There is an infectious feeling of optimism and comradery in the air when a group of like-minded individuals get together to celebrate the incredible work being done by local individuals, organisations, and communities to build a greener and more eco-logical world. And that’s exactly what the 2023 Eco-Logic Awards, which took place on 9 November at the Two Oceans Aquarium, is … [Read more...]
Public invited to comment on Bellville’s future
The Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP) urges local residents, businesses, and investors to comment on the City of Cape Town’s draft local spatial development framework (LSDF) for the Bellville Central Business District (CBD). The draft LSDF proposes the City’s vision for the regeneration of the Bellville CBD, the second metropolitan node of the Mother City. Bellville CBD … [Read more...]
Cape Town receives certificates for energy smart buildings
The City of Cape Town is proud to announce that it has received Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for three of its municipal buildings. We can only manage what we measure, so EPCs are a critical first step to reducing our energy use. The City is the first in South Africa to achieve this feat. This is good news for customers as more resource efficient facilities make … [Read more...]
Impressive accolades for nature-focused landscapers
DDS Projects, based at Die Handelshuis in Simondium, was named overall winner at the 2021 South African Landscapes Awards (SALI) and was awarded the Shield for Excellence in Landscaping for their Babylonstoren Fynbos Cottages project. The project also received the Best Landscape Construction with In-House Design trophy. Founded in 2010 in Stellenbosch by passionate … [Read more...]
Cultivating a passion for sustainable development in university students
Fresh life for old tyres; visionary 3D-printing for construction: these are just some of the clever and sustainable ideas presented by university students competing in the annual Growthpoint Properties and Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) Greenovate Awards. The University of Stellenbosch triumphed overall, notably in the engineering category – which … [Read more...]
Is sustainability finally becoming more mainstream?
As the world grapples with the uncertainty surrounding the long-term implications of Covid-19, there is a measure of agreement on one thing - the global pandemic has fast-tracked numerous trends which were already emerging prior to the crisis. Says Anthony Stroebel, head of New Business Development for Pam Golding Properties and a director of the Green Building Council South … [Read more...]
Growing green sectional title schemes
Rising utility costs, paired with competitively priced sustainable tools to supplement municipal electricity and water use, mean that sectional title schemes are becoming a more viable marketplace for the green building sector. While each scheme has unique characteristics, their expenses are often centred around meeting similar needs, namely: electricity and water use, … [Read more...]
Malaysia is fighting the climate crisis with green architecture
More than a third of all worldwide energy is consumed by buildings and construction, so a new generation of architects are designing structures that both respond to Malaysia’s climate whilst also being sympathetic to the global climate emergency. Award-winning Malaysian architect Eleena Jamil, who has utilised bamboo in her structures, explains the importance of embracing … [Read more...]
Features to look for in an eco-friendly home
Being eco-friendly is no longer just a fad or trend; it’s a lifestyle choice and it’s here to stay. With the Western Cape’s current severe drought situation, and thousands of tonnes of waste poured into our landfills every year, there’s no time like the present to think more seriously about adopting the ‘green’ lifestyle. If you’re browsing for houses for sale, and want to … [Read more...]
Recycled polystyrene used in new Table Bay mall construction
More than 15 tons of recycled, Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) have already gone into the production of 20,000 Greenlite Concrete blocks used in the new Table Bay Mall that is currently being constructed. Expected to open its doors at the end of September this year, this 65 000 m² regional shopping centre is located on a 20 ha site on the corner of the R27 (West Coast Road) and … [Read more...]
Drought adaptation DIY style: steps to save water
January was not for chickens in the Cape – extreme drought and fires saw the gardens shrivel up and die. So sad to witness and feel the distress all round. Once our veggie plants got stressed the diseases followed. Watching your water consumption with Stage 3 water restrictions and growing food without the farmer’s concessions calls for innovation. How to capture each … [Read more...]
Finding smart insulation for a hot house
Another summer almost over … hope to goodness the worst heat is over. How clueless was the building industry about energy efficiency when most of our houses were built! Who does not want to save energy now – and it is indeed all our duty to relieve the pressure on the national energy supply. Our double storey really cooks upstairs, where we work. Ancient traces of insulation … [Read more...]
Top speakers inspire at the 2015 Green Building Convention
“If everyone got free WiFi with every tree they planted, we wouldn’t have the problem of climate change.” This was the sentiment shared by renowned businessman, activist and sustainability advocate, Jochen Zeitz, at the 8th Annual Green Building Convention in Cape Town recently. The event, hosted by the Green Building Council SA, is a signature gathering on the greening and … [Read more...]
