Green Economy Journal Issue 41

INFRASTRUCTURE
GBCSA and the
Green Recovery
BY GBSCA
South Africa must recover economically, so why not make it
a Green Recovery?
current crisis compels humanity to reconsider how we
connect and interact with each other and with the planet.
“The
Now, more than ever, we must consider our impact on the
world around us. Recovering from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic
is inevitable, so we have an unprecedented opportunity to drive a green
recovery led by sustainability and green solutions,” says GBCSA CEO,
Lisa Reynolds.
The impact of Covid-19 and the associated risks it poses to business is
foremost in the minds of companies. However, the risks of climate change
should not fall off their radars. The lack of energy and water security due to
climate change will exacerbate the economic and viability of business risks
resulting from Covid-19. The solution is to rebuild the economy in a way
that mitigates climate change risks. A strategy of simultaneous solutions –
a Green Recovery strategy!
The International Energy Agency (IEA) published a Sustainable Recovery
Plan. According to the analysis conducted in co-operation with the
International Monetary Fund (IMF), the IEA estimates that targeted policies
and investment between 2021 and 2023 could boost global economic
growth by an average of 1.1% a year. Its Sustainable Recovery Plan would
also save or create around 9-million jobs a year and reduce energy-related
greenhouse gas emissions by 4.5-billion tonnes globally.
A Green Recovery could benefit the planet, climate, human health and
prosperity. But what does this mean and how comprehensive would a
Green Recovery be across sectors? (Thank you to UCL’s Chair in Sustainable
Global Resources, Raimund Bleischwitz for these insights).
Creation of green jobs
“Governments have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reboot their
economies and bring a wave of new employment opportunities while
accelerating the shift to a more resilient and cleaner energy future,” says IEA
executive director, Dr Fatih Birol. Energy efficiency in the manufacturing
of construction materials, textiles and food industries could increase
employment and minimise resource security risks.
Better buildings
There is a huge job creation potential in the refurbishment of buildings
to improve both energy and water efficiency. Mass retrofitting of
buildings with energy efficiency interventions, water-efficient fixtures,
water recovery storage and renewable energy sources can be a source of
employment for many.
Why would businesses be interested in these refurbishments? Because
it results in assets that have lower running costs, are resource-efficient, are
healthier for its occupants and thus more attractive to potential tenants.
The improved “health” of green buildings was always an intangible benefit
to going green. At the time where the health and wellness of our spaces
are paramount, this benefit becomes very tangible.
Another reason for doing these refurbishments is that they reduce
resource security risks. Projects where rainwater and/or greywater
harvesting storage systems could be shared between buildings, precincts
or neighbourhoods will be able to assist water-poor areas in mitigating
future water shortage risks. This plays a role in minimising the health risk
for communities where there is no easy access to clean, running water.
Green cities and neighbourhoods
Planning and installing green spaces within cities and neighbourhoods
assists with employment, the health and wellbeing of communities, as
well as mitigating the impacts of climate. Less hard surfaces within these
areas add to the “sponge city” effect. When it rains or when it storms, these
areas absorb the rain and there is less stormwater flooding along the
streets, pavements and highways.
Low carbon transport, e-mobility and infrastructure
Once again South Africa is feeling the effect of the exchange rate and
our dependence on oil! Throughout the world, oil prices have dropped
to historical lows, yet, in South Africa, fuel prices are increasing. Moving
to electric vehicles and e-mobility public transport reduces exposure to
the cost of fuel. And yes, taxis are included in the e-mobility concepts.
Taxi ranks are a perfect place for charging stations and can be part of the
e-mobility infrastructure plans.
The building of the infrastructure and the moving of public transport to
electric will create massive employment possibilities. The added benefit is
the higher productivity due to the reduction of traffic.
Bonus – South Africa achieves carbon reduction targets.
Leaders throughout the world have been asking for strategies and action
plans to achieve ambitious carbon reduction targets. The world also needs
to move towards Net Zero carbon goals and more circular economies. The
Green Recovery assists South Africa to achieve the carbon reduction goals
it agreed to in the Paris Accord on climate change.
The IEA Sustainable Recovery Plan states that: “Past financial recoveries
– for example following the 2008/09 crisis – have been matched with
rebounding global carbon dioxide emissions. Along with bringing
projected emissions in 2023 significantly below where they currently
are, the sustainable recovery plan would also see air pollution improved,
reducing health risks around the world. Increased efficiency and lower
carbon energy generation, as laid out in the plan, have the potential to
make 2019 the ‘definitive peak’ in global emissions, putting us on a path to
achieve longer-term climate goals, including the Paris Agreement.”
Towards the Green Recovery
“As we emerge from lockdown, we know we are in for a tough time for a
while, but it is also an ideal time to think innovatively and drive a Green
Recovery where we also deal with the persistent threat of climate change.
I encourage everyone to embrace a Green Recovery – creating healthier,
resource-efficient and meaningful spaces in the built environment that
respond to climate-related challenges,” concludes Reynolds.
greeneconomy.media
11