Over the past year, we have worked hand-in-hand with our ecosystem to deliver outstanding results, including sector-leading project certifications. These include 43 Green Star Certifications comprising 13 New Build, 13 Net Zero, 8 Existing Building Performance (EBP), 6 Interiors and 3 WELL certifications, together with 11 EDGE Prelim Certifications and 15 EDGE Post Construction certifications. Below are just a few examples from this 2024 portfolio:

• Liberty Two Degrees (L2D) became the first property group in South Africa to receive the Net Zero Waste Level 2 certification from the GBCSA for five of its malls in Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg, Bloemfontein, and Cape Town.
• Nedbank branches at Alex Mall and Fox Street, Johannesburg, proudly received their Green Star Interiors ratings, underlining their commitment to creating healthy and comfortable indoor environments for both employees and clients.
• Plumblink Head Office and Distribution Centre in Gauteng received a 4-Star Green Star PEB Custom Industrial Certification, proving that it’s possible to design industrial spaces that are mindful of their environmental impact.
  
• Menlyn Maine Residences’ was awarded a 4-Star Green Star Multi Unit Residential Design V1 rating.
  
• Balwin’s Headquarters on Corlett Drive, Johannesburg, was awarded a Net Zero Waste Level 1 certification in addition to its 6-star Green Star Office v1.1. As Built rating – the first commercial-level Net Zero Waste Level 1 (construction waste) certification in South Africa.
• The iKusasa building, situated in Johannesburg’s Oxford Parks Precinct, was the first in developer Intaprop’s portfolio to achieve both a 6-Star Green Star As Built rating and a Net Zero Carbon Level 1 certification.
• We supported two major residential property clients in obtaining EDGE certifications. Leogem Property Developments secured EDGE certifications for two developments in Johannesburg, The Lincoln Carlswald and The Mallard. And Balwin Properties secured two EDGE certifications for large residential developments – one in Kwa-Zulu Natal and one in Gauteng – Izinga and Mooikloof Eco Estates.
  

Our memorable moments

At the heart of our success are our relationships – with clients, colleagues, suppliers, and our team. These connections form the foundation of our business. So it came as a huge shock when, in February, we were informed of the tragic loss of a highly regarded member of the Solid Green family, Mthokozisi ‘Giant’ Nxumalo, a man like no other. Giant’s passing has left a deep sadness for those of us who knew him, and it is taking time to adjust to the loss of one of our own.

In recent months, our workload has meant expanding our team, and we have welcomed the following new talent:

• Amy Symington, Junior Green Building Consultant (January 2024)
• Thobeka Zuma, EDGE Project Manager (April 2024)
• Melissa Laubscher, Accountant (March 2024)
• Janki Malefane, Modelling Technician (May 2024)

Two of our team members directed the development of categories under the Green Star New Build V2 rating tool. Piloted at the end of 2023, the tool expands the minimum requirements that need to be met by project teams seeking this certification. Annelidé Sherratt, Head of Solid Green’s Green Building Certifications department, directed the Healthy category while Adrie Fourie, Head of Solid Green’s Sustainable Cities & Research department, directed the Places category.

During this year, we continued to transform our office in Parkhurst, a journey that has allowed us to explore our commitment to sustainability and the built environment. We also commissioned a stunning new mural on the street-facing side of our building, which serves as a bold statement of who we are and what we stand for.

Celebrating Industry Recognition

We are extremely proud of our team who, once again, excelled in delivering exceptional quality Green Star submissions. These were recognised when our projects were recognised in the SAPOA Awards 2024:

At the 2024 GBCSA Leadership Awards, we were delighted that Annelide Sherratt was acknowledged as runner-up for the Established Green Star. Several of our projects also received prestigious awards:

• In the Transforming Tomorrow category, various projects were featured including two projects certified this past year: 7 Parks Boulevard (As Built) and 5 Parks Boulevard (Design), developed by Intaprop with Solid Green as AP on the certifications.
• The Net Zero Submission award went to Liberty Two Degrees Net Zero Waste Retail Portfolio.
• In the Highest Rated Building category, the runner-up was Anglo-American by Intaprop for its Interiors v1 certification.
• In the Best Quality Submission category, the runners-up included Anglo-American for its Interiors v1 certification.

Strengthening Our Shared Commitment

We are profoundly grateful for the commitment that we share with our clients and colleagues to creating a regenerative future for both people and the planet. As we continue to innovate and collaborate, we look forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead. We look forward to working with you in 2025 and wish you and your loved ones a restful and enjoyable holiday season!

The post Our Journey in 2024 appeared first on Solid Green Consulting.

The 3rd Ghana Green Building Summit in 2020 was adapted as a virtual summit, taking place online only, in order to observe safety protocols in the fight against the global pandemic. The aim of the event was to reduce the negative impact of real estate projects on the environment while conserving natural resources.

The premise for the 2020 Summit’s theme was that, in the near future, greenness will rank far higher on the purchase and letting decision-making process of prospective property owners. The main theme was ‘BEYOND COVID-19: is a pandemic-proof architecture a reality?’, which was discussed under the sub-themes of Design, Innovation, Certification, Finance, and Sustainable Cities.

