights the necessary role of the private sector in contributing to conservation, even in a small, simple way like urban landscaping. If we do this collectively, we can transform our cities to places of sanctuary and refuge for many species in need of our help,” says Sherratt.

“Well done to dsm-firmenich for pioneering this type of project in Africa and for being the first GBCSA-certified, Net Positive Ecology Level 2 accreditation in the country.”

“The importance of regenerating endangered vegetation types in cities is a vital discussion. The landscape of a city is part of its identity as much as its architecture is – you can tell a lot about which nations and cultures have influenced a city by what has historically been planted,” says managing director of Marc Sherratt Sustainability Architects, Marc Sherratt.

There is an authentic beauty in an indigenous garden, bringing what should have been there back to life.

AFRISAM: SUPPORTING GREEN AMBITIONS

Even in an industry as competitive as construction, the pressure to improve environmental performance is growing. Developers are targeting “green buildings” and want their contractors to be fully on board. An important way to reduce the carbon footprint of projects is through carefully sourcing your construction materials, argues AfriSam.

With the trend towards green buildings, contractors are expected to support their customers in reaching sustainability goals; AfriSam’s product range has been evolving with this front of mind.

Decades of innovation in terms of environmental responsibility and carbon reduction have put AfriSam out front, according to Hannes Meyer, Cementitious Executive at AfriSam. The company was one of the first to develop its own sustainability road map, and this is now paying off for customers.

“The sustainability drive in the construction sector is gathering momentum,” says Meyer. “The carbon footprint of construction materials is where contractors can make immediate gains when looking to align a project with more stringent environmental standards.”

Meyer points out that the company has made continuous progress in fields such as energy efficiency, cement extenders, water conservation and biodiversity. This allows customers to procure products in the knowledge that the environmental and carbon impact is minimised.

“We give our customers the opportunity to support a more sustainable future for the sector by choosing construction materials that embody this commitment,” Meyer explains. “We do not just set theoretical targets for environmental performance; we are practical about what we can achieve, because we have been innovating on this front for so long.”

CREDIBLE EVIDENCE

This is in clear contrast to a significant level of “ greenwashing” in this sector, where many companies advertise a sustainable approach but without credible evidence of

how their targets are to be achieved. Since 1990, AfriSam has been able to reduce the volume of carbon dioxide emissions per ton of cementitious material by 33%.

In a carbon-intensive industry like cement manufacturing, it is difficult to reduce the carbon impact without a depth of expertise and constant investment in innovation, says AfriSam Process Engineer Marieta Buckle. It is also important to consider the cost implications of any changes, given South Africa’s need for a just transition to a sustainable future.

“In our position as a developing country, our future will demand the construction of millions of houses –structures that require considerable quantities of cement,” says Buckle. “The way we pursue our just transition must take into account the affordability of these homes for the vast majority of citizens.”

AfriSam has therefore been cautious in how it sets and publicises its sustainability targets, while all along continuing to prioritise research and development into how to achieve lower carbon products. Having considered a wide variety of options available, it has implemented strategies that have the least cost impact on customers and the market.

In 2009, AfriSam was the first in the industry to introduce a CO2 rating system on its cement products.

AfriSam is the partner of choice for contractors who are serious about a more sustainable future for our planet and our children.

REDUCE YOUR STORAGE BATTERY CARBON FOOTPRINT BY 85%

No one argues about the best chemistry for storage batteries because that debate has been long settled. Lithium iron phosphate is the safest and most efficient battery chemistry. There are two well-known acronyms that denote lithium iron phosphate batteries: these are 1st LiFePO₄ and 2nd LiFePO₄. Both acronyms pay homage to the chemistry, and while both point to the same makeup, there is an important and, quite frankly, earth-saving difference. 1st LiFePO₄ batteries are commonly referred to as first life batteries, or 1st LiFe. They only got this name to differentiate them from the innovative second life batteries, or 2nd LiFe. So, what’s the difference?

