+IMPACT MAGAZINE ISSUE 21

GBCSA
NET ZERO SUBMISSION
Strive for Net Zero
while saving money
at the same time!
WINNER: HEADQUARTERS OF FUCHS LUBRICANTS
Accredited professional: Alex Varughese, Solid Green Consulting
Project type: Commercial
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
the energy customer in South Africa.
Blue Sky Energy are experts in the design, procurement
and construction of such plants.
Battery energy storage installations provide access to solar
energy daily during peak hours when the sun is not shining
and enable users to bridge their primary energy needs
through grid interruptions.
While the levelised cost of hybrid solar + battery storage
installations is significantly greater than solar PV only,
appropriately sized solutions can be commercially feasible.
Would you like to know if your property or business can
achieve energy security at the same cost or less than what
you are paying currently?
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.
123RF
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.
Did you know that Section 12B of the Tax Act
allows for the accelerated depreciation
of your power generation capex resulting
in a 27.5% saving on your project installation?
Agri-Voltaics and Solar Car Ports
Blue Sky Energy works with leading light steel frame
construction suppliers to offer a range of innovative
solutions such as agrivoltaics and solar car-ports.
Have you considered putting your spare space to work?
Whether you have low value land or large parking spaces,
bring them to life through solar PV installations that create
energy and high value spaces such as shade for parking or
tunnels for agriculture.
Website: www.blue-sky.energy Email: enquiries@blue-sky.energy
16 POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 21
CONTACT THE EXPERTS AT BLUE SKY ENERGY RIGHT NOW!