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...]
Keeping our Cape tidal pools safe for human and marine life
Cape Town’s coast is dotted with 19 tidal pools, beautiful man-made seawater pools that allow for safe, family-friendly bathing. Dalebrook and St James, on the False Bay coast, are two of the most popular spots. Here, kids splash in the shallows, people swim lengths and regulars enjoy daily submersions in the chilly water. The pools also serve as sanctuaries for numerous sea … [Read more...]
Will an electric car push up your insurance premiums?
When it comes to electric cars, South Africa should start to adapt to this revolutionary automotive technology, despite being predominantly dependent on fossil fuel and lacking sufficient electric infrastructure. Globally, several brands are already starting to shift towards the eco-friendly approach to car manufacturing. Volvo announced that it will stop making vehicles … [Read more...]
Belgium’s ageing nuclear plants a cause for grave concern
The two cooling towers at Belgium’s Doel nuclear power plant belch thick white steam into a wintry sky, and people across the border in the Dutch town of Nieuw-Namen are on edge. They are part of a groundswell of concern in the Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg over the safety of Belgium’s seven aging reactors at Doel, to the south, and at Tihange, farther east. “I’m … [Read more...]
Eco Driving part 1: Less sulphur means happier car and planet
Is it worth my while to select Ultra Low Grade Diesel (50ppm) for my vehicle, or is this simply clever marketing? I am the proud owner of a family heirloom – a 1996 Land Rover. I spent most of my childhood bouncing around on the backseat of the Landy. I commute to work between Stellenbosch and Somerset West on a daily basis. I love driving around in my old tank; but as a … [Read more...]
Paarl’s first green offices aim for 4 stars
Cecilia Square is an exciting new green building being erected on the N1, nearby the Paarl mall. It was launched last week and the plans are to open the doors of this groundbreaking office development on 1 August next year. The building aims to receive a 4 Green Star Rating by the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) and is one of only 7 green buildings registered … [Read more...]
A candle for Earth Hour
In support of WWF's global eco-friendly campaign, Earth Hour, Amarula has come up with a special lantern that has been designed to hold a single candle, so users can switch out the lights at 8.30pm on Saturday 31 March 2012, for 60 minutes. Over 135 countries or territories worldwide will celebrate Earth Hour, including iconic landmarks such as Table Mountain, the Eiffel … [Read more...]
Green design Part 1: basic principles for mindful spaces
Green Design is an exciting natural spin-off of the drive towards a sustainable future. Today Bronwyn looks at the background to this development. Next time we start telling the stories of innovative green designers and their whacky items we're all going to want in our homes and offices. Green design is not a new buzzword, it is not a style or a trend. Fashions come and go, … [Read more...]
Africa’s energy future heading down a dark tunnel
The Conference of Energy Ministers in Africa - a two-year old institution recognized by the African Union and donors as the official voice of Africa's energy future - recently met for the second time and released a new declaration that can fairly be called double-speak. The first half of the declaration is so great, it could have been written by a Nelson Mandela of energy. It … [Read more...]