1st LiFe batteries are either premium or, to be polite, not-so-premium – in other words, the ones that cost more money and the ones that cost less money. These batteries are built for one purpose – stationary energy storage. 2nd LiFe batteries are built from the best cells taken from electric vehicle (EV) batteries when they are replaced. There comes a time in an EV’s life when the battery needs to be replaced because the weight no longer justifies the output. These batteries are then cast aside or dumped in landfills and replaced with new ones. However, within these batteries are perfectly good individual cells, and by using a meticulous process, these cells can be repurposed. The process involves identifying the best cells and then building new batteries with new battery management systems. They have the same lifespan as 1st LiFe batteries but with an important added benefit: they are made from automotive-grade cells, which are designed to withstand much tougher operating conditions. REVOVTM builds premium 2nd LiFe batteries.

COMPARING LIKE FOR LIKE

So, when comparing on a like-for-like basis, the REVOVTM 2nd LiFe battery is comparable to not only 1st LiFe batteries but also to the so-called premium 1st LiFe battery on all the important metrics, from lifespan to performance, but different in two key areas. The first is that you get a premium battery at a cost more similar to the – politely speaking, again – not-so-premium 2nd LiFe batteries. In other words, they cost more or less the same as inferior products that are brought into the country to try to compete on cost. However, the second differentiator is no doubt the most important.

A 2nd LiFe battery has a carbon footprint that’s 15% of that of a 1st LiFePO₄ battery. In other words, by choosing a 2nd LiFe battery, an installer is reducing the storage component of any system’s carbon footprint by 85%. Now, if we consider that a substantial portion of battery use is in renewable energy installations, this is a no-brainer. The planet matters, our futures depend on it, and why would

anyone choose to increase their carbon footprint while doing the right thing – trying to decrease their carbon footprint by choosing solar? It makes no sense, and more people need to know this.

LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY

Now that we have spoken about the differences between lithium iron phosphate batteries, it is equally important to talk about what happens after you buy the battery. Any installation, whether it be a UPS system or solar system, is not built for short-term gain. These are longterm investments, and just like anything mechanical, there could be a whole host of things that could conceivably go wrong. Who provides the local support? In the case of noname cheap imports, the answer is, quite simply, nobody. Always seek out reputable local suppliers who have the capacity to provide local support so that your battery investment is just that, not a once-off impulsive buy that burdens you a year or two down the line. However, the most important consideration simply must be the planet. If you have the chance to use a product that is equal on all metrics except that it saves 85% on the carbon footprint of the so-called competitor product, why would you choose anything else? REVOVTM 2nd LiFe is about more than a storage battery– it is a philosophy that places the wellbeing of our planet front and centre.

PRESERVATION Lessons in

The new buildings at Bracken Nature Reserve, Cape Town, slot into the natural landscape as if they have always belonged there.

The new building complex at the City of Cape Town’s Bracken Nature Reserve has just been awarded a 5-Star Green Star certification for its design, and will be taking shape on site over the next two years.

WORDS Melinda Hardisty

IMAGES GAPP Architects and Urban Designers

PROJECT NUTSHELL

Client: City of Cape Town – Bracken Nature Reserve

Location: 2 Reservoir Street, Brackenfell South, Cape Town

Green Star rating: 5-Star Green Star Public & Education Building Design (V1)

Type of building: Environmental Education Centre

Project construction dates: October 2023 – July 2025

Project size: 710m² (total gross floor area)

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15 Permanent staff, consisting of Engineers, Technologist, Technicians and Administration staff with combined industry experience exceeding 130 years.

We pride ourselves on our design ability, attention to detail, and quality of work.

Our Services offerings are tailored to suit our clients’ needs and financial constraints. We will add value to your business and project assignments, across all sectors of the market Commercial, Residential, Governmental, Medical, Hospitality, Retail and Industrial sectors.

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“Use design as a framework to bring order out of chaos ”

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The complex of buildings at the Bracken Nature Reserve has been earmarked for an upgrade for some years now. In 2022, City of Cape Town announced that just over R34 million had been set aside for the project, and the design began in earnest. Being a nature reserve, it was important that any new development exemplified the best of sustainable design and building practices. The public will also benefit from the upgraded facilities, which offer an escape to nature as well as experiential education around sustainability and the environment.

