+IMPACT MAGAZINE ISSUE 21

IMPACT 21 

Official publication of Green 

Building Council South Africa 

Buildings of 

EXCELLENCE

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48 

OUR EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD 

COLUMN 

Chair’s corner 

WINNERS ON THE 2022 GREEN CARPET 

The GBCSA Annual Leadership Awards 

THE SCENT OF SUCCESS 

Firmenich’s refurbished offices and laboratories in 

Midrand have recently received a 6-Star Green Star 

Interior rating 

TAKING “MEASURE, MONITOR, MANAGE” 

TO THE NEXT LEVEL 

The headquarters for the Western Cape Department 

of Transport and Public Works is the first public sector 

building to achieve a 4-Star Green Star Existing Building 

Performance v1 rating 

THE TIME IS NOW TO ACT ON THE JUST TRANSITION 

It is crucial that we embrace South Africa’s just transition 

framework to maximise the social and economic 

opportunities presented by climate action 

INNOVATIVE DISTINCTION 

SAPOA Property Development Awards 2022 

A WORLD-RENOWNED MARK OF EXCELLENCE 

The International Property Awards 2022 

www.absa.co.za/homeloans 

#ICanWithAbsa That’s Africanacity. 

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POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 21 

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IMPACT 

RUNNER-UP 

RUNNER-UP 

32584 

The official publication of GBCSA 

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PROPERTY NEWS 

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THE YEAR 

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Editor 

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Danielle Solomons 

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Editorial Contributors 

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Melinda Hardisty 

Anne Schaeffer 

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Cover photograph 

The Ridge, V&A Waterfront 

Photograph: Gareth Griffiths 

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CALLING ALL THOUGHT LEADERS 

+Impact Magazine, the official publication of the GBCSA, presents thought leadership from local and international green building commentators and 

practitioners, and showcases the excellent work of GBCSA members. Are you a thought leader in your relevant field? GBCSA members are invited to 

submit stories about projects, design concepts, materials, research and anything else that promotes a healthy sustainable built environment. Submit a 

100-word description of your content idea to: alexis@greeneconomy.media 

ADVERTISE WITH US 

For advertising and sponsored content contact Danielle Solomons 081 7800 233 

Advertising rates are discounted for GBCSA members and further discounts are available for booking multiple editions in 2023. 

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growth or walk it? 

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TALK TO US Subcribe to newsletter | www.greeneconomy.media 

All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any way or in any form without the prior written permission of the Publisher. The opinions expressed herein are not 

necessarily those of the GBCSA or the Publisher. All editorial and advertising contributions are accepted on the understanding that the contributor either owns or has obtained all necessary copyrights and 

permissions. GBCSA and the Publisher do not endorse any claims made in the publication by or on behalf of any organisations or products. Please address any concerns in this regard to the Publisher. 

2 POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 21 

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IMPACT 

Harnessed from 

the Air. Used for 

hot water 

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 

WWK304ZA 

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of the appliance, due to spring-loaded roll-bond heat exchanger 

Reduced operating costs via intelligent interface to increase 

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Display of the currently available mixed water volume via the LCD 

Highly reliable and cost effective due to the impressed current 

anode integrated as standard 

Very quiet operation due to sound-insulated compressor and 

positioning away from the air flow 

Includes temperature and pressure safety valve (T&P valve) 

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. 

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 

https://www.uct.ac.za/main/explore-uct/sustainability 

Comfort through Technology 

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5

COLUMN 

South Africa’s leader in Entrance & Security Solutions 

ALWAYS OPEN 

A LWAYS C LOSE D 

Welcome to 2023! As I write this piece, I am nearing the end of my 

working year with my mind wandering regularly towards the beautiful 

beaches of the Eastern Cape that await me in just over a week. Last 

year was a substantially better year than 2020 and 2021 for most 

people and businesses, especially as a result of the impact of Covid-19 subsiding. 

We are excited about the improving economy and the increased importance of 

the sustainability agenda in the corporate world. 

As I noted in my chairman’s address at the GBCSA Convention held in Cape Town 

at the Century City Convention Centre in November 2022, we have the opportunity 

to embrace a virtuous circle of improved economic activity coming off the hard-hit 

2020 year, along with the heightened awareness and sensitivity of what we are doing 

to our planet and people by continuing to conduct business activity in the way that 

it has been conducted in the past. 

The throw-away society mentality, fast-fashion and low-quality production, the 

massive and unnecessary generation of plastics, use of water as an infinite resource, 

and slow pace of change away from non-renewable energy are all being challenged. 

There is also a groundswell from consumers that are not prepared to tolerate this 

manufacturing mentality any longer. 

We encourage the challenging ways of the past that can enhance our natural 

world. Construction materials and processes are also being challenged to improve 

our built environment’s impact on the world, an industry that is traditionally a massive 

contributor to carbon emissions at a global scale. 

A highlight of this edition is the thought-leadership piece written by Shameela 

Soobramoney who is chief sustainability officer at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange 

(JSE) and a fellow GBCSA board member. There are so many standards in the 

sustainability landscape, and the JSE has tried to digest all the pertinent standards 

and create a set of sustainability and climate change disclosure guidelines, entitled 

Sustainability and Climate Disclosure Guidance, relevant in the South African business 

context. The disclosure guidelines aim to be more focused on impact than on an ESG 

tick-box approach. The work done has been well received by industry and has received 

a lot of positive feedback. Well done to everyone involved in this complex arena. 

In this issue of +Impact, there is also recognition of performers that are certifying 

projects, a key component of the work that the GBCSA does. 

The GBCSA is on track to perform its 1 000th certification in 2023 which will be 

an incredible milestone. It took six years to achieve the first 100 certifications, and 

another 10 years to do the next 900. What an incredible indicator of the success of 

sustainability in South Africa’s built environment. 

Enjoy this edition of +Impact magazine. 

Brian Unsted 

GBCSA Chairman 

Chair’s 

Corner 

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Brian Unsted is an asset management executive and drives “Good Spaces” 

at Liberty Two Degrees. Unsted has over 25 years of experience in the South 

African property industry with a particular focus on extracting value from South 

Africa’s most iconic mixed-use properties. Unsted’s role includes ensuring the 

implementation of sustainability interventions to propel towards the set net-zero 

strategies in the waste, water and carbon space. 

In 2014, he co-authored a book called Sandton Places – a guide to the hidden 

gems, corners and destinations of northern Johannesburg, while providing both 

the history and future insights of Sandton. 


7

Welcome to one of Africa’s 

greenest neighbourhoods 

AT THE V&A WATERFRONT, GOING GREEN ISN’T JUST A THING. IT’S EVERYTHING. 

A FUTURE-FOCUSED COMMUNITY 

We are an beloved destination 

and business hub that welcomes 

over 24 million visitors a 

year. Our unique waterfront 

neighbourhood is also home 

to many seeking a different, 

OUR JOURNEY CONTINUES 

more connected way of life. 

We have fostered a vibrant 

community that drives and 

supports environmental 

programmes that improve the 

overall standard of living while 

reducing costs. And we’re not 

done yet: with tomorrow in 

mind, we’re constantly seeking 

new ways to enhance our 

sustainability strategy and make 

the impossible, possible. 

Our goal is to achieve Carbon neutrality by 2035. This is how we’ll get there: 

A non-negotiable Green Lease Agreement 

A commitment to ensuring all new buildings and developments achieve a Net Zero Green Building 

Council of South Africa Rating 

An externally audited Heritage Environmental Management system 

To help the V&A Waterfront 

reduce its carbon footprint, 

we have many innovative plans 

and projects in the pipeline. 

For now, we’re proud to 

announce that we’re establishing 

A Pyrolysis Waste-to-energy 

Plant, designed to divert waste 

going to landfills and reduce our 

water and energy burden. Once 

this project is up and running, 

we will be able to produce 

almost all the power needed 

to run a 3.3ML/day desalination 

plant. A major milestone on 

our journey towards a greener 

tomorrow! 

The journey of a thousand miles 

starts with a single step. The 

V&A Waterfront started on a 

sustainability journey in 2008 by 

introducing greening initiatives 

across our 123 hectares. With our 

intentional designs and real fire 

in the belly, we have significantly 

increased energy efficiency, water 

savings and waste recycling. 

As a business with open arms, 

we honour and build up our 

community by promoting inclusive 

and sustainable economic growth, 

full and productive employment 

and decent work for all, aligning 

the united nation’s sustainable 

goals with our own. 

WE’VE COME A LONG WAY ON OUR JOURNEY: 

16 

61% 

38M 

8 Yrs+ 

1595T 

Green-Rated 

Buildings 

Reduction 

In Water 

Consumption 

Invested into 

energy 

efficiency 

In reduction 

in carbon 

emissions 

Of waste 

diverted from 

landfills annually

GBCSA 

WINNERS 

ON THE 

2022 

GREEN 

CARPET 

The GBCSA Annual Leadership Awards were announced at 

the 15th Green Building Convention held in November 2022. 

Here is a round-up of the winning sustainable buildings and 

submissions, proving yet again how the green bar continues 

to be raised, both locally and regionally. 

WORDS GBCSA and Nicole Cameron 



11

GBCSA 

GBCSA 

HIGHEST-RATED BUILDING 

WINNER: THE RIDGE AT THE V&A WATERFRONT (CAPE TOWN) 

Accredited professional: Mike Munnik, Agama Energy 

Given that The Ridge employs some of the most 

advanced sustainable building technology 

available globally, it is fitting that this worldclass 

living, breathing building enjoys a second 

year of holding the title of Highest-Rated Building. “The 

Ridge development was created as a result of the V&A 

Waterfront’s vision to set new standards for the future of 

commercial office buildings. This approach underpinned 

the brief to the project team to challenge the norms and 

create a world-leading building which placed people and 

planet at the forefront of every design decision. 

“The resultant design incorporates several standout 

features, some of which are firsts for South Africa, 

including the CLT timber facades, mixed mode thermally 

activated building and the use of over 16 000 eco-bricks 

as void formers,” says Mark Noble, development director 

at the V&A Waterfront. 

Project type: Commercial 

Project owner: V&A Waterfront 

Green Star rating: 6-Star Green Star Office As Built v1.1 

BEST-QUALITY SUBMISSION 

JOINT WINNER: BLACK RIVER PARK SOUTH AND CENTRAL* 

*Black River Park – Park Building, Black River Park – Gatehouse, Commerce Square (Building 1), Commerce Square 

(Building 2), Commerce Square (Building 3), Commerce Square (Building 4), Commerce Square (Building 5) 

Accredited professional: Sally Misplon, Misplon Green Building Consulting 

Black River Park is a modern and diverse business 

park conveniently located in Observatory, Cape Town. 

Misplon was appointed to lead and manage the Green 

Star Certification process for Black River Park, South 

and Central, with each of the seven buildings targeting 

an independent Green Star performance rating. 

“It is a great achievement to win the Best Quality 

Submission at the annual GBCSA awards. To be 

recognised amongst your industry peers for the standard 

of work you deliver to your clients really is a meaningful 

acknowledgement for Misplon Green Building Consulting. 

