Custom energy and water benchmarking

The standard prescribed industrial benchmarks from the GBCSA Industrial Pilot Tool could not be applied due to Corruseal’s highly specialised and energy-intensive industrial packaging processes that run 24/7. Instead, the project team pivoted to Compliance Path 2 for Comparable Buildings. Solid Green sourced and evaluated recent utility data from two similar heavy-manufacturing operations within the same climate zone. This allowed us to establish a realistic, data-driven baseline tailored specifically to the facility’s unique operational realities.

Driving impact through genuine innovation

While meeting standard EBP criteria is an achievement in itself, Corruseal Boksburg pushed boundaries and secured two additional Innovation Points by focusing on ecological rehabilitation and advanced workspace ergonomics.

Innovation 1: Ecological Restoration of a Neighbouring Wetland

Rather than limiting environmental stewardship to their own property boundary, Corruseal took direct responsibility for a heavily degraded natural wetland pan adjacent to their facility. For decades, this site suffered from environmental abuse. Historical illegal dumping left it buried under debris and smouldering refuse heaps, while the surrounding water channels were choked with plastic and paint fragments.

Corruseal launched an active restoration programme to clear out the accumulated litter from stormwater channels, remove invasive alien vegetation, and systematically restore the pan’s ecological value. This ongoing rehabilitation has started to turn the wetland back into a thriving sanctuary for wildlife. Recent bird counts indicate a massive return of biodiversity, including multiple species on the vulnerable and near-threatened lists, such as Maccoa, Knob-billed, and White-backed Duck, Greater and Lesser Flamingo, African Marsh Harrier, African Darter, Great Crested Grebe, and Black-crowned Night Heron.

Innovation 2. Occupant Ergonomics

True sustainability requires taking care of the people inside the building. Corruseal looked beyond standard Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) requirements to conduct an in-depth investigation into workspace ergonomics. As an industrial manufacturing site, staff are frequently exposed to repetitive motions, heavy lifting, and awkward postures. This initiative focused directly on reducing overexposure to ergonomic risk factors, enhancing staff wellbeing, operational efficiency, and overall workplace effectiveness, which addresses a valid concern outside of the current scope of the Green Star SA tool.

By stepping up to revive a vital community ecosystem, prioritising day-to-day occupant wellbeing, and committing to Green Star principles, Corruseal Boksburg has demonstrated that heavy manufacturing buildings can actively participate in the green building movement.

Image: The Corruseal Boksburg facility, featuring a 1.2 MW rooftop solar PV installation, significantly lowering operational emissions.

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