THE RESERVE

Bracken Nature Reserve, in Cape Town’s northern suburb of Brackenfell, is a 36ha protected area of natural habitat. Previously a granite quarry, and subsequently a landfill site, the land has since been restored and established as a nature reserve. It is now home to number of plant species that are rare or critically endangered, mostly from the Swartland Granite Renosterveld, and the Cape Flats Sand Fynbos vegetation categories. In general, these are severely under-protected typologies.

The reserve is open to the public for short hikes and to enjoy time outdoors. There are also facilities that provide information and education around topics such as biodiversity, invasive species, water, waste and sustainability, and how to preserve our natural heritage. These facilities have been in dire need of an upgrade for some time and are finally receiving an overhaul.

THE SCOPE

The entire area occupied by administration, public and service buildings was reimagined. Some small, historic buildings were retained and restored, and will be used as a manager’s cottage and student accommodation. New buildings will house a community education and multipurpose venue, an administration block, a workshop and a garage.

The project’s sustainability consultants, Richard Duckitt and Justine Powrie of Goal Zero Consulting, add that the educational facilities, used for school groups, could previously only accommodate a maximum of 20 children. The new facility will be able to hold up to 100 children, in two classes.

Creating usable outdoor “rooms” out of the interstitial spaces was a significant part of the design approach.

New buildings will house a community education and multipurpose venue, an administration block, a workshop and a garage.

Through an evolving design process, the team explored the existing zones, the relationships between them, and how best to create useful and positive spaces and connections.

Access roads, parking areas and footpaths will be upgraded and integrated into the natural landscape. Disturbed land will be replanted with the indigenous and endemic species that call the reserve home, with a focus on plants that require little water. Landscape architect Jacques Dohse of Planning Partners also consulted on the incorporation of retention ponds and storm water systems that will reduce storm water run-off, allowing water to soak into the ground in line with the natural system. A wetland area will also become self-sustainable over time and add to the biodiversity of the area. Near the buildings, the existing educational gardens will be retained and upgraded to allow visitors to wander around and learn about the plants themselves.

THE ARCHITECTURE

“One of the key moments in the project was when Bongani Mnisi [Manager: Environmental Planning & Sustainability, the client user and Project Lead] took us for a walk in the nature reserve and explained the local flora and fauna to us. Only then do you realise the significance of little things that may otherwise have gone unnoticed,” says Martin Pallmann of his experience on the project. Pallmann headed up the team from GAPP Architects. He goes on to explain that the buildings are arranged to form a “campus-like assembly with outdoor ‘classrooms’, where green building elements will be showcased for educational purposes”. Creating usable outdoor “rooms” out of the interstitial spaces was a significant part of the design approach.

The old administration building and manager’s cottage were refurbished after a careful approval process with Heritage Western Cape, facilitated by GAPP’s senior architect and heritage practitioner, Kobus van Wyk. The new buildings are steel portal-framed structures with brickwork infill and a polished concrete surface bed, topped by double-pitched soft roofs with PV arrays on the north-facing sides. The new roofs, of modern metal sheeting, are designed to be differentiated from, yet respectful of, the corrugated roofing on the heritage buildings. External wall treatment is a combination of cement-washed semi-face (NFX) brick and plaster. The combined effect ties in respectfully with the heritage buildings on the site, and is reminiscent of rural farm barns, which is not out of place in the context.

Pallmann adds that all exposed timber elements in the roof structure and pergola is saligna (bluegum/eucalyptus), which is locally sourced and supports invasive species removal programmes. All timber is FSC-certified. Terraced building platforms were created using gabion walls made with granite found on the site.

WATER SAVINGS

Powrie explains that water and energy efficiency were the main two targets they wanted to hit on this project. They were the categories that achieved the highest scores, although commendable scores were achieved across all the categories of the tool. Potable water use is closely monitored by a sophisticated, cloud-based monitoring network so that water usage can be understood and adjusted as necessary.

The “campus” provides usable and interesting public spaces inside, in between, and around the buildings.

One of the existing buildings was upgraded and made into student accommodation.

The manager’s cottage was assessed for heritage value, and respectfully upgraded and given a new lease on life.

Low water fittings were installed throughout. Municipal water is utilised only for potable requirements, such as kitchen sinks and hand-wash basins, while black water is treated on site, and used for irrigation and to flush toilets.

“Designing a sewage effluent treatment plant that is simple to maintain and minimises potential breakdowns was one of the biggest challenges of the project”, says Powrie. Harvested rainwater supplements the water system. The building achieves a 98% reduction in potable water use as compared to a notional building benchmark.

ENERGY INTERVENTIONS

The building uses high-performance vision glazing, which reduces glare and promotes external views for the occupants of the building, but also reduces the need for electric lighting. All light fittings are low energy LEDs and are linked to occupancy and light-level sensors to prevent them being on when they are not needed. Enclosed offices and the multipurpose hall have fresh air ventilation facilitated by louvres and mechanical assistance. In winter, the multipurpose hall and selected areas of the administration building are heated by under-floor heating. This low-energy heating system comprises a closed water pipe system cast into the concrete surface bed. Heated water is pumped through the pipes and, facilitated by the thermal mass of the concrete floor, heats up the spaces.

The building roofs support a 50kWp grid-tied photovoltaic solar system, as well as a 3kWp backup for a 200-litre solar geyser. These installations reduce the peak load on the coldest day of the year by 74%. As the building does not

require mechanical cooling, only heating, the peak demand is always in winter. This was achieved through excellent passive design and energy modelling to verify the thermal comfort of the building in summer and winter. During off-peak demand times, the solar installation will provide a much higher proportion of the building’s needs.

BRINGING IT TOGETHER

As well as the main interventions around energy and water, indoor comfort was an important focus of the design. Most occupied spaces have access to external views of gardens outside, and the specialised glass maximises daylight while minimising glare. Carbon dioxide (CO2) sensors monitor air quality indoors and these are linked to the fresh air system so that fresh air intake will automatically increase if the CO2 levels get too high. Added acoustic treatments also help to create a comfortable indoor environment.

A waste management plan was set up, including on-site recyclables sorting facilities. A building users’ guide was put together to help in educating and training the building occupants as to how the building should be operated to achieve the best operational sustainability. This guide includes education around the installations and how they work, the waste management strategy and encouragement to use public transport, shared transport, bicycles or hybrid-type vehicles. Locker and shower facilities are provided to encourage cycling or walking to work.

IMPACT AND IMPORTANCE

The City of Cape Town, as signatories of the C40 network of large cities, has included net-zero carbon building goals within the city’s Climate Action Plan in line with global best practice. The fast-approaching 2030 goal is that all new and existing municipal assets (excluding industrial plants) are to be net-zero carbon in terms of operation. The alignment of major retrofits of municipal assets, such as the Bracken project, with the net-zero carbon goals is a great example of the city showing leadership in this area. As this asset will be around for years, it is important that it is designed with greater efficiencies.

The Bracken project “has achieved ‘net-zero carbonreadiness’ for its operational energy, with formal certification being pursued, and nearly net zero for water”, explains Pallmann. “The design collaboration of all the professionals was a great experience, demonstrating how easily good design can achieve 5-Star ratings without excessive budget requirements.”

The project team were shown around the reserve and taught about many small aspects of nature so that they could better understand the nuances of the site.

Existing buildings were recognised for their heritage value and will undergo respectful upgrades.

The buildings and their relationship to – and respect of – the surrounding landscape was a large design driver.

FORCE FOR GOOD A powerful

The role of business in supporting sustainable development objectives has never been more important, says recently appointed CEO of the National Business Initiative, Shameela Soobramoney.

For about 16 years, I’ve been privileged to be deeply engaged in sustainability and the role of business and capital markets in achieving sustainable development. In that time I have seen the interest in the topic grow steadily and then, in the past five years or so, very rapidly. This rapid up-tick in interest follows the increasingly obvious signs of destruction of the natural environment and deepening social divides, which point to the flaws in the economic and financial models that are largely still being applied.

As a strategist by background, and with a strong leaning towards finance and capital markets, it became obvious to me early on that business needed to explicitly consider the pursuit of sustainable development as a key aspect of it strategic focus and alignment to the mitigation of risk and pursuit of opportunity.