This award is an important collaboration between so many 

people that is helping pave the way for improved green 

ratings in the South African property sector; and a huge 

amount of credit must be given to Redefine and their 

ongoing support of sustainability,” says Sally Misplon, 

founder of Misplon Green Building Consulting. 


Project owner: Redefine Properties 

Green Star rating: Existing Building Performance v1 

JOINT WINNER: GROWTHPOINT EXISTING BUILDING PROPERTIES* 

*138 West Street, Brookfield Office Park, 100 West Street, Freestone Office Park and 28 Fricker Road 

Accredited professional: Lesedi Tsimani, Zutari 

The Ridge was designed to be a world-class living, 

breathing building by incorporating a number of standout 

features, some of which are firsts for South Africa. 


Project owner: Growthpoint Properties 

Green Star rating: Existing Building Performance v1 

These properties are all existing buildings of the 

Growthpoint portfolio, and form part of the ongoing 

effort to certify the majority of the buildings they 

own. “This award is a testament to the commitment 

of both Growthpoint and our team in transforming 

the South African real estate sector towards 

more environmentally responsible operations,” 

says Lesedi Tsimani, accredited professional at 

Zutari. “The existing buildings stock is the largest 

component of real estate in South Africa and efforts 

to reduce the use of finite resources and implement 

environmentally responsible practices are of great 

importance when the sector is aspiring to achieve 

net-zero carbon performance by 2050.” 

This is the northern corner of the building. Note how the function of the 

sawtooth CLT façade corrects the north-south line, meaning that the sun 

in the east strikes the CLT panel and can’t directly enter the building. 

*The runner-up in this category opted to remain confidential. 

The highest-rated building is determined as the project which attains the highest number of points in the 

final Green Star rating in the period since last year’s Convention. 


RUNNER-UP: WATERFALL CORPORATE CAMPUS BUILDING 4 

Accredited professional: Alison Groves, WSP 

Waterfall Corporate Campus consists of seven buildings, 

all of which received a 4-Star Green Star rating from 

the GBCSA between 2018 and 2022. “This was the 

sixth building that the project team and I worked on 

through the certification process, and so there was a 

great sense of familiarity and a team cohesion; this 

certainly contributed to the high standard achieved 

in the submission,” says Alison Groves of WSP. “The 

holistic approach to the whole development is what 

really shone through for me on every level – from the 

way the buildings are positioned amidst the landscaped 

gardens, through to the unifying islands such as the 

central Maxwell Park Village campus café. This planned 

approach also meant that learnings from the first 

buildings could also be incorporated into subsequent 

builds, with project synergies enabling a slick outcome.” 


Project owner: Corporate Campus Joint Venture 

Green Star Rating: 4-Star Green Star Office As Built v1.1 

This award goes to the project whose submission 

attains the highest percentage of points targeted in 

the round 1 submission before clarifications, which 

serves as an indicator of the quality of the submission. 13

GSPublisherVersion 402.292805461487453198.0.100 

PMA is a practice that provides architectural services 

essentially to the private sector and strives to 

offer competitive, innovative and economic design 

solutions specific to individual client requirements. 

Design processes emphasize the importance of 

energy efficient and economic solutions to building 

technology in Botswana climate. 

Mashatu is the first building to achieve 5 star as built 

green rating outside South Africa. The first 5-star As 

built certification in Botswana. Mashatu also achieved 

Botswana’s first Net Zero Carbon modelling rating. 

P A U L M U N N I K A R C H I T E C T 

(Pty) Ltd 

P·M·A 

HIGHEST-RATED AFRICAN SUBMISSION 

JOINT RUNNER-UP: MASHATU TERRACE, GABORONE 

Accredited professional: Nomamfengu Mbele, Solid Green Consulting 

Mashatu Terrace is the first building in Botswana 

to be awarded a 5-Star Green Star rating. Project 

overseer Kagiso Sebetso of Time Projects said that 

the company is pioneering the green label space in 

the country, and so the process has not been without 

its challenges. “We are so aware of the importance 

of ensuring that it does not end with getting the 

certification, but that operational performance 

monitoring continues after construction. We look 

forward to working with the end-users to ensure 

optimisation of our green buildings throughout 

their lifecycle,” she says. Mashatu Terrace’s current 

occupants include SADC departments, Bank 

Gaborone, Huawei, Africa Lighthouse and TLS. 

JOINT RUNNER-UP: THE PRECINCT, UNITY BUILDING 

Accredited professional: Adrie Fourie, Solid Green Consulting 


Project owner: Time Projects 

Green Star rating: 5-Star Green Star Office As Built v1 

GBCSA 

Unit B 8th floor I-Towers, Plot 

54368 Gaborone CBD 

Tel: +267 3912387 

E-mail: info@pma.co.bw 

P O Box 50743, Gaborone, 

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As the first development in Mauritius to achieve a 5-Star 

Green Star office design rating from GBCSA, as well as 

the highest-rated green office development in the Indian 

Ocean Islands region, The Precinct, Unity Building has 

achieved accolades which attest to the philosophy that all 

role-players on the project committed themselves to. Adrie 

Fourie of Solid Green Consulting says that together, the 

team – spread from Mauritius to South Africa – pulled out 

all the stops, with the building encompassing innumerable 

elements which contributed not only to the 5-Star Green 

Star rating but took it beyond. “The collaboration between 

the architect, façade engineer, and Solid Green modelling 

simulations consultant allowed for a building façade 

solution that resulted in multiple green star points.” 

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Project owner: Gr1t House Ltd 

Green Star rating: 5-Star Green Star Office Design v1.1 

*The winner in this category has opted to remain confidential. 

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15 

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NET ZERO SUBMISSION 

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WINNER: HEADQUARTERS OF FUCHS LUBRICANTS 

Accredited professional: Alex Varughese, Solid Green Consulting 


Project owner: Fuchs Southern Africa 

Green Star rating: Net-Zero Carbon – Level 2 Occupant Emissions (modelled) 

Rooftop, solar car-ports, ground mounted solar, and 

agri-voltaics represent the best value energy available to 

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Battery energy storage installations provide access to solar 

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installations is significantly greater than solar PV only, 

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Would you like to know if your property or business can 

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you are paying currently? 

The new headquarters for Fuchs Lubricants form part of 

the company’s net-zero carbon strategy, with the office 

being located within a campus that includes several of 

their production facilities. A key focus of the building was 

to ensure occupant comfort for at least 80% of the year 

using outdoor air only. To achieve this, considerable effort 

was put into optimising the building fabric and specifying 

a high-performance double glazing. A comprehensive 

metering system was installed. With the building fabric 

optimised, decoupled ventilation was designed into the 

cooling system to ensure that when outdoor conditions 

allow, the building can be cooled by fresh air only without 

having to open windows – effectively keeping the main 

cooling system off. 

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RUNNER-UP: SANBS KZN ZONE HEAD OFFICE 

Accredited professionals: Alison Groves and Hlologelo Manthose, WSP 

Project type: Non-profit sector 

Project owner: South African National Blood Service 

Green Star rating: Net-Zero Carbon Level 1 Base Building Emissions 

(modelled) As-Built 

As a non-profit organisation, the South 

African National Blood Service (SANBS) 

provides a critical, often lifesaving, service 

to the public. WSP worked with the client 

to transform a shell industrial building 

into a sustainable, light space that now 

accommodates the head office, laboratory 

and a public-facing area. 

The carbon footprint of the revitalised 

headquarters was greatly reduced by 

replacing the HVAC system, installing 

energy-efficient LED lighting throughout, 

capturing rainwater for re-use, reusing 

materials and installing a large solar 

array in the parking area. As part of 

the refurbishment, the goal of raising 

SANBS awareness and public interest was 

achieved by including an auditorium and 

upper level from which visitors can see 

into the laboratory, to engender greater 

interest in the SANBS’ work. 

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CONTACT THE EXPERTS AT BLUE SKY ENERGY RIGHT NOW!

PROJECT 

The 

scent 

of 

SUCCESS 

As the world’s largest privatelyowned 

fragrance and taste company, 

Firmenich has 83 affiliates in over 

100 markets, with 10 000 employees 

globally. Setting the benchmark, 

Firmenich’s refurbished offices and 

laboratories in Midrand recently 

received GBCSA’s 6-Star Green Star 

Interior rating. 

WORDS Anne Schaeffer 

IMAGES Tétris Design & Build 

South Africa 

PROJECT NUTSHELL 

Location: Midrand, Johannesburg 

Green Star rating: 6-Star Green Star Interior rating 

Type of building: Office and laboratories 

Project dates: 1 July 2021 (completion) 

Project size: 2 500m 2 

18 

POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 21 19

PROJECT 

PROJECT 

With Tétris firmly behind the sustainability quest, 

Firmenich partnered with Solid Green, professional green 

building consulting services in South Africa. Sustainability 

consultant, Cebisa Mafukuzela, stepped on board: “From 

there, the project just went from strength to strength,” says 

Sams. “It didn’t necessitate massive changes to design or 

From the outset, it was a delicate 

journey, because of the nature 

of Firmenich, and the stringent 

requirements for its laboratories. 

For the project, Firmenich partnered with Tétris 

Design & Build which was tasked with delivering a 

holistic design-and-build solution that considered 

the entire eco-system of the workspace. The goal 

was to breathe new life into Firmenich’s dated Midrand 

office, in collaboration with Firmenich’s Global Workplace 

Solution’s division, whose focus is to provide employees 

with a great workplace experience every single day. 

Ashley Sams, facilities manager for sub–Saharan 

Africa, joined Firmenich at the concept stage of the 

project. The interior was to be completely stripped 

of its cellular offices making way for an open-plan 

layout, aligning with an entirely different way of working. 

Sams explains, “Firmenich had changed its strategic 

direction to ‘smarter working’ – largely prompted by 

the pandemic – encompassing the fact that people can 

work from home. This meshed perfectly with the new 

open-plan workspace being created, one where nobody 

takes ownership of a desk.” 

Sams not only brought extensive experience with green 

star ratings, but a deep passion for sustainability: “The 

Potable water – and ongoing access to it – is vital for the 

functioning of the laboratories, so it was imperative in a 

water-stressed country, that there is ample on-site water 

storage and availability. 

pandemic arrived shortly after the project began, and – 

without implying any positive sides to Covid – that hiatus 

provided breathing space to relook at the project with a 

view to getting the project accredited. It was such a golden 

opportunity.” Sams was convinced that, with sustainability 

as one of the Group’s core values, Firmenich could achieve 

a 6-Star Green Star rating. 

even direction. In fact, the only physical extension to the 

original building, was a double-volume atrium with large 

double doors leading out to the garden and a staff canteen 

for eating, meeting and connecting.” 

Tétris, working with Studio Fanucchi Architecture, 

created this haven of natural light, an appealing visual 

statement for visitors entering through reception and 

for people moving through the space on the stairway 

connecting the two floors. An unplanned-for bonus was, 

that when the time came, the atrium provided an additional 

roof surface for further photovoltaic (PV) panels. 

