+IMPACT Magazine Issue 25

PROJECT
CONSTRUCTION
FUTURE GROWTH
“Having a client that strives for innovation was a breath
of fresh air, when often going green is seen as a grudge
purchase – especially regarding something like landscaping
that doesn’t have a financial payback. Its positive impact
on human health is also difficult to measure objectively,”
he says.
“My hope is that this project helps show clients the value of
highly diverse, locally indigenous landscaping. Landscaping
is usually given only leftover space, and a budget that allows
only a few pretty, easy-to-maintain species. Increasing
the client base of cities to include endangered wildlife
is a powerful idea. Without romanticising the past, it
does link to a time of deep connection between people and
their natural environment, perhaps the original definition
of sustainability.
“These projects remind us of our collective responsibility
as the most dominant species on the planet to care for our
local species in need of protection. With the government
stretched financially, it highlights the necessary role of
the private sector in contributing to conservation, even
in a small, simple way like urban landscaping. If we do
this collectively, we can transform our cities to places
of sanctuary and refuge for many species in need of our
help,” says Sherratt.
“Well done to dsm-firmenich for pioneering this type of
project in Africa and for being the first GBCSA-certified,
Net Positive Ecology Level 2 accreditation in the country.”
AFRISAM:
SUPPORTING GREEN AMBITIONS
Even in an industry as competitive as construction, the pressure to improve environmental
performance is growing. Developers are targeting “green buildings” and want their
contractors to be fully on board. An important way to reduce the carbon footprint of
projects is through carefully sourcing your construction materials, argues AfriSam.
There is an authentic
beauty in an indigenous garden,
bringing what should have
been there back to life.
“The importance of regenerating endangered vegetation types in cities is a vital discussion.
The landscape of a city is part of its identity as much as its architecture is – you can tell
a lot about which nations and cultures have influenced a city by what has historically been
planted,” says managing director of Marc Sherratt Sustainability Architects, Marc Sherratt.
With the trend towards green buildings,
contractors are expected to support their
customers in reaching sustainability goals;
AfriSam’s product range has been evolving
with this front of mind.
Decades of innovation in terms of environmental
responsibility and carbon reduction have put AfriSam out
front, according to Hannes Meyer, Cementitious Executive
at AfriSam. The company was one of the first to develop
its own sustainability road map, and this is now paying
off for customers.
“The sustainability drive in the construction sector is
gathering momentum,” says Meyer. “The carbon footprint
of construction materials is where contractors can make
immediate gains when looking to align a project with
more stringent environmental standards.”
Meyer points out that the company has made continuous
progress in fields such as energy efficiency, cement
extenders, water conservation and biodiversity. This allows
customers to procure products in the knowledge that the
environmental and carbon impact is minimised.
“We give our customers the opportunity to support
a more sustainable future for the sector by choosing
construction materials that embody this commitment,”
Meyer explains. “We do not just set theoretical targets
for environmental performance; we are practical about
what we can achieve, because we have been innovating
on this front for so long.”
CREDIBLE EVIDENCE
This is in clear contrast to a significant level of “greenwashing”
in this sector, where many companies advertise
a sustainable approach but without credible evidence of
In 2009, AfriSam was the first in the industry to introduce a CO2 rating system on its
cement products.
AfriSam is the partner of choice for contractors
who are serious about a more sustainable
future for our planet and our children.
how their targets are to be achieved. Since 1990, AfriSam
has been able to reduce the volume of carbon dioxide
emissions per ton of cementitious material by 33%.
In a carbon-intensive industry like cement manufacturing,
it is difficult to reduce the carbon impact without a depth
of expertise and constant investment in innovation,
says AfriSam Process Engineer Marieta Buckle. It is
also important to consider the cost implications of any
changes, given South Africa’s need for a just transition to
a sustainable future.
“In our position as a developing country, our future
will demand the construction of millions of houses –
structures that require considerable quantities of cement,”
says Buckle. “The way we pursue our just transition must
take into account the affordability of these homes for the
vast majority of citizens.”
AfriSam has therefore been cautious in how it sets
and publicises its sustainability targets, while all along
continuing to prioritise research and development into
how to achieve lower carbon products. Having considered
a wide variety of options available, it has implemented
strategies that have the least cost impact on customers
and the market.
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