THE TIME IS NOW

We have now come to accept that we operate within the confines of planetary boundaries and hence, if we are to ensure a stable planet and equitable society, growth objectives need to assessed against this reality. Growth –and the measurement of it – as we have pursued it until now, cannot continue into perpetuity without breaching critical tipping points of the ecological boundaries, as has been clearly shown by, among others, Earth scientist Johann Rockström at the World Economic Forum.

The science tells us that we have a window of opportunity to arrest the rapid declines we are seeing in key sustainability issues such as climate change and biodiversity, as well as social cohesion and equality. The key is to act now, and as far and wide as possible. Business will have a key role to play, even if just considered

from estimates on how much financing is needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030 agenda. Estimates vary as being between US$3 trillion and $5 trillion needed per year, beyond what is already being spent. This will have to come from private capital. For this reason, the role of business in supporting the achievement of the aims of sustainable development has never been more important.

This is where I believe the NBI can play an even bigger role in helping drive collaborative action for the achievement of sustainable development, encompassing environmental and social sustainability while creating value. Many companies are undertaking their own commendable initiatives, no doubt. However there is much to be gained from the multiplier effect that collective action can have. Obvious immediate benefits can come from economies of scale and leveraging a solid base, rather than each entity doing a little and replicating structures in their own contexts.

My focus will be on “the art of the possible” and by this, I mean that we need to look at the world and business models using a lens of what sustainable models can look like – and then make a set of no-regret decisions now, which can help get us on that pathway. I am under no illusion that “business as usual” is unlikely to change overnight, and there are many entrenched perverse incentives and short-termisms that will require an entire systems change to shift.

DRIVING SYSTEMIC CHANGE

However, if we have a view of where we can go, we have the opportunity to use that vision to drive current choices. If we know that the way of the future is circular and regenerative systems, then what are the things we can do now that are on the path to those models? How do we balance these against the current realities we face as a country with rampant unemployment, inequality and poverty? It is the answering of these questions that I intend to make my focus at the NBI. We can provide the knowledge base that can inform actions and recommendations for policy and other systems changes, and we provide the practical “on the ground” implementation projects that facilitate collaborative action to drive systemic change.

The NBI is home to the ground-breaking Just Transition Pathways project that was derived from an intense multistakeholder consultation process, and which offers

pathways to net zero for every major sector of the economy. It makes the case that we can have a transition that is net jobs-positive if we make the right choices now. There is the opportunity to seed new industries aligned with a low-carbon future that both create jobs and make the country more competitive globally. The aim is to find implementable projects that bring the recommendations to life, and some of these are underway.

TOWARDS A RESILIENT, RELEVANT ECONOMY

Closely tied to this is the work under the Economic Inclusion team of the NBI towards creating meaningful job opportunities for young people. The focus is both on immediate jobs to alleviate the very serious impacts of unemployment, as well a longer term view on green jobs. This work also focuses on SME development and has a cross-cutting impact across the other NBI work streams.

The Technical Assistance Maintenance and Development team are working on recapacitating the state from a skills perspective, and works from municipal level all the way up to departmental level. This work has carefully built up workable models based on deep trust between the parties in what is usually a public-private partnership approach.

I aim to work with my formidable team, and our stakeholder and member base, to build on the success of what is being done already. This will be rooted in a clear framework for assessing impact in a manner that answers to the challenges of the country – at the same time laying the foundation for a resilient, relevant economy that can help achieve the aims of restorative and distributive justice, as proposed in the Just Transition Framework of the Presidential Climate Commission.

Given my roots in finance, I have seen great opportunity to bring the financial sector into key sustainability challenges, as the markets can be a powerful force for good.

This is about investing in a future we want and need to co-create. Because if we don’t invest in the future we want, then the one we get will be worth infinitely less.

Shameela Soobramoney is CEO of the National Business Initiative (NBI), an independent coalition of the local and multinational businesses focusing on taking action to achieve social and environmental sustainability, underpinned by good governance.