For Tétris’ project manager, Ryan O’Donovan, the 

project’s additional focus married perfectly with their 

ethos: “Tétris does design based on sustainable and best 

practice – we have an internal tool called The Sustainability 

Code. We want our teams to be sustainably minded, every 

day – every decision made must be about, “Can I improve 

the sustainability of the project?” It’s an active methodology 

of encouraging people to push that on every level – so, not 

just the wallpaper, but the glue, the substrate…” 

From a colour and design perspective, Firmenich has 

a global playbook – brand guidelines. “In engaging with 

Tétris, our job was not only to upgrade the interior of 

the facility but to anchor it in a regional context from an 

African perspective,” says Sams. 

Smarter working at Firmenich means that no one takes 

ownership of a desk in the open-plan workspace. 

Firmenich’s work involves combining molecules to create unique smells and tastes, so 

the design team used its hexagonal shape as the framework for its design language. 



21

PROJECT 

PROJECT 

They began with the molecule. Firmenich’s work involves 

combining molecules to create unique smells and tastes, so 

the design team used its hexagonal shape as the framework 

for its design language and combined it with the structured 

geometry of traditional African Shweshwe fabric patterns. 

The brand guidelines are interpreted in bold wallpapers 

in pre-set colours and imagery relevant to the different 

divisions. From planters to carpet tile designs, all reflect 

the design language, resulting in an international look 

and feel that’s combined with local culture. 

Acoustics were a consideration, particularly in the hard 

surfaces of the laboratories. Soft furnishings and aural bestpractice 

dry walling and ceiling systems offset the harsh 

audibles; in the office spaces, boldly patterned carpets and 

upholstered informal meeting booths both look appealing 

and absorb sound. 

Internally, lush greenery features strongly, none so much 

as the large African map outline – in essence, a living moss 

wall – which also localises the brand attractively. 

From the outset, it was a delicate journey, because of 

the nature of Firmenich, and the stringent requirements 

for its laboratories. O’Donovan says, “Our team 

worked closely with the client to understand the lab 

requirements, which are designed to analyse, create 

and produce samples. Air quality is core to Firmenich 

achieving a healthy workspace environment. Positive and 

The brand guidelines are interpreted in bold wallpapers in pre-set colours, African 

Shweshwe fabric patterns and imagery relevant to the different divisions. 

negative air flows are engineered to ensure that odours 

remain inside laboratories and don’t extend beyond 

these areas.” Firmenich installed a fresh air reticulation 

system to distribute fresh air throughout the space, and 

CO 2 monitors continually measure air quality, constantly 

displayed for all employees to take note of. 

Tétris carried out an extensive analysis of the light, 

and it deems the result as one of the key successes. 

The team created an entirely new floor plan whereby 

almost everybody in the building is within seven metres 

of natural light. The standard office plate was turned 

upside-down or rather, inside-out. Where office-based 

staff would traditionally be on the outer perimeter of the 

building with garden views and laboratory staff in the 

middle floorplate in fluorescent-lit labs with storerooms 

downstairs, Tétris broke this mould. All storage facilities 

not requiring daylight were moved to the inside of the 

floorplate – the large flavour and fragrance libraries, as 

well as evaluation and sensory rooms where taste and 

scent profiles are tested over time. All the working and 

engagement facilities were pushed to the exterior. From 

a wellbeing perspective, staff look up from workstations 

straight out the large windows to the landscaped gardens, 

with increased natural light, which assists with focusing, 

concentration and mood enhancement. 

Interior spaces are shaded through external awnings, 

which decreases the need for excessive air conditioning 

and shields staff from glare. Areas are accessed through 

sealed, no-touch, double doors activated by access cards 

to ensure each space is thermally controlled. 

For lighting, motion-activated LED lights are found 

throughout the building, achieving greater energy 

efficiency, requiring less maintenance and enhanced 

product lifespan. 

Potable water – and ongoing access to it – is vital for the 

functioning of the laboratories, so it was imperative in a 

water-stressed country, that there is ample on-site water 

storage and availability. Tétris was tasked with providing 

solutions for harvesting rainwater, storing water, sourcing 

underground water and ensuring efficient water use. The 

result: rainwater is harvested from the roof and parking 

area, stored in a 100 000l underground concrete water 

storage tank, thus reducing reliance on municipal water 

supply by 75%. Thereafter, this rainwater is pumped to 

an above-ground 5 000l tank, providing potable water 

to the building through a reverse osmosis treatment 

plant. In addition, a borehole was sunk to access natural 

underground water. The quality of its water production 

is regularly tested and measured, thereby ensuring the 

supply of compliant potable water for employees. 

“It was a journey of evolution,” says Sams: “As we 

progressed, we included various sustainable aspects. We 

questioned ourselves constantly, ‘Why this when we could 

do that?’” Hence, all toilets are Propelair, 84% less water 

use in comparison to conventional toilets; no-touch timed 

sensor taps with blended water at a pre-defined set point 

are used throughout – more hygienic, with a water saving 

of 60% over conventional alternatives. 

Water wastage was curbed by the installation of a circular 

heat pump so that hot water is immediately available when 

taps are opened. 

Tétris oversaw the installation of the PV system, 

a 110 kilowatts peak (kWp) system including battery 

storage. That power is supplied to the building ensuring 

continuous power even during outages, with a satisfying 

75% reduction in municipal power usage in comparison 

to historic consumption. Non-critical air conditioners are 

on timers to reduce unnecessary use of power. 

It was a journey of evolution. 

Sams adds, “We also installed an electric vehicle charging 

station. Currently nobody has an electric car, but if 

anybody had been toying with the idea of getting one, 

free charging here could be persuasive. 

“Things often happened which guided the direction in 

which we all wanted to go,” he says. From a staff member 

wanting us to collect plastic bottle caps to support an 

owl rescue organisation, it progressed to installing a bat 

box and two owl houses. Once occupied, they’d become 

natural pest predators, potentially allowing us to water 

Achieving the GBCSA 6-Star Green 

Star, which is a World Leadership 

rating, was a team effort. 

From a wellbeing perspective, staff look up from workstations 

straight out the large windows to the landscaped gardens. 



23

PROJECT 

down our existing pest control treatment strategy.” This 

action too, became a catalyst for rethinking the gardens: 

“There wasn’t an extensive breakaway space, so we added 

two external decks and on the landscaping side, chose 

to regenerate 20% of the landscaping back to its original 

state. We swapped the kikuyu grass for Egoli Granite 

Grassland and, weaving through it, created a journey of 

smells that links back to Firmenich as a fragrance house. 

It’ll have certain scented plants – all labelled – and we’ll 

also measure the biodiversity impact over a five-year 

period, so there will be some useful data there. It’ll also 

be interesting to see what the area looked like before 

human inhabitants.” 

For recycling, individual desk bins were removed and 

central recycling stations established. “Initially,” says 

Sams, “there was a little resistance, but soon everybody 

realised the benefit in terms of movement, etc. Importantly 

too, the consciousness of recycling becomes entrenched.” 

That consciousness is considered significant, and at 

regular intervals throughout the building, smart meters 

communicate internally around indoor air quality, power 

and water usage levels, all to create a culture of awareness. 

To have happy employees and colleagues enjoying a vibrant 

workplace experience is the main success of the project. 

“Firmenich wasn’t only focused on the green certification,” 

says Mafukuzela. “The firm is committed to sustainability. 

For example, it has obligated officially to only using certified 

green products for its interior. We repurposed the Existing 

Building Performance tool for Firmenich.” 

In the office, adjustable Haworth chairs, 100% recyclable 

with up to 24% of recycled material, were supplied for all 

employees, and the monitors are on adjustable arms for 

optimal comfort. 

Achieving the GBCSA 6-Star Green Star, which is a 

World Leadership rating, was a team effort. “To stick 

within the original budget, to achieve this and have happy 

employees and colleagues enjoying a vibrant workplace 

experience, that was the main success of the project. 

But none of this is possible if you don’t have a company 

which supports the vision and journey. Firmenich did.” 

For Sams, “I envisage a site that has zero impact on the 

environment it operates in and maybe, even looking 

past that, moving from zero to positive. That’s where my 

vision is now, so we’re not only targeting the net-zero 

rating across all four categories but net positive. That’s 

the journey ahead.” 

SERVING THE NATION’S 

REQUIREMENT FOR VITAL 

CEMENT SUPPLIES 

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS 

Even as South Africa’s construction sector struggles through difficult cycles of low 

profitability and declining capacity, it needs responsible and sustainable companies to 

maintain momentum. 

This is the view of AfriSam’s sales and marketing executive Richard Tomes, who 

highlights that, after almost nine decades in business, the legacy of AfriSam – a leading 

supplier of superior quality construction materials - has been to demonstrate the value 

of good corporate citizenship. AfriSam began its journey as Anglovaal Portland Cement 

Company in 1934, with a cement plant in Roodepoort. 

“The time since then has seen many changes and we are proud to have grown stronger, 

with our customers confirming that we are still their preferred choice,” says Tomes. “Even 

with the depressed state of the construction sector, our focus on quality and sustainability 

means that we can continue to serve the market to world class standards.” 

AfriSam has taken a long-term view on quality, 

experience and capital investment. 

A CONSIDERABLE CONTRIBUTION 

Tomes argues that the extensive investment in cement 

plants, readymix facilities and quarries over the years laid 

the groundwork for AfriSam’s considerable contribution 

to the country’s infrastructure. As Anglo Alpha, it 

had become a fully vertically-integrated construction 

materials business in the 1990s through the strategic 

incorporation of aggregate producer Hippo Quarries and 

readymix company Pioneer Concrete. When the country 

re-entered the international community post-democracy, 

the company was acquired by the multinational Holcim 

group, further augmenting its access to world-class 

expertise and best practice. 

“The learnings gained when part of the Holcim group 

were valuable in positioning AfriSam where it is today,” 

he says. “Our access to global research and the sharing 

of technical expertise further enhanced the expertise of 

many staff still with the business.” 

He emphasises the large capital commitments which 

AfriSam has historically made in the country’s productive 

capacity. Often located in remote areas due to their need 

for limestone deposits, cement plants must be built for 

optimal longevity to justify the investment, he explains. 

These facilities – such as AfriSam’s Ulco and Dudfield 

AfriSam has set the standard in the sector regarding carbon 

emissions and broader environmental responsibility. 

The company trains and maintains the best skills to 

oversee and maintain large and complex plants. 

plants – operate not just as production facilities but as 

integrated settlements. 

“We have been able to serve the nation’s requirement 

for vital cement supplies by maintaining entire village 

environments at these sites, including schools, houses, 

churches and other services,” says Tomes. “These 

facilities must be carefully managed and maintained for 

sustainability, and to make it attractive for our staff to live 

and work there.” 

There is also an ongoing commitment to education 

and training, to ensure that all plants are professionally 

operated and systematically serviced while creating 

opportunities for future generations. 

Looking further ahead, AfriSam has taken a leading 

role in the sector to reduce carbon emissions. Aiming 

at producing carbon neutral products, the company has 

already made significant progress in offering the market 

a range of lower carbon cements. It is also considering 

renewable energy sources at some its plants, to reduce 

coal usage. 

“We will continue to make a positive contribution in 

helping South Africa meet its commitments to the relevant 

global treaties and conventions on climate change,” he says. 



25

PROJECT 

PROJECT 

Taking 

“MEASURE, 

MONITOR, 

MANAGE” 

to the next level 

The headquarters for the Western Cape Department of Transport 

and Public Works is the first public sector building to achieve a 

4-Star Green Star Existing Building Performance v1 rating with 

GBCSA. This flagship project boasts several innovative features. 

WORDS Marlinée Fouché IMAGES Western Cape Government 

PROJECT NUTSHELL 

Location: Cape Town CBD 

Green Star rating: 4-Star Green Star rating, 

Existing Building Performance v1 

Type of building: Public sector 

Project dates: Certified June 2022 

Project size: 13 905m² total gross floor area 

26 



27

PROJECT 

PROJECT 

Number 9 Dorp Street is a renowned modernist 

building in the City landscape. These buildings 

are typically modern, in that they employ a level 

of horizontally clean white façades, floor-toceiling 

glazing which offers views of the South African 

landscape, ribbon windows etc and are typically harder 

to renovate for greater efficiencies. 

“If you aren’t addressing sustainability in your existing 

buildings, you’re not making a big enough impact.” These 

words, by the deputy director-general of the Department of 

Transport and Public Works for the Western Cape, Gavin 

Kode, are the driving principle behind the first performance 

rating of an existing public sector building with GBCSA. 

Initially a guinea pig for sustainability projects, 9 Dorp 

Street can now be considered one of the pioneers for 

performance-based sustainability in the public sector – 

not only because of its physical sustainability features, 

but also for ingraining a culture of sustainable practices 

among employees and other government officials. 

The working environment in the building, situated 

close to parliament and the central train station in 

Cape Town, is constantly adapted with this principle in 

mind. “There’s sort of a freshness to it,” says in-house 

accredited professional (AP), Karl-Robert Gloeck. “As you 

step out of the lobby, you can already see the perimeter 

windows where the natural light comes in. A lot of the 

areas are open-plan and with single corridor access. 

More employees can be accommodated on a single 

floor, and that reduced the overall footprint as far as 

accommodating government staff within the CBD.” The 

concrete brise soleil elements on the building façade help 

mitigate unnecessary heat gain, and the upgraded airchilled 

HVAC systems ensure user comfort is maintained, 

altogether creating a light and airy feel for all spaces on 

the modernised floors. 

Desk space has been optimised, light sensors were 

installed, and shelves are mostly limited to a height of 

1.4 metres, allowing natural light to reach throughout 

the floor. 

Kode says there’s more to the process than meets the 

eye. “It’s part of the journey of becoming an employer of 

choice, to attract the best people to do the best job for the 

people and citizens of the province. At the same time, you 

are reducing water and electricity as well as the cost of 

thereof to the taxpayer.” 

This nine-storey office block incorporates various 

sustainability initiatives in line with the Existing Building 

Performance v1 certification tool. The most notable of 

which, according to Gloeck, concern water usage, the 

building monitoring system as well as the property 

efficiency report. 

“There are 32 electrical meters, one of which is connected 

to the solar PV panels, and there are nine water meters 

and a groundwater meter,” says Gloeck. “Essentially, these 

allow for monthly reports to be issued to the general 

infrastructure directorate for capturing and monitoring, 

and there’s a display of energy and water usage for the 

building in the foyer. Users entering the building are 

able to read the measurements.” This allows for accurate 

performance measurement concerning energy and water, 

which can be compared month on month, season on season 

and year on year.” Energy usage, for example, is metered 

per floor, which means that comparisons can be made to 

identify where improvements can be made. 

The headquarters for the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works. 

Visitors to the building are welcomed in an open, light space. 

The threat of day zero in 2017 ushered in a drastic 

review of the approach to water management, so it comes 

as no surprise that this was one of the highest-scoring 

categories. “There were a lot of drastic interventions, 

including waterless urinals and low-flow fittings for many 

of the bathroom taps. The water meters are tuned to a level 

where they detect even minor leaks early on.” 

Along with this, there are two bigger intercessions: 

replacing the water-cooled chillers for the HVAC with 

air-cooled chillers, and a groundwater system in the 

second basement. Kode says a lot of work has been done 

historically, and the dual plumbing system, which now 

supplies 95% of the water requirements for the building’s 

ablutions, is one of them. It was part of the original 

building design, but because no one was thinking about 

water scarcity back then, it was only recommissioned 

more recently: “Now we are using a lot of free basement 

water that would otherwise have been discharged into the 

municipal stormwater system.” The water is UV-filtered, 

and then distributed for toilet flushing, without cost or 

potable municipal water consumption. “That accounted 

for about 40% of the water use in 2019/2020,” says Gloeck. 

Measuring, monitoring and managing is of primary 

concern at 9 Dorp Street, an approach epitomised by the 

yearly Property Efficiency Report, which scored the building 

a point in the innovation category. “Last year we published 

our tenth edition,” says Kode. “This document reports 

on the office portfolio of every building greater than a 

thousand square meters. Then we can set targets and 

benchmark ourselves against similar buildings in the 

private sector.” 

According to Gloeck, it’s a one-of-a-kind publication in 

South Africa. “It reviews the performance and resource 

usage of applicable buildings in the portfolio by capturing 

and recording their energy and water usage, space 

efficiency and other performance metrics, and there’s quite 

a substantial framework for comparison for energy and 

water usage.” Instead of only having access to information 

on the last year or two, APs can now see a decade’s worth 

of comparative data. “The improvements have been quite 

staggering. There was a reduction in 57% of the energy 

usage for 9 Dorp Street from 2013 to 2021, and a remarkable 

97% reduction in the use of water for the same period.” 

One aspect that sets this certification apart – and 

contributed to yet another innovation point – is the 

Western Cape government’s attempt to “grow their own 

timber”. The eight APs that certified 9 Dorp Street, formed 

We are endeavouring to develop 

awareness in the realm of sustainability 

by investing in our people. 



29

PROJECT 

XPOD AND BIOBUILD - 

A BUILDING METHODOLOGY 

FOR A BETTER ENVIRONMENT 

Through the use of recyclable materials, the core intention is maintained, to 

provide an ecological building alternative that is accessible, and affordable. 

GREEN CONSTRUCTION 

Partitions and storage space in the open plan office is mostly limited to a height of 1.4 metres to create an airy feel. 

part of 54 Public Works officials who were trained as 

APs under GBCSA’s Existing Building Performance tool. 

The team of eight formed a task team, that initially used 

9 Dorp Street as a case study and then through to simulated 

registration and certification of the building – with the 

goal to do the actual certification of the building after 

completing their training. 

This team, consisting of engineers, immovable asset 

management professionals and architects in the public 

sector, allowed for a substantive approach to the process. 

Gloeck, a chief architect in the Chief Directorate Health 

Infrastructure, played a leading role in the certification 

process. He is particularly proud of this. “We’re all in the 

accommodation and infrastructure implementation sphere, 

building hospitals, schools and clinics, upskilling internal 

staff and managing various property issues; this was an 

opportunity to address a different challenge. These are 

steps working towards our goals of becoming a net-zero 

government by 2050 to align with the national mandate, 

and to foster an understanding of what needs to be done, to 

reach a point where the province’s buildings are recognised 

as sustainable.” 

Initially a guinea pig for sustainability 

projects, 9 Dorp Street can now be 

considered one of the pioneers for 

performance-based sustainability 

in the public sector. 

The threat of day zero in 2017, ushered in a drastic review of the approach to water 

management, including the utilisation of basement water for the building. 

Modernisation is part of the journey to attract the best 

people for the job. 

This is exactly what the Western Cape government wants 

to achieve, says Kode. “We are endeavouring to develop 

awareness in the realm of sustainability by investing in 

our people. They might not necessarily all take part in the 

certification training or directly be involved in the process, 

but it enables them to see the impact more broadly through 

the buildings they interact with, which has a ripple effect 

through the organisation and communities. 

Plans are underway to vertify two more of the Western 

Cape Government’s office buildings in the city centre, 

and it is expected that they will receive their ratings 

early in 2024. 

To understand how green the xPod designs and 

BioBuild materials are, you would be forgiven 

in thinking that it is all just context – but, on the 

contrary, the reality is very different. 

In South Africa, between 5 million and 8 million tonnes 

of construction waste are generated annually. Only a small 

fraction is reused or recycled. The result is that a large 

amount of waste is disposed of in landfills, which are 

rapidly reaching capacity in many places. The literature 

suggests that as much as 30% of the material delivered to 

a construction site ends up as waste. Concrete and other 

cementitious materials were most frequently cited, followed 

by bricks. Wood, plastic and cement bags, formwork and 

sand were also mentioned. 

The two most prevalent reasons cited for the causes of 

waste were the lack of skill of labourers and contractors, 

and poor supervision. Other reasons include poor material 

handling, negligence, speed of execution, design changes, 

poor management and planning, and the standard work 

process. Construction workers sometimes did incorrect 

work, leaving waste after the incorrect work was 

demolished. (The Conversation, 5 October 2022) 

The impact of buildings and construction on the 

environment is astounding, with the built environment 

currently accounting for 20% of the world’s water usage and 

40% of its electricity. There is great significance in the fact 

that green buildings can reduce global carbon emissions 

by up to a third. South Africa is on its way to becoming 

one of the global leaders in green building. 

The xPod off-site fabrication and manufacturing 

solutions are extremely beneficial to this environment, 

in that the central feature of all our models and designs 

is that they are non-invasive and seek to leave the natural 

topography untouched. 

We have emphasised that wood waste is one of the largest 

portions of the waste stream generated from construction 

and demolition activities and the lack of sustainable usage 

for the disposal of the material. Hence the incorporation 

of BioBuild panels in the xPod designs. 

BioBuild consists of an ingenious combination of 

mineralised woodchips and cement, which provides a 

unique ecological and economical alternative to traditional 

building materials. This is due to the ease/speed of 

installation and modular design capability, as well as 

providing various insulation and acoustic properties. With 

our core materials consisting of recycled wood waste and 

cement, we have created a fully sustainable green building 

alternative that we feel is a direct replacement for brick 

& mortar. 

BioBuild’s eco-friendly production contributes to the 

reduction of CO₂ emissions in the manufacturing process 

and offers a sustainable solution for the recycling of wood 

waste. BioBuild offers an alternative that assists in the 

preservation of energy and natural resources during the 

construction process and throughout a structure’s life cycle. 

The structural frame was designed to avoid the need 

for any cut and fill excavation, to preserve the natural 

conditions, topography and existing flora. Since all units 

are premanufactured, on-site waste and site establishment 

processes are kept to a minimum. The design philosophy 

allows for the integration of PV systems, incorporating 

water harvesting systems, as well as various waste disposal 

options. Since the implementation relies on an installation 

methodology as opposed to a construction methodology, 

all logistics and process-supporting activities are vastly 

streamlined. 

The xPod and BioBuild building methodology intends 

on creating a healthier and sustainable living environment 

by reducing the carbon footprint of infrastructure through 

the use of recyclable materials, while maintaining the core 

intention to provide an ecological building alternative that 

is accessible, and affordable. 



31

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP 

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP 

THE TIME IS NOW 

to act on the just transition 

Driving sustainable development 

is now an absolute imperative. It is 

crucial that we embrace South Africa’s 

just transition framework to maximise 

the social and economic opportunities 

presented by climate action, while 

minimising and carefully managing 

any challenges that might arise. 

WORDS Shameela Soobramoney* 

Green and social bonds are positioned to raise 

funding for environmental or climate-related 

projects that have favourable environmental and 

social impacts, respectively such as enhancing 

energy efficiency, preventing pollution, establishing 

sustainable agriculture, improving education and healthcare 

outcomes as well as reducing inequality. 

In December 2021, Nedbank listed a R1.09-billion green 

bond on the JSE, whose proceeds would be used to fund 

green residential developments. The bond was floated 

on the JSE’s Sustainability Segment. Similarly, FirstRand 

Bank earlier this year listed two sustainability bonds to 

finance and refinance borrowers looking to invest in 

green buildings and affordable housing projects. The 

two bonds, with a total value of R2-billion, are part of a 

long-term programme to raise R72-billion for FirstRand’s 

sustainability projects. TUHF Limited (TUHF) in 

partnership with Standard Bank listed four social bonds 

valued at R609-million, in March 2021. The proceeds of 

the bonds will drive sustainable development through the 

provision of affordable housing and improved access to 

funding for property SMMEs and entrepreneurs. 

Aside from providing the financial instruments to 

fund sustainable projects, the need to create a broader 

enabling environment for sustainable development is 

also extremely important, especially as regulation and 

guidance are changing rapidly on a worldwide scale. To 

this end, the JSE released its Sustainability and Climate 

Disclosure Guidance in June 2022 to promote transparency 

and good governance. The aim is to guide listed and 

unlisted companies on best practice in environmental, 

social and governance (ESG) disclosure through a 

combination of global best practice and local relevance, 

thus simplifying ESG disclosure for companies in a 

context of the various frameworks, guidelines, standards 

and ratings in the market. 

Transitioning to a greener economy is 

as much a socio-economic imperative 

as it is an environmental one. 

Now more than ever, there is a critical need for climate 

financing in Africa, a region that is particularly vulnerable 

to the devastating impacts of climate change, such as 

severe droughts and flooding. There is currently a pressing 

need for capital markets to close the funding gap between 

the climate action financing needs of developing countries 

and the funding that has been pledged for sustainable 

development. Private market participation will be key 

to achieving this. 

Driving a just transition is particularly pertinent in the 

South African and broader African context, where climate 

financing will be key to mitigating socio-economic 

impacts such as job losses and migration. Given South 

Africa’s massive unemployment crisis and high levels of 

inequality, it is imperative to achieve the transition away 

from fossil fuels to a green economy in a manner that 

does not exacerbate unemployment. 

While the retention of jobs is a critical factor, provision 

must also be made to compensate workers whose jobs 

might be lost or relocated across the fossil fuel value 

chain. These specific needs are key aspects that must 

be addressed in the context of Africa’s climate action 

financing to enable a just transition. 

One of the main themes emerging from COP 27 (the 

climate conference convened by the United Nations that 

took place in 2022), is the need for developed countries to 

deliver on their promises of climate financing, particularly 

for developing economies to enable their transition away 

from fossil fuels. This must happen quickly, as the world 

is moving ever closer to the edge of the cliff if climate 

action is not undertaken as a priority. This was succinctly 

summed by UN Secretary-General, António Guterres 

at the opening of COP 27, who stated: “We are on the 

highway to climate hell with our foot on the accelerator.” 

Another prominent theme raised at the summit is 

growing concern over the increasing debt burden on 

developing countries as much of their climate funding is 

being supplied in the form of debt financing. For example, 

given that South Africa already has R4.7-trillion debt on 

its balance sheet and its debt service already amounts 

to R330-billion annually, it is questionable how much 

remaining capacity we have for additional debt. 

At the same time, South Africa cannot afford to 

procrastinate on the implementation of its Just Energy 

Transition Investment Plan (JET-IP), which was approved 

by government in November 2022 and announced at 

COP 27 by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Transitioning to a 

greener economy is as much a socio-economic imperative 

as it is an environmental one. 

The plan outlines the country’s priority sectors as 

being green hydrogen, decarbonisation of the energy 

sector and the switch to electric vehicles. It is in these 

priority areas that urgent focus must be placed on project 

implementation and funding. However, the president 

noted that an additional R1.5-trillion would be needed 

within the next five years for the JET-IP, with a portion 

of this funding expected to come from international 

funders while the balance will need to be financed locally 

and implementation will be extensively supported by the 

private sector. 

At the JSE, we are guided by our view that the stock 

exchange can a play a pivotal role in creating an enabling 

environment for better sustainability practices to take 

root in the markets we serve and facilitate the flow of 

capital to support the aims of sustainable development 

as well as resilient markets and economies. By building 

a sustainable business ecosystem, we can meaningfully 

contribute to the aims of sustainable development within 

our sphere of influence. 

*Shameela Soobramoney is the chief sustainability officer at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. 

THE SUSTAINABILITY SEGMENT 

Financial markets are positioned to act as a powerful 

force for good in driving sustainable value creation, and 

the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) understands the 

importance of integrating a long-term perspective into 

markets. This approach facilitates the reduction of socioeconomic 

and physical climate risks, while contributing 

to improved financial stability and the transition to a 

low-carbon economy. 

The JSE remains firmly committed to consistently 

advancing sustainability practices in business and 

integrating it across its value chain by guiding its 

markets on the key role that environmental, social 

and governance (ESG) disclosure plays in investment 

considerations. Furthermore, the JSE is leveraging its 

central role as a connector to drive engagement and 

advocacy in relation to sustainability, while also providing 

the tools and investment products needed to facilitate 

responsible investing and reorientate capital flows to 

more sustainable development. 

In July 2020, the JSE launched its Sustainability 

Segment, which is a platform for companies to raise 

debt for green, social and sustainable initiatives. The 

Segment makes it accessible and easy for companies to 

list and trade sustainability-related instruments to raise 

funds for activities directed at sustainable development. 

The Sustainability Segment is essentially an expansion of 

the JSE’s Green Bond Segment to cover a wider range of 

sustainable finance instruments where interested issuers 

can list social, sustainability and green bonds along with 

transition bonds. 


33

064 753 0041 / 082 373 6897 

info@direct2thepeople.com 

BY THE PEOPLE, 

FOR THE PEOPLE 

Talk of cutting-edge Green Tech, we are at the centre of it. No scarring of the 

ground with our EEZI Thermal Modular Composite Building System. 

Our homes are alive; they breathe. We use Hempcrete, an old-time proven 

building technique. 

Polluters? Not us - bamboo, the third hardest wood in the world, is our source 

of energy! 

Long distance transportation of products? Not in our closed-loop communities 

- production takes place at the place of consumption. 

Not only do we reduce CO2 gas emissions, but the cost of living too – household 

expenditure by 40-60%. 

By the people, 

For the People! 

BY THE PEOPLE, 

FOR THE PEOPLE 

Direct 2 The People is at the cutting edge of 

green tech where we deliver sustainable, mixeduse, 

closed-loop, agri-living communities to 

developing countries throughout the world. 

Our housing communities will be net-zero carbon, passive 

homes using zero energy from the grid. Such buildings 

will be light on the land, replacing concrete foundations 

with composite ground screws.Not having to rely on the 

setting for the concrete, the ground screw can immediately 

be loaded with our fibre glass reinforced pultrusion (FRP) 

composite lightweight, high-strength frame. 

The EEZI frame not only gives the structure the strength 

to withstand hurricanes, earthquakes and tornados but 

allows the fully complete modular floor, wall and roof to 

be inserted into the frame onsite. This eliminates the use 

of heavy equipment and cranes on site. 

The EEZI hemp floor, wall and roof, all external and 

internal cladding, electrical wiring and conduits for fibre 

optic, television cables and airflow throughout the structure 

are assembled at the factory. 

Due to the factory finished floor, 

wall, roof and pods, a 65m² house can 

be completed in one day on site. 

The factory-finished structure is inserted into the EEZI 

lightweight composite frame which adds extreme rigidity 

and strength to it. This frame is designed fit-for-purpose for 

such building for the specific site where it is constructed. 

The hemp walling system is a net-zero carbon modular 

walling system which meets the requirements set by the 

passive building standards. 

The EEZI thermal modular alternative building system 

excels in its thermal and acoustic performances as well 

as fire rating. This walling system is alive, breathes and 

absorbs CO2 gas emissions over the entire life of such 

PEOPLE NOT POLITICS 

POLLUTION POLL 

Direct 2 The People believes that the Fourth Industrial 

Revolution (4IR) will see the uprising of the people, where 

the people’s voices will be heard. 

Companies and shareholders polluting the planet will 

be judged by people rather than politics. Those on the 

list of polluters will be boycotted and immediately feel 

the financial losses of polluting. 

We are now able to track all polluters in a real-time 

basis, making it possible to reveal this information to the 

discerning public so they can decide whether to support 

and purchase goods from polluters. Certification standards 

will regulate products and goods in terms of pollution. 

For this very reason, Direct 2 The People is launching 

the EEZI thermal modular composite building system 

in Q1 of 2023. 

building. Hemp walling systems have been in existence for 

hundreds of years and have stood the test of time. 

In addition to these achievements, the buildings are 

100% airtight, thus ensuring that we eliminate any airflow 

containing water vapour which causes rot and mould. 

This unique alternative building system achieves these 

characteristics as the system uses no traditional building 

elements. These are sand, stone, concrete, cement, bricks, 

blocks, steel, aluminium, wood, glass, wooden trusses, 

cement roof tiles and gypsum ceilings. 

All modular separate toilets, showers, baths and vanity 

glass are delivered to site completed in their predetermined 

position in the building. Due to the factory finished floor, 

wall, roof and pods, a 65m² house can be completed in 

one day on site. 

This ground-breaking alternative building system is 

combined with our Direct Art of Living model, which 

includes an economic methodology that can contribute 

to the communities’ wellbeing through the Direct 2 The 

People community way of life, allowing for the following 

savings in capital and living costs: 

• Capital cost of buildings reduced by 30% 

• Energy and electrical cost reduced by 75% 

• Water use reduced by 64% 

The biggest saving will not only be the exclusion of 

rampant inflation but also in lowering the cost of living 

to between 40% and 60%. 

This community agri-living model is the future of 

smart living, where production takes place at the place 

of consumption by the local community resulting in food 

being produced “by the people for the people”. 

064 753 0041 

info@direct2thepeople.com 

CONSTRUCTION 


35

AWARDS 

AWARDS 

INNOVATIVE 

DISTINCTION 

SAPOA Property Development Awards 2022 

COMMERCIAL OFFICE DEVELOPMENTS AWARD 

WINNER: 35 LOWER LONG STREET 

Architect: dhk 

While accolades are not the reason we practice 

architecture, being acknowledged for work we 

have done is always rewarding. A SAPOA award is 

all the more gratifying for being recognition from 

the industry itself. With the judges representing 

different disciplines within the built-environment 

industry, having their recognition is an indication 

from our peers that we are creating buildings 

and spaces that achieve our objectives and add value 

to the urban landscape. 