Chilu introduced his talk by identifying a major focus shift that has taken place over the last five months towards a greater awareness of health and indoor air quality; decentralised renewable energy networks; and socio-economic imbalances.

He said, “In our pre-Covid19 reality, commercial buildings guaranteed a degree of security around energy and IT infrastructure. But fresh air, thermal comfort and an environment conducive to motivation and productivity were not guaranteed. We spend 90% of our time indoors, and our environment is the largest determinant of our overall health. Yet indoor air quality is 2 to 5 times worse than outdoor air quality; indoor air pollution is ranked in the top 5 environmental risks to public health; and 50% of illnesses are known to be caused by aggravated indoor air pollution. Despite this knowledge, in most buildings, there is little to no awareness of the quality of the indoor environment being provided.

The pandemic and resulting lockdown displaced people from commercial buildings. Where were we displaced to? Many employees who previously had access to equal resources in their places of work found that they did not have the requisite infrastructure at home to continue to be productive.

“So, the current context has highlighted not only the need for healthier, more self-sufficient buildings, but also equal access to healthy places that are conducive to wellbeing and productivity. In responding to these demands – essentially the demands of a better-informed workforce – the future office will therefore have to deliver fresh air and a high indoor air quality, as well as thermal comfort, energy security and IT infrastructure – in order to ensure motivation and productivity.

“In future, there are a number of things we look forward to seeing. These include companies providing little pods for home offices (4mx2m). This solution helps with controlling your own indoor environment, providing energy security and the kind of IT infrastructure that you need. We expect to see more commercial clients actually willing to offset the cost of home offices or places for employees to work.”

It is interesting to note that most countries do not yet have legislation on air quality. In the new, healthier normal, good air quality will become non-negotiable. Reporting of building performance will have to include data on the quality of indoor air being provided to occupants. And the private and public sectors will have to work together proactively in defining and developing appropriate policies that address air quality and, indeed, all aspects of occupant health and wellbeing.

Download Ghana Green Building Summit 3 Report

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Over the last eight years, Solid Green has committed to creating a better living environment for all, not only through its extensive consultancy and certification services, but also through the research and development of online tools to better service its clients’ needs – Solid XA and Solid Insight. And, with all 12 team members qualified as Green Star SA Accredited Professionals (GSSAAP), and key team members also holding LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), EDGE AP (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) and WELL AP accreditations, Solid Green is actively harnessing its expertise to serve this sector through advocacy and mentorship.

Mon Trésor Business Gateway is the first Green Star certified project in Mauritius.

Two important ‘first’ Green Star certifications in the last year include the Mon Trésor Business Gateway, the first Green Star certified project in Mauritius which achieved a 4-Star Green Star SA Office Design v1.1 certification in July 2018; and 78 Corlett Drive, which received a 6-Star Green Star SA Office Design Rating as well as a Net Zero Carbon Pilot Rating from the GBCSA at the end of November 2017.

78 Corlett Drive achieved a 6-Star Green Star SA Office Design Rating as well as a Net Zero Carbon Pilot Rating at the end of November 2017.

Moving beyond buildings into the public realm, Solid Green is currently consulting on four of the first thirteen projects that are piloting the GBCSA’s new Green Star Sustainable Precincts tool, including Sandton Gate and Oxford Parks. The company was also the EDGE Auditor on Belhar Gardens Rental Estate in the Western Cape, the first affordable housing project in South Africa to achieve an EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certification from the GBCSA.

Sandton Gate (above) and Oxford Parks (below) are two of the first thirteen projects that are piloting the GBCSA’s new Green Star Sustainable Precincts tool.

Oxford Parks

Belhar Gardens Rental Estate in the Western Cape was the first affordable housing project in South Africa to achieve an EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certification.

A strong believer in leading by example, Solid Green’s own office in Rosebank, Johannesburg, is the first project in Africa to make it onto the Biophilic Map. The map, which is hosted by the International Living Future Institute’s Biophilic Design Initiative, recognizes exemplary projects in articulating and applying Biophilic Design principles to the built environment.

Belhar Gardens Rental Estate in the Western Cape was the first affordable housing project in South Africa to achieve an EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certification.

The company’s office was awarded a prestigious LEED Platinum certification for Commercial interiors and the first 6-Star Green Star SA Interiors v1 certification in 2016; and won the Highest Rated Building category at the Green Star SA Leadership Awards in July of the same year.

Solid Green offices.

The company is also actively involved in policy development throughout Africa and, on 29 August 2017, Nigeria’s first Building Energy Efficiency Code (BEEC) was officially launched in Abuja by the Federal Minister for Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN). Solid Green was commissioned as technical consultant on the project, and Director, Chilufya Lombe, spoke at the launch event. Lombe says:

With the energy scarcity that is common in Africa, energy efficiency becomes very important in allowing and maintaining development. In Nigeria, we have found that it is easier to build a building to consume 30 to 40% less energy than to pay to add renewable technology onto an inefficient building. In other words, we are talking about buildings that perform well from a first principles point of view.

Advocacy is a crucial part of the company’s mandate. In 2016, Marloes Reinink, founding Director, signed up to become South Africa’s first ambassador for the Living Building Challenge. Possