Energising South African Cities & Towns - City Energy Support Unit

BUILDINGSand energy efficiencyin South Africao v e r v i e wThe South African constructionindustry is seeing substantialgrowth in the adoption of energyefficienttechnologies and practices incommercial buildings. This is aidedby a rise in the number of energyservices companies, some of whichhave international energy efficiencycertification standards. Already anumber of private developers andproperty managers are implementinginnovative energy efficiencyprojects through thermal design, solartechnologies and energy-efficientappliances and materials.Private sectorThe CSIR’s Green Buildings forAfrica (GBA) programme is a commerciallydriven initiative thatencourages property owners, managersand occupants to promoteefficient and sustainable use ofenergy, environmentally consciouspolicy- and decision-making, andhealthy working environments intheir buildings. Benefits to clientsinclude potential high returnswith reasonable payback periods,healthy and safe working environmentsand reduced environmentalAbove: The Green Building at Westlake Business Park, Cape Town, provides offi ces for Sustainable EnergyAfrica and others. The aim was to create a ‘future normal’ comfortable and healthy offi ce environment.Its design, construction and functioning are based on the green principles of re-use, reduce andrecycle, and it includes passive thermal principles, energy effi ciency and environmentally sound materialand services. Locally available materials with lower ‘embodied’ energy’ were used where feasible.Bricks are 92% reconstituted composition, and hardwoods were avoided, and nearly all windows anddoors are second-hand.Rainwater is collected for the water-wise garden, solar panels will generate green electricity feedinginto the grid, and waste will be separated for recycling. Alien trees cut down are used on site forgarden retaining, mulching and paths.Buildings Evaluated According to SAEDES to DateBuilding Estimated Annual Savings – ZAR Annual Savings – %Existing BuildingsMutual Park – Cape Town R820 000 9,2%Admin Building – Pta University R46 500 16%Engineering Tower – Pta University R87 000 14,6%New BuildingsCape Town Int’l Airport (int’l section) R8 000 1,4%Chambers Potchefstroom City Council R2 300 16,4%impacts. GBA will be implementinga national grading scheme, rankingparticipating owners and buildingsaccording to their ‘greenness’.Public sector – local authoritiesIn the public sector, some municipalitiesare taking the lead in energyefficiency initiatives. Scoping studiesshow significant consumptionand cost savings for minimal input.The International Council for LocalEnvironmental Initiatives (ICLEI)Cities for Climate Protection (CCP)Campaign is helping to prioritiseenergy efficiency in buildings: eightSouth African cities have joined morethan 500 other cities around the worldin this campaign.30 ENERGISING SOUTH AFRICAN CITIES & TOWNS