Previously chief sustainability officer at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), Shameela has, inter alia, been a key contributor to the JSE’s work into climate change, the potential for a local market to trade in carbon credits and environment-related products, the development of a Green, Social and Sustainability bonds framework, impact investing, and the JSE’s sustainability, innovation and CSI strategies.

She has served as chair of the World Federation of Exchange’s (global) Sustainability Working Group, a member of the Strategy Group of the Global Investors for Sustainable Development Alliance (GISD), and chair of the Sustainable Finance Working Group of the National Treasury of South Africa. She is a non-executive director of the WWF (South Africa), and of the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA).

Shameela completed a Master’s degree in Sustainability Leadership (MSt) at the University of Cambridge and holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Pretoria, Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS).

Shaping a more

RESILIENT AND SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

In February this year, 110 Oxford in Johannesburg achieved a 4-Star Green Star Office Design v1.1 certification – a testament to the project team’s commitment to sustainable development that benefits both people and the environment.

WORDS & IMAGES SOLID GREEN CONSULTING

The 5 000m² gross leasable area (GLA), P-grade development by Barrow Properties, 110 Oxford, is located in the vibrant neighbourhood of Rosebank, Johannesburg. Its position affords high profile and visibility, and is within walking distance of the Rosebank Mall and Gautrain Station.

Dayne van Rensburg, Project Manager at Barrow Properties, says, “By targeting and successfully obtaining a Green Star design certification, 110 Oxford has demonstrated its adherence to rigorous sustainability standards. This certification acknowledges our efforts to incorporate environmentally friendly practices into the design and construction of the project, ensuring that it aligns with principles of resource efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and improved occupant well-being.

THE TEAM

A notable achievement that contributed to the certification was the formation of the GSSAAP Team, consisting of five professional team members and four members from the main

contractor. This team’s successful completion of the online Green Star New Buildings course showcases the project’s commitment to fostering knowledge and expertise in sustainable building practices, and allowed them to optimise the project’s sustainability features and performance.

THE ACHIEVEMENTS

Under the Green Star tool, the project targeted an Innovation point for Financial Transparency and has completed calculations, which indicate that the Green Building Cost Premiums are as little as 2.65%.

To guarantee an indoor environment conducive to user well-being and productivity, a direct visual connection to the external environment was provided for 86% of the Office Useable Area. Furthermore, a high level of thermal comfort was ensured by addressing the internal operative temperatures through modelling and ensuring they are within the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 55-2004 Acceptability Limits for at least 98% of occupied hours.

THE EFFICIENCIES

Energy, water, and environmental initiatives implemented in the building include the following:

• Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions: The operational energy consumption associated with the building has been minimised to decrease its carbon footprint. An energy model was created during the design phase, allowing a comparison between the building’s energy performance and that of a notional building based on SANS 10400 standards. The design of the building demonstrated an improvement over the notional building model.

• Individual space switching: To enhance flexibility and energy efficiency, each individual space or enclosed area is equipped with occupancy sensors that control the lighting, ensuring that only occupied areas are illuminated.

• Energy-efficient office lighting : The lighting design for the office spaces prioritises minimal energy consumption. The power density for office lighting was set to be less than 1.5 W/m² per 100 Lux, ensuring efficient use of artificial lighting.

• Water efficiency: To help conserve water resources, the building incorporates water-efficient fittings and all major water-consuming systems are equipped with sub-meters. This allows for the collection of detailed information on water consumption, facilitating better understanding and management of the building’s water systems.

• Smart metering and water-wise plant selection: Potable water consumption for landscape irrigation has been reduced through the use of smart metering technology, soil moisture sensors, drip irrigation and the selection of water-wise plants. This combination enables efficient monitoring and management of water usage, as well as a significant reduction in water used for irrigation.

• For the duration of the construction period, a project specific Environmental Management Plan was developed and implemented to establish guidelines in order to minimise the environmental impact associated with construction activities. A projectspecific Waste Management Plan was also developed and implemented to reduce the contribution of waste going to landfill.

• The project has provided a total waste recycling storage area of 42m² to encourage building users to recycle all waste where possible, to further reduce the waste going to landfill sites.

