South African Property News

Green Building Accelerated in SA

An article published on the Engineering News website has indicated an increased awareness amongst South Africans to save energy and a consequent acceleration in green-building techniques amidst the national energy crisis.

Awareness of the need to save energy and protect our natural resources has grown significantly over the past ten years, particularly in light of scientific evidence presenting the effects of climate change on our environment. The world has been spurred into a frenzy of activity to pinpoint viable solutions to preserve our future, without entirely undermining the various lifestyle benefits that we have become accustomed to as a result of economic progress and development.

The economies are booming in many developing countries, which means that infrastructural development is also burgeoning. This has placed unbelievable strain on energy supply systems and the supply-side responses are also increasing the damaging carbon emissions into the atmosphere. This has brought the issue of green building technology to the fore, particularly due to the fact that the various methodologies are perceived as a critical element in improving the overall sustainability of residential, commercial and government property.

Given the current electricity supply shortages in South Africa, this energy-saving mindset has taken on significance as an economic imperative. Government and Eskom have called for residential and commercial consumers to take an active part, along with the industry and mining sectors, “in saving 3000 MW every day for the foreseeable future” (Engineering News).

Last year, it was reported that South Africa, by developed economy standards, was still lagging behind in its implementation of green building technology, despite the fact that government and consumers were increasingly aware of the need to preserve the environment. The creation of the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) in September is certainly a positive development, as it aims to promote green building in the commercial property sector. The Council will provide a forum for all members of the property industry, including scientists, property owners, developers, consultants and government to work together in implementing sustainable green building practices.

While South Africa is still considered lagging, it is acknowledged that some positive headway has been made. Another crucial development is the move to establish a green-building rating tool in South Africa. This tool will act as a guide for the establishment of green buildings and play a vital role in ensuring that energy and resources are utilized efficiently and wisely, so reducing the emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

The first pilot rating tool is expected to be released in July this year and once the various processes and industry feedback are complete, the GBCSA will move towards full implementation. The development process has been similar to that taken in Australia, as the two hemisphere nations share such a similar climate. However, the tool will be adapted to the unique conditions, applicable standards and legislation, as well as the available resources in South Africa.

“This is a voluntary tool and a market-led initiative rather than a regulatory intervention. It is designed to galvanise built-environment professionals and practitioners around the issue of sustainability. It incorporates high standards, which will apply to the top end of the property market and new commercial and public developments,” according to Bruce Kerswill, chairperson of the GBCSA.

The main concern seems to be whether the South African market is open to change and willing to embrace the inevitable transformation that comes along with green building technology. So far, the response has been positive, but momentum is likely to pick up once organizations try to compete and thereby set the pace for the evolution of green building in South Africa (Michelle Malanca, GBCSA rating tool project manager).

When asked whether the rating tool will become legislation, Kerswill emphasizes that it is a “voluntary tool” and that the government may decide to legislate certain aspects in time, primarily with regard to saving energy and water. Malanca says that, “Our aim is addressing best practice, as opposed to minimum practice” though. The Australian market has experienced a complete transformation, not only in terms of energy saving and green building, the various building and material suppliers and manufacturers have also transformed. It is hoped that the same situation will be repeated in South Africa.

The green building rating tool is believed to be an excellent way of dealing with the energy crisis in South Africa. Statistics show that green buildings have been known to reduce the consumption of energy by up to 50%, which is far beyond the 10% sought by Eskom. Even retrofitting is known to increase energy efficiency by up to 70%, decrease piped water use by 80% and lower discharge to sewers by 70%.

Malanca reports that on a global scale, buildings are deemed responsible for 40 to 50% of electricity consumption. “Studies released indicate that green building is the one mitigation solution that not only reduces carbon emissions, but, at the same time, is also the least expensive and most cost-effective solution of all,” she maintains.

Eskom spokesperson, Andrew Etzinger agrees with Malanca, saying that green building has a pivotal role to play in South Africa’s current energy crisis, adding that less electricity consumption will in turn result in lower emissions of damaging greenhouse gases. It seems that the implementation of green building methodologies presents a win win situation for residential and commercial consumers in South Africa.

A number of big names in the South African commercial sector, most notably Clicks, BP and Woolworths have all made some effort towards establishing green practices in their various buildings. However, only the rating tool will be able to show whether the steps being taken are green enough. Considering the current power crisis and possible water crisis in the country, green building promises not only to save energy, it will also put South Africa on the global map of protecting its valuable resources and becoming an environment friendly nation, premised on the notion of economic growth and development.

The information in this article is courtesy of Brindaveni Naidoo (“Green Building: SA accelerates green-building techniques amidst national electricity crisis”, Engineering News, 11 April 2008).

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