Location: Lower Long Street, Cape Town CBD 

Project dates: 2016-2018 (design). 2018-2020 (constuction) 

Certification: 4-Star Green Star Design rating 

Type of building: Commercial high-rise 


CORPORATE OFFICE DEVELOPMENTS AWARD 

WINNER: DELOITTE CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE 

Architect: Aevitas Architecture Studio 

Winning the SAPOA Award for Innovative Excellence in our category was recognition by our industry peers 

of the unique nature of the building’s design. The award is confirmation of the value that the building adds 

to its inhabitants as well as its context. We are extremely proud of the finished product. 

Location: Waterfall City, Waterfall, Gauteng 

Project dates: 2018-2021 

Certification: LEED Silver rating 

Type of building: Corporate 


SAPOA President, Andrew König, and CEO, Neil Gopal, say, 

“This year’s entries are outstanding, and clearly indicate that 

the property sector has been steered in right direction regarding 

innovation and excellence. It is a great time to witness the 

world around us – and the places where we work – transform 

in unimaginably superb ways. Our winners will set the bar for 

the level of growth in the sector over the next decade.” And here 

are the winners… 

36 



37

AWARDS 

SPECIALISED FIRE TECHNOLOGY 

WE DESIGN EFFECTIVE 

& ECONOMICAL 

FIRE-SAFE BUILDINGS 

We operate countrywide as Consulting Fire Safety Engineers 

CONSULTING 

Fire Engineers 

RATIONAL 

Fire Designs 

FIRE RISK 

Assessments 

PROTECTION 

Fire Designs 

+27 11 476 7420 

info@sftsafety.co.za 

www.specialisedfiretechnology.co.za 

YOUR TRUSTED FIRE SAFETY ENGINEERS FOR OVER 30 YEARS 

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS AWARD 

WINNER: ALPLA SA 

Architect: Empowered Spaces Architects 

We, at Empowered Spaces Architects, pride ourselves 

on the impact we have had on the industrial landscape. 

It is a proud moment for the practice to be recognised. 

The industry, and ourselves, are striving to push the 

design envelope to even greater heights. 

Location: Lanseria Ext 75, Johannesburg 

Project dates: Completed in October 2021 

Certification: None 

Type of building: Warehouse facility 


INTERIORS AWARD 

WINNER: ANGLO AMERICAN HEAD OFFICE 

Architect: Paragon Interface 

We began this journey with Anglo American in 

2019 when we conducted an in-depth workplace 

strategy into understanding its organisation that 

concluded with its successful move to Rosebank 

after nearly 100 years in the Johannesburg CBD. It is 

hugely gratifying to receive an award that registers 

the significance of this landmark project for this 

progressive global organisation and the success of 

the project as a whole. 

Location: Rosebank, Johannesburg 

Project dates: March 2020 (design), October 2021 

(Anglo American moved in) 

Certification: 6-Star Green Star Office V1.1 Design 

rating and a 5-Star Green Star Interiors 

rating is being targeted 

Type of building: Commercial 



39

AWARDS 

AWARDS 

INNOVATIVE AWARD 

WINNER: CHRIS HANI BARAGWANATH HOSPITAL 500 ICU BEDS 

Architect: Ruben Reddy Architects 

Ruben Reddy Architects is honoured to be part of 

the team that was awarded the SAPOA Award for 

Innovative Excellence for the Chris Hani Baragwanath 

Hospital 500 ICU Beds. This award will always be a 

reminder that we formed a small part of the worldwide 

team that fought day and night to alleviate the 

catastrophic reality caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Location: Soweto, Johannesburg 

Project dates: 2020-2022 


Type of building: Hospital 


OTHER DEVELOPMENTS AWARD 

SUSTAINABILITY AWARD OVERALL WINNER 

WINNER: GREEN SCHOOL SOUTH AFRICA 

Architect: GASS Architecture Studio 

Location: R45, Paarl, Cape Town 

Project dates: Completion 2021 

Certification: Living Building Challenge 

Type of building: Education 

Project size: Site area 81 110m². Built area 3 313m² 

Landscaped/green area 63 408m² 

MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENTS AWARD 

WINNER: BRIDGEWATER 

Project Manager: Rabie Property Group 

Green School South Africa, what an adventurous challenge! Designing and constructing a regenerative 

schooling campus from natural and locally sourced materials (complying with the Living Building 

Standards), sculpting organic architecture, and creating learning spaces that ignite a sense of wonder 

in adults and children alike. This would not have been possible without the collective spirit and 

camaraderie of the professional team. The journey of becoming part of the Green School family and 

to see the impact that the campus has on everyday lives, is life changing, and something we are really proud 

of. Being awarded with the various accolades, is an honour and a privilege, and really creates awareness 

about the importance of regenerative design. 

Receiving the award on behalf of Rabie, Mariska Auret, 

director, says, “We are incredibly honoured to be 

shortlisted with such innovative developments across 

the country and are delighted for the win. Bridgewater 

truly holds a special place as the pioneer development 

of the Ratanga Park family of developments we will be 

rolling out in the next few years. We would like to thank 

SAPOA for this prestigious award and the various 

teams at Vivid Architects, WBHO, all our fantastic 

professionals, service providers and our Rabie team 

for making a dream a reality. We share this award 

with them and look forward to many more.” 

Location: Century City, Cape Town 

Project dates: January 2020 to August 2021 

Certification: 4-Star Green Star Design rating 

Type of building: Mixed-use 

Project size: 80-room hotel is flanked by 122 apartments. It edges 

onto block 1 with 4 852m² office space. Block 2 has six 

double-volume studios. Block 3 comprises of 17 offices 

ranging from 120m² to 300m². 

REFURBISHMENTS AWARD 

WINNER: 3 ALICE LANE 

Architect: ARC Africa t/a ARC MU:V 

We are proud of the collaborative approach to 

delivering the final project within budget and good time 

considering all the challenges from manufacturing 

to Covid-19. Only three materials were used in this 

refurbishment and the outcome is simple, clean 

and well-articulated. The end result being a highperformance 

refurbished building crafted within 

budget which stands tall amongst its neighbouring 

buildings on Alice Lane. 

Location: Sandton, Johannesburg 

Project dates: January 2019 to April 2021 (later due 

to Covid-19) 


Type of building: Office 




41

AWARDS 

AWARDS 

RURAL AND SMALL-TOWN DEVELOPMENTS AWARD 

WINNER: FLAGSTAFF SQUARE 

Architect: MDS Architecture 

Flagstaff Square is in a rural area, so it was important 

to offer a contemporary shopping experience. We are 

pleased with the results of including natural light in the 

design. One of the most memorable aspects of Flagstaff 

Square is the eye-catching graffiti work throughout 

the centre. 

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS AWARD 

WINNER: THE ONYX 

Architect: GASS Architecture Studios 

Location: 254 Fox Street, 

Johannesburg 

Project dates: 2020 (completion) 

Certification: Registered for an EDGE 

certification 

Type of building: Residential 

Project size: 21 660m 2 

Location: Flagstaff, Eastern Cape 

Project dates: November 2020 to October 2021 


Type of building: Retail 

Project size: 11 000m² 

HERITAGE AWARD 

WINNER: OLD CAPE QUARTER 

Architect: dhk 

Working on this project and winning the award is a 

great honour for our company and team. It is always 

important for us to create outdoor and open space in 

the buildings that we create. In this case, the building 

and its open space filters into the greater precinct and 

becomes the showpiece of the development. 

A SAPOA award is all the more gratifying for being 

recognition from the industry itself. With the judges 

representing different disciplines within the builtenvironment 

industry, having their recognition is an 

indication from our peers that we are creating buildings 

and spaces that achieve our objectives and add value 

to the urban landscape. 

RETAIL DEVELOPMENTS AWARD 

WINNER: RUSTENBURG MALL 

Architect: MDS Architecture 

Location: 72 De Waterkant Street, 

De Waterkant, Cape Town 

Project dates: October 2021 

Certification: 4-Star Multi-Unit Residential Design 

v1 rating 



Rustenburg Mall’s design encompasses function 

and fun, which we believe is a key aspect of retail 

developments design. We are proud of the flexibility 

incorporated in the design that allows the building 

to adapt to external factors. Rustenburg Mall offers 

unique sensory experiences to visitors. 

Location: Geelhoutpark, Rustenburg 

Project dates: October 2019 to April 2021 


Type of building: Retail 

Project size: 40 000m² 



43

AWARDS 

7 th annual 

TRANSFORMATION AWARD 

WINNER: JEWEL CITY 

Architect: GASS Architecture Studios 

Location: 

Project dates: 

Certification: 

Type of building: 

Project size: 

254 Fox Street, Johannesburg 

2020 (completed) 

None 

Residential and commercial 

91 480m 2 plus surrounding streets 

27 - 29 June 2023 

Gallagher Convention Centre, 

Johannesburg 

We are extremely proud of the award. It means that we are making an impact on the industry and people 

are taking notice of us and the work that we do. We are privileged to have been part of such an amazing 

opportunity to make a positive change in the Joburg CBD and to have a real impact on the lives of everyday 

people who will be making use of the precinct. 

BE INSPIRED 

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Join Africa’s only dedicated conference that 

explores how smart cities can deliver a quality 

life and enable economic growth through IoT, 

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African solutions for Africa’s cities, this highprofile 

conference will tackle Africa’s readiness 

to fully adopt smart methodologies for 

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Secure your delegate place or sponsorship package 

Get in touch with KennethMasvikeni@dmgevents.com 

Co-located with: 

Organised by: 

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SOUTHERN AFRICA 


www.smart-summit.com

SUHDE 

TUNNUS FILE SUUNN. 

PVM. 

SUHDE 


PVM. 

SUHDE 


PVM. 

CONCRETE INDUSTRY 

CONCRETE INDUSTRY 

Tubes integrated to DELTABEAM 

for preventing the adhesion 

between concrete and anchor bolts 

Joint reinforcement connection by 

Modix Rebar coupler system 

Cement-based grout 

Post-installed anchor bolts (e.g. Hilti 

HIT) 

A CIRCULAR FUTURE AHEAD 

FOR PRECAST CONCETE ELEMENTS 

At the end of 2021, Peikko Group Corporation, the global forerunner in Slim Floor Structures, Wind 

Energy Applications and Connection Technology for Precast and Cast-in-situ, implemented a pilot 

project in which a load-bearing frame of concrete elements and slim-floor beams was assembled, 

disassembled and reassembled. Precast manufacturer, Consolis Parma and Finnish training and 

research organization, TTS were also involved in the project which was carried out in Vantaa, 

Finland. The main purpose of the project was to prove that the connection technology between 

load-bearing structures unlocks the reuse potential of precast concrete elements. 

In 2022, the construction of a residential building consisting of demountable connections and a reusable 

load-bearing frame was started. It is the first residential building in Finland where the principles of Designfor-Disassembly 

have been applied, to allow direct reuse of its building components. Connections between 

load-bearing structures were designed by adopting the best practices from the pilot project in 2021. 

These efforts are in line with the European 

Commission’s Circular Economy action plan, 

which defines concrete ways to achieve the EUwide 

targets to become carbon neutral by 2050. 

Given that the construction sector produces over 35% of 

all EU territory waste, 5-12% of the world’s greenhouse 

gas emissions, and used up 29% of all non-renewable raw 

materials in 2018, there is huge pressure on the construction 

industry to find more sustainable ways of operation. 

One aspect of sustainability and circular economy is to 

keep products, components, and materials at their highest 

utility and maintain their value throughout the entire 

life cycle of a building. Connections may be designed 

to enable an effective dismount of building components 

as well as support the modularity of the building. The 

potential of existing building stock may also be utilised if 

their structures are found to meet modern requirements. 

These methods could effectively reduce the need for new 

structures and buildings, thus reducing both CO 2 

emissions 

and the consumption of raw materials. 

PILOTING THE FUTURE 

While the demountability and reusability of steel 

structures has been studied and is easier to put into 

practice, concrete structures require installation 

tolerances on site and grout makes disassembling difficult. 

There have thus been few attempts to reuse concrete 

structures in practice. 

In order to produce novel information and break down 

negative prejudices haunting over the reusability of 

precast concrete elements, Peikko implemented a pilot 

project where dismount and reuse of such structures were 

tested in practice. The test was done by assembling a 

frame consisting of 320mm deep DELTABEAM® Green 

composite beams, which was made from steel having 

90% or higher recycled content, and ‘green’ hollow core 

slabs and precast columns, which are 50% lower in CO 2 

emissions than standard slabs due to PARMA Green 

technology. None of the components were damaged in 

the dismounting process. 

During the reassembly, all disassembled components 

were placed in their original position and the bolted 

connections were reconnected (figure 8). It can be 

concluded that the current connection technology already 

enables the dismount and reuse of concrete elements. 

However, does the dismount of structures achieve economic 

viability, or does reusability have a clear effect on reducing 

environmental load? 

Peikko Finland Oy 

tel. +358 3 812 311 

fax +358 3 733 0152 

www.peikko.com 

Precast column to foundation - first assembly 

Detail 5-1 

28.7.21 

JYr 


tel. +358 3 812 311 

fax +358 3 733 0152 


DELTABEAM to precast column - first assembly 

Detail 1-1 

LESS ENVIRONMENTAL LOAD 

WITH SMALLER COSTS 

After the pilot project, the environmental and economic 

impact of dismount and reuse were studied by running a 

comparison between two scenarios: 

1) Reassembly of the frame by using the same dismounted 

components 

2) Reassembly of the frame by using brand new building 

components 

For the latter case, a similar precast concrete frame 

was assumed, but without the connection technology 

supporting the dismount. In that case, the reassembly 

of the frame simply meant the delivery of completely 

new components. Economic effects were estimated 

by calculating the costs associated with materials and 

processes (€) while environmental effects were determined 

as CO 2 

emissions (kgCO 2 

). The study and its results are 

discussed more deeply in the White paper Dismount and 

reuse of precast concrete frame. 

It was concluded that, although considering dismount 

and reuse in the design (scenario 1) produces additional 

costs and CO 2 

emissions in both the first assembly 

phase and disassembly phase, economic savings and 


JYr 


tel. +358 3 812 311 

fax +358 3 733 0152 


DELTABEAM to HC slab 1 - reassembly 

Detail 2-3 

environmental benefits are significant in reassembly 

phase when compared to manufacturing and transporting 

entirely new building components (scenario 2). In the pilot 

frame, which was implemented under the pilot project, 

disassembly and reusability resulted in approximately 35% 

cost savings and 50% lower emissions. 

FROM PILOT TO PRACTICE 

While the pilot has proven the technical feasibility of the 

current connection technology, the study for economic and 

environmental gains has revealed the leashed potential 

of dismount and reuse of concrete structures. One of the 

key challenges for applying design-for-disassembly as 

common practice is lack of regulative norms, which would 

provide rules and boundaries for designers. International 

standard ISO 20887 is one the few to present principles and 

requirements related the topic, and the concept of bolted 

connections is well in line with the standard. However, 

larger scale of standardisation work is further required. To 

fuel the ambition, more and more references are needed to 

reveal the best practices for dismount and reuse. 

The residential building which has been constructed 

in Finland with demountable and resusable load-bearing 

structures, as the first of its kind, is a concrete benchmark 

for the buildings in the future, which are asked to be 

circular without compromising the appealing appearance 

and the structural performance. 

KEEPING OUR EYES ON THE FUTURE 

The future holds much innovation ahead, and Peikko is 

proud to be part of the solution, as the company continues 

to operate in line with its vision to offer a faster, safer, and 

more sustainable way to design and build. 




47

AWARDS 

AWARDS 

A world-renowned 

mark of 

EXCELLENCE 

BALWIN PROPERTIES 

Best Apartment SA 

Thaba Eco Village 

5 Stars 

Best Architecture Multiple Residence SA 

Thaba Eco Village 

5 Stars 

Best Leisure Architecture SA 

Leisure Development SA 

Munyaka Lifestyle Centre, Waterfall City 

5 Stars 

Best Social Housing SA 

GreenBay Eco Estate 

5 Stars 

Sustainable Residential Development SA 

GreenBay Eco Estate 

Award Winner 

What does winning an International Property Award 

mean to you? 

A cornerstone of Balwin’s approach has always been to 

consider what’s good for our clients and what’s good for 

the environment. To deliver a sustainable, exceptional 

quality product, we spend an inordinate amount of time 

and effort working with the best consultants, contractors 

and architects. These awards demonstrate that we can 

compete and win on one of the world’s biggest stages, 

which makes us very excited and grateful. 

The International Property Awards (IPAs) is one of 

the most prestigious platforms in the world celebrating 

excellence in real estate. It sets an international benchmark 

that allows Balwin to scale itself against the best in the 

world. To date, we have achieved 38 awards recognising our 

commitment to excellent and innovation in sustainability, 

leisure and architecture as well as social housing. 

SUSTAINABILITY JOURNEY 

The journey of Balwin building multi-award winning 

developments starts with the application of an EDGE 

advanced certification for all our apartments. This 

ensures that we give our clients a 40% saving on their 

energy usage and a 20% reduction in water consumption. 

To achieve this we implement sustainable passive 

design, low energy appliances and on-site clean energy 

generation. Further into the journey, we provide a 

world-class lifestyle centre that will receive the 

highest Green Star rating, which is the 6-Star Green 

Star Building rating GBCSA. While providing a vast 

variety of amenities we still ensure our buildings are 

of the utmost efficiency and sustainability. This is all 

in line with Balwin’s vision of providing affordable 

yet aspirational and sustainable homes to our clients. 

The International Property Awards are 

open to residential and commercial 

property professionals from around 

the world. The awards honour the 

highest levels of accomplishment by 

companies operating in the property 

industry. In this article, we celebrate 

the awards achieved by GBCSA-rated 

projects and GBCSA members. 

Munyaka Lifestyle Centre. 



49

AWARDS 

AWARDS 

LYT ARCHITECTURE 

Best Leisure Interior SA 

Highline Courtyard Hotel Rooftop Bar and Restaurant 

5 Stars 

Best Residential High Rise Architecture SA 

South Point Student Accommodation 

5 Stars 

Mixed-use Architecture SA 

Munyaka Lifestyle Centre 

Award Winner 

Retail Architecture SA 

McDonald’s Flagship, Waterfall 

Award Winner 

What does winning an IPA mean to you? 

It is an acknowledgement of LYT Architecture’s design 

talent, as well as a vote of confidence for the dedicated and 

driven team that worked on this project. Winning the award 

is an affirmation of our commitment to providing highquality 

designs and service for our current and future clients. 

As our brand continues to be defined and developed, 

it generates the opportunity to market the company on a 

local and international level. The IPAs are an excellent 

platform to showcase LYT Architecture’s more prestigious 

projects and provide the opportunity to be recognised for 

the numerous ways in which they respond to the everchanging 

societal values and urban landscapes of our local 

and global contexts. 

Where to from here? 

We are committed to maintaining a leadership role in the 

architectural profession through outstanding service and 

the continued delivery of high-quality designs. 

Thaba Eco Village. 


The awards are a yardstick and we’re very proud to be at 

the leading edge of innovation in design, lifestyle offering 

and sustainability. Balwin is officially the largest IFC 

EDGE developer in the world, resulting in lower energy 

and water consumption during and after construction, 

which we’ve turned into a financial benefit for our clients 

through our green bonds. Going forward, we’re looking 

to address specific challenges in South Africa, such as 

off-grid power at our current developments to alleviate 

loadshedding and black water reticulation. 

An innovation of IFC, a member of the World Bank 

Group, EDGE makes it easy to design and certify 

resource-efficient and zero-carbon buildings of every 

type, everywhere. 

Highline Courtyard Hotel 

Rooftop Bar and Restaurant. 

SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS AREAS 

At LYT Architecture, working towards a sustainable 

future is at the forefront of every project. Our projects are 

designed in a manner that carefully consider our clients’ 

present and future needs to be able to successfully address 

these issues. During the planning and construction 

phases, the use of environmental-friendly systems and 

building materials is explored to develop alternate, 

future-proof solutions for our clients. Our sustainability 

strategies include: 

• Passive and active sustainable design 

• Prioritisation of sustainable materials in design 

• Landscape design 

(Above) McDonald’s Flagship. 

(Below) South Point Student Accommodation. 

GreenBay Eco Estate. 

Munyaka Lifestyle Centre. 



51

AWARDS 

AWARDS 

WATERFALL MANAGEMENT COMPANY 

Best mixed-use Development SA 

Waterfall City 

5 Stars 


Although Waterfall City is currently only 45% complete, it 

is fast becoming known as the new economic hub of South 

Africa and the ideal residential, lifestyle and blue-chip 

business destination in Gauteng. 

Winning an IPA helps to attract international companies 

and reassures those who have already moved to Waterfall 

City that they have made the right decision. Receiving 

international recognition such as this on a regular basis 

– having won the Best Mixed-use Development in South 

Africa award eight times, Best in Africa seven times and 

Best in the World four times to date – certainly emphasises 

just how world-class Waterfall City is. 

From inception, the Waterfall Management Company 

and our various development partners have had big 

aspirations for Waterfall City. Conceptualised as a safe, 

state-of-the-art smart city built on the cornerstones of 

connection, commerce, care and community, Waterfall City 

is unique. Entering such awards helps us to benchmark 

ourselves against international players, and to represent 

South African property developments on the world stage. 


Our aim is to continue to develop and improve this worldclass 

smart city. The golden thread running through this is 

the continued development of infrastructure enhancements 

with a focus on the future. Energy efficiency is critical in 

this regard and as such, Waterfall City plans to install more 

solar panels on the roofs of commercial developments while 

also investigating the possibility of a solar farm. 