Reflecting on the experience of working on this project Sustainable Building Consultant at Solid Green Cebisa Mafukuzela says, “For the team at Solid Green, successes like the 110 Oxford certification reinforce our dedication to prioritising both environmental and human well-being, and inspire us to continue pushing the boundaries of sustainable design and construction.”

Contact Solid Green Consulting for more information: 011 447 2797 or www.solidgreen.co.za

LEADING On the

EDGE

Illovo Country Estate in KwaZulu-Natal recently achieved an EDGE certification with the GBCSA. +Impact unpacks how these apartments are a shining example of sustainability.

WORDS Katherine Graham

IMAGES Alleyroads

PROJECT NUTSHELL

Location: 38 Pearce Road, Illovo, Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal

Green building certification: EDGE certification

Type of building: Residential estate

Project date: Certified February 2023

Project size: 19 072m2 total gross floor area

Illovo Country Estate is situated amid the lush vegetation of the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast and offers housing at affordable rentals.

When property developer Alleyroads bought the Illovo Country Club in 2012 on KwaZulu-Natal’s (KZN) South Coast, affordable housing was top of mind. “Our main aim was to close the infrastructure gap in South Africa, as demand for affordable housing far outstrips supply,” says Ivan Pretorius, founder and MD of Alleyroads. While upmarket property developments have mushroomed along the North Coast over the past decade, middle-income earners have been left behind. “There were also economic drivers that made us choose the South Coast,” explains Pretorius, including the development of the Durban port towards the old airport, as well as the expansion projects of Toyota and Illovo Sugar, which required additional personnel to be housed.

The other objective Alleyroads wanted to achieve was sustainability. Last year the company secured funding for R325 million from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a division of the World Bank. Alleyroads also became an EDGE Champion, one of only a handful of African companies that were chosen by the IFC to accelerate green building adoption. While the IFC is responsible for EDGE certification worldwide, the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) is a Certification Provider is the country.

Pretorius says the group chose to pursue EDGE certification because it’s kinder to the planet and on people’s pockets. “As a developer, by greening our housing projects, we put less strain on the national electricity grid and this ensures sustainability into the future,” he asserts. “The tenants living in our units also derive direct benefits from the reduction in their monthly utility expenditure.”

There was also a market advantage to working with the GBCSA, Pretorius believes. “GBCSA’s certification systems, such as EDGE, are widely recognised and respected in the industry,” he explains. “By working with GBCSA, Alleyroads can aim for green building certifications for its projects, providing a market advantage by demonstrating commitment to sustainable design and construction.”

FROM COUNTRY CLUB TO ESTATE

Construction began in 2015, with the first phase of the development consisting of 80 units, then financed by the National Urban Reconstruction and Housing Agency (NURCHA). Later, Phases 2 and 3 were added, consisting of 160 sectional-title units. In total, the development now consists of 240 units.

Each unit has a floorplan of 65m² and consists of two bedrooms and a bathroom. It comes fitted with builtin cupboards, granite kitchen countertop, and modern sanitary ware and tiling in the bathroom. The complex has ample parking, with plenty of visitors’ bays, as well as 24-hour security. In addition, it features amenities like tennis courts, a play area for children, a swimming pool and a club house, which was part of the original country club house.

PREDICTED SAVINGS

Hano Oberholzer, director of BDH Solutions, who advised Alleyroads on the green building design and helped the client understand the ins and outs of the certification system, is thrilled with the result. “I am immensely satisfied that all our hard work paid off,” he enthuses. He says he worked closely with the GBCSA to prepare the application and achieve the certification.

The new development has achieved considerable energy savings to its residents through practical solutions, such as the fitting of 288 solar panels that provide 157 230kWh of renewable energy a year. In addition, just over 65 exterior solar security lights contribute to a further saving of 28 470kWh a year. Alleyroads chose to use power-saving

The group pursued EDGE certification because it’s kinder to the planet and on people’s pockets.

The striking entrance to the estate. Solar bulbs are used for exterior lighting, which contributes to energy efficiency.

bulbs with a luminous efficiency of 96 for interior lighting. Reduced window-to-wall ratios and roof insulation ensure optimal energy efficiency. This energy reduction adds up to a predicted savings of 26% of all energy measures for the entire estate.

On the water side, significant savings have also been achieved. These include restricting water usage in the kitchen and bathroom taps, as well as the shower, by using aerators that reduce water flow to three litres/minute. All the toilets in the estate have a dual-flush mechanism with

The new development has achieved considerable energy savings to its residents through practical solutions.

a six-litre, high-volume and a three-litre, low-volume flush. Overall, a 35% saving was achieved in the predicted water consumption.

But the most impressive saving of all was using less embodied energy through the choice of construction materials. In this, the estate achieved a 56% reduction, resulting in a saving of 40 tonnes of CO 2 a year. Some of the smart measures that were incorporated into the building design were the choice of ceramic floor tiles with a thickness of 10mm, ensuring minimum heat loss with a U-value of 0.49W/m 2 .K.

On the roof, micro-concrete tiles on timber rafters were used, which generated a U-value of 0.36W/m 2 .K. The exterior walls were built with a combination of face brick (92%) and dense concrete bricks (8%) that were plastered and painted. The interior walls, on the other hand, were exclusively built out of dense concrete bricks, which were plastered and painted. All window frames are made out of 100% aluminium. The roof insulation consists of 100mm Aerolite to keep homes cool in summer and warm in winter. This glass wool ceiling insulation product has a thermal conductivity K-value of 0.040W/m 2 .K. Lastly, all ceilings consist of 7mm PVC and have a thermal resistance of 0.112 W/m 2 .K.

The kitchen taps are fitted with aerators that slow the water flow to reduce consumption.

An aerial view of the estate shows solar roof panels, which produce 157 230kWh of renewable energy a year.

TWO-PHASED CERTIFICATION

To achieve EDGE certification for Illovo Country Estate, compliance had to be demonstrated at preliminary and post-construction stage. Each stage consists of two rounds of submissions, giving clients the opportunity to correct any errors they might have made.

In the design stage, Alleyroads registered on the EDGE app and entered the project’s details. The EDGE app is intuitive, enabling clients to decide which green features they want for their development. The app then quickly assesses how feasible the proposed green measures are, given the constraints of the project. A design certificate is issued once the project has demonstrated a minimum improvement of 20% in energy, water and embodied energy in construction materials, compared to current building regulations.

In the post-construction phase, an EDGE auditor visits the site to verify the project’s sustainability features.

In the case of Illovo Country Estate, the EDGE auditor was Yvonne Pelser of Inside Out Consulting, well known for its consulting services targeted at the affordable housing market. After inspection, the auditor submits the relevant findings to the GBCSA. The GBCSA then assesses the application and makes a final decision on whether to issue an EDGE certificate to the project owner or not.

FUTURE PLANS

Pretorius says Alleyroads will continue to use EDGE certification for its future projects and is proud of its association with the IFC. “We benefit from our partnership with the IFC, enjoying funding opportunities, expertise sharing and networking advantages,” he says.

“As an EDGE Champion, we will enrol 3 770 units or 250 000m 2 for EDGE certification in the next 12 months,” says Pretorius. “By December 2027, we plan to roll out 10 000 units or 620 000m2 of EDGE-certified affordable housing.” He believes that with the IFC capital of R2.2 billion as debt funding over the next five years, Alleyroads should be able to hit these targets easily. “We are the first residential developer in South Africa and with the GBCSA – in the affordable housing sector – to achieve design certification on EDGE Version 3,” Pretorius says.

IN A NUTSHELL: EDGE CERTIFICATION

An innovation of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) is a green-building certification system for emerging markets. EDGE certification enables residential developers to optimise the performance of their building design and be rewarded for resource efficiency. The Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) is a licensed certification provider for EDGE throughout Africa.

Achieving an EDGE certification requires savings of 20% in each of the following three categories: energy usage; water usage; and a reduction in the embodied energy of construction materials. The EDGE certification gives homeowners peace of mind that their homes have been designed and built to be resource-efficient, saving them money on utility bills and leaving a smaller carbon footprint.

The exterior walls consist of an innovative combination of face brick and dense concrete bricks.

By greening our housing projects, we put less strain on the national electricity grid, which ensures future sustainability.

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