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...]
Cleaning up the construction industry with renewable energy
Carbon emissions from construction sites are a major contributor to global warming, largely owing to the industry’s dependency on fossil fuels. The International Energy Agency’s 2019 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction reveals that building sector emissions increased by two per cent from 2017 to 2018, while a United National Environment Programme report … [Read more...]
Turning unrecyclable plastic into eco-concrete
The plastic recycling sector has come a long way in South Africa with improved technology, better implementation of waste regulations, greater consumer awareness and growth in the market for recycled material. Despite these developments, there have always been plastic material streams that are difficult to recycle and therefore end up in landfill or, unfortunately, in the … [Read more...]
Innovative sustainability recognised in Stellenbosch challenge
South Africa is home to innovative ideas that solve local challenges such as mitigating the effects of climate change. These innovative solutions play a vital role in creating sustainability in communities such as Stellenbosch which in turn uplifts the quality of life. In supporting these innovative solutions, Stellenbosch Network – in partnership with the Sustainability … [Read more...]
Cape Town to host largest cannabis expo in Africa
The biggest cannabis event on the continent is returning to Cape Town. Despite a 2-year pandemic break, this dynamic industry has grown rapidly and now The Cannabis Expo is preparing for its biggest expo yet in the Mother City in line with Governments renewed focus on this flourishing industry. At his SONA address earlier this month, President Ramaphosa announced his plans … [Read more...]
Entrepreneurs invited to showcase green innovations
GreenCape, in partnership with the City of Cape Town’s Invest Cape Town and The Business Hub, invites innovators and entrepreneurs with economically viable green economy innovation business ideas to enter the 2022 GreenPitch Challenge before 31 March 2022. Enter your green economy innovation business idea to stand a chance of pitching to a panel of esteemed judges at a … [Read more...]
Connecting home to nature at the heart of true wellness
Today’s architecture takes its cues from nature. And rightfully so. It’s the underlying ethos of many new North Coast residential estates where developers have rehabilitated land once used for sugar cane farming or now overcome with alien vegetation. This architectural vision mimics natural shapes and forms, makes use of natural materials, and integrates design features that … [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...]
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...]
Affordable housing designed with the environment in mind
A Western Cape design project that encourages innovation and affordable solutions in low-income housing is in the running for a prestigious US$85,000 award. Known as the Better Living Challenge (BLC), the project is in the finals for the Human City Design Award, organised by the Seoul Design Foundation. The winner will be announced on Thursday 26 September in Seoul, South … [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...]
UCT excels in environmental innovation at second Greenovate Awards
Young environmental visionaries from the University of Cape Town took first place in the Growthpoint Greenovate Awards for the second year running. The awards recognise innovative solutions for the property industry to environmental challenges. Now in its second year, the awards programme is an exciting initiative by Growthpoint Properties in association with the Green … [Read more...]