There are continuous investments being made in road 

infrastructure as well. 

GIANT LEAP 

Best Office Interior SA 

AngloGold Ashanti Project AGA 

5 Stars 


We are so proud to have won the 5-star Best Office Interior 

South Africa, for AngloGold Ashanti. In 2020, we were 

encouraged by our client to enter the awards, and we won 

for our Barloworld project. We entered two more projects 

in the following years and are thrilled that we won 5-star 

Best Office Interior SA for three years consecutively. 


We continue to design and build office interiors, locally 

and internationally, that inspire efficient and innovative. 

Location: 

Rosebank 

Project dates: 2021 


None 


Project size: 6 500m 2 Location: Century City, Cape Town 


By understanding that making a balanced office environment can benefit employees’ wellbeing, we consider 

vital elements such as biophilia, good lighting, art and ergonomics to create the best environment while keeping 

sustainability in mind. 


Future-proofed infrastructure and responsible environmental stewardship are at the forefront of design. On 

the energy front, the intention is to keep the carbon footprint small, air pollution low and energy efficiency 

high. The Waterfall City CBD boasts 31 green-rated buildings with rainwater harvesting and back-up power 

enabling business continuity during outages. 

Waterfall City has mitigated against the risk of flooding and erosion through the building of 18 attenuation 

dams that have become part of its 130ha greenbelt. It has a water-use licence that allows for irrigation of 

common areas at the development using water from the Jukskei River, which is first pumped through an ozone 

water treatment plant. We have applied for licences to draw more water from Jukskei and harvest rainwater on 

a larger scale. Our landscaping focuses on indigenous, water-wise plants. 

Waterfall City’s waste management processes divert waste from landfills, creating a circular economy. The city 

currently converts 90 tons of food waste a month into pre-compost to be used on the development. Residents 

drop off their recyclables, including e-waste, at a centralised waste management facility. 

VIVID ARCHITECTS 

Mixed-use Development SA 

Bridgewater 

Award Winner 


We are extremely humbled and thankful our work has 

international relevance and appeal, and ecstatic for being 

chosen as one of the winning projects. 

What prompted you to enter the project into the award? 

We were invited. Our WEX1 project won the Best of 5-Star 

award in 2017, so we understand it is a fantastic opportunity 

for our work to be assessed on the world stage. 


To win more awards! To keep creating places for people to 

inhabit and enjoy. Spaces that have relevance and longevity, 

buildings that make people happy. 



4-Star Green Star rating 


Project size: 

7 000m 2 offices, 

122 apartments, 80 hotel 

beds, +350 parking bays 


We design our projects with passive sustainability 

in mind, using appropriate façade treatments and 

designed floorplate depths, to ensure natural light 

without excessive heat load build-up is attained. 

Natural ventilation is a key design factor, reducing 

the reliance on mechanical services. 



53

AWARDS 

AWARDS 

PAM GOLDING PROPERTIES 

Best Real Estate Agency Marketing SA 

Best Real Estate Agency over 20 Offices SA 

Best Real Estate Agency Website SA 

(5 Stars in all three categories) 

Receiving these acclaimed accolades is testament to our 

market leadership, as well as our ongoing commitment to 

providing clients with differentiated, world-class service 

excellence, coupled with high technological and marketing 

innovation as we constantly strive to set new benchmark 

standards in the industry. 

We are proud that this brings to over 67 IPAs achieved. 

With 46 years of experience in the residential property 

market, we have established a reputation as a globally 

recognised and respected brand in real estate, with our 

success built on the same pillars as the IPA’s judging criteria. 

Coupled with this, the challenges and socio-economic 

impact of the pandemic and ensuing lockdowns on the 

global and local economy in today’s rapidly changing 

world, has further underscored our commitment to our 

core values and in the way we do business. Innovations 

include our Live Remarkable campaign which has been 

portrayed across media, whereby we recognise remarkable 

Africans and the positive impact they have on the world, 

celebrating the human spirit and inspiring our own lives. 

Operating via a network of over 300 offices in sub-Saharan 

Africa as well as several international offices, our agents 

are active at both a hyper local, national and global level. 

Our aim is to influence and create increased consciousness 

among homeowners regarding sustainability, in terms of the 

home environment, namely, energy usage and saving, water 

conservation, waste and biodiversity in gardens. 

DHK ARCHITECTS 

Commercial High-Rise Architecture 

35 Lower Long 

Award Winner 

Hotel Architecture SA 

Radisson RED Rosebank 

Award Winner 

Mixed-use Architecture SA 

Old Cape Quarter 

Award Winner 

Residential High-Rise Architecture SA 

The Rubik 

Award Winner 

35 LOWER LONG 

Location: 

Lower Long Street, Cape Town 

Project dates: 2016-2018 (design). 2018-2020 

(construction) 


4-Star Green Star Design rating 

Type of building: Commercial 


RADISSON RED ROSEBANK 

Location: 

Rosebank, Johannesburg 



5-Star Green Star rating 

Type of building: Hotel 



Winning an award is always a bonus in that it’s a recognition 

of an aspect of design excellence, but it isn’t the reason we 

practice architecture. When a building fulfils its function in 

its context and achieves its objectives visually, functionally, 

in terms environmental impact, the comfort and wellbeing 

of its occupants while delivering financial return for the 

developer, then as a design inspired commercial studio, we 

have created a building both beautiful and fit for purpose. 

An award is simply recognition of the success of this 

endeavour. Award platforms are an opportunity to engage 

with the industry at large – and share current or recent 

work with the world. 


We continue the journey, trying to push and challenge 

the design envelope, constantly re-inventing to remain 

fresh and relevant. 

OLD CAPE QUARTER 

Location: 

72 De Waterkant Street, 

De Waterkant, Cape Town 

Project dates: October 2021 


4-Star Green Star Multi-Unit 

Residential Design rating 



THE RUBIK 

Location: 

17 Loop Street, Cape Town 

Project dates: 2017-2021 (design). 2021-2024 

(construction) 


None 


Project size: 21 420m 2 

The Rubik (left) and 35 Lower Long (right). 

Farai Chinomwe. 

We recognise remarkable South Africans and Africans and the positive impact they have on the world, celebrating 

the human spirit and inspiring our own lives. 

These include renowned pulmonologist, Dr Taban, who has a burning desire to assist disadvantaged children to 

acquire an education, thereby ensuring that they have a brighter future. Together with our Heart of Gold Trust and 

the Emmanuel Taban Foundation, we have pledged our commitment to sponsor bursaries for girls from disadvantaged 

backgrounds to enrol at Jeppe High School for Girls. 

Our campaign also recognises Farai Chinomwe, a Rastafarian, Zimbabwean musician and long-distance runner 

whose calling is to draw attention to the importance and plight of bees on our planet through Blessed Bees Africa. 

Then there is Hanli Prinsloo, an ocean conservationist, exceptional free diver and aqua-ambassador for the deep 

with her I AM WATER Foundation, who was also selected as one of the World Economic Forum’s Young Global 

Leaders, who dives to make a critical and remarkable connection with aquatic wildlife, drawing attention to the 

fragility of our blue planet. 


We have always attempted to follow best practice in the buildings we design and in terms of outright 

sustainability we have come a very long way together with our fellow professionals. The bar is being set ever 

higher, not because of the points one scores but rather in our goal to genuinely support efforts to curb global 

climate change and urban blight in the pursuit of better places to work live and play. This must remain our goal. 



55

AWARDS 

LEGARO PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT 

Best Leisure Development 

The Emerald 

5 Stars 

56 


We are very proud to have won this award. It is 

recognition of our innovation and quality, two driving 

forces in our business, so it means a great deal. 

In our ongoing quest for excellence, we think it is 

necessary to put ourselves up for comparison with the best 

in the world. It is both motivating and rewarding. We also 

think our current homeowners and potential homebuyers 

value the quality assurance that this award represents. 


We have just launched our first residential development in 

the Western Cape, Drakenzicht. This luxury estate in Paarl 

will feature over 200 villas and all the lifestyle facilities The 

Emerald offers, and more! We have another development 

coming soon in the Hyde Park area, Hyde Park Square. We 

are increasing our commercial property portfolio, with the 

development of 84 Corlett in Melrose North. 

Location: 

Hyde Park, Johannesburg 

Project dates: Completion due 2025 


Edge Advanced certified 

by GBCSA 

Type of building: Residential 

Project size: 

292 apartments 

MIXED USE ARCHITECTURE 

A TRANSFORMATIVE 

COLLABORATION 


Legaro Property Development has a strong focus 

on green building; from design to development, 

sustainability and eco-conscious living are paramount 

in the creation of all our developments. The Emerald 

energy-efficient and water-wise solutions and is Edge 

Advanced certified by GBCSA. 

AMA ARCHITECTS 

Best Mixed-use Architecture SA 

Towers Main 

5 Stars 

ABSA PRECINCT 

JOHANNESBURG 


Winning this IPA exposes our firm to the global built 

environment that is inventive and skilled in the design of 

the urban architecture. It broadcasts the incredible vision 

and effort in rejuvenating a building in the city centre 

through powerful interventions. This was a meaningful SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS AREAS 

opportunity to showcase a rare achievement in the innercity 

The energy-efficient glazing on the main façade, and the 

of Johannesburg, by renewing a mothballed office tower careful composition of windows to the residential façade 

into a world-class mixed-use building, using the best design reduced energy consumption dramatically. The ETICS 

skills our country has to offer. Competing on the world stage façade building system, used on the residential façade, is 

and winning international design provides recognition of nine times lighter, four times faster to construct, and 12 

our architectural skills and shows what we are capable of times more thermally efficient than conventional brick 

in South Africa, which is immensely gratifying. 

construction. The lightweight and size characteristics 

of Hebel AAC block allows for reduced transport costs 


when compared to conventional brick. 

AMA Architects is intent on transforming our cities and Efficient ducting and sensors were installed to 

communities into safer, healthier and more connected distribute the centrally provided fresh air. An air-cooled 

spaces. The future of our world is strongly tied to how we chiller located on the ground floor distributes water to 

live, work and play. 

the office area of the building. LED lighting is installed 

throughout. All lights are operated using occupancy 

Location: 

Marshalltown, Johannesburg sensors that double as daylight harvesting switching. The 

Project dates: 

2019 (completed) 

floorplate is not deep, therefore natural light is abundant. 


Towers Main: 5-Star Green 

The building is largely naturally ventilated and relies 

Star v1 rating 

on fresh air distribution. Materials were procured from 


environmentally preferable sources. There are dedicated 

recycling areas and fuel-efficient parking bays. 

www.amagroup.co.za

save the 

DATE 

Think of a space, what does 

it look like? How does it 

make you feel? Is it a memory 

or an imagined space? GBCSA is 

creating a space like no other for 

our 2023 Convention. 

15 Nov-17 Nov 

2023 CAPE TOWN 

Century City Conference Centre 

space 

to 

INSPIRE 

Know you can make it already? 

Email gbcsa@idna.co.za 

to register your interest

+IMPACT MAGAZINE ISSUE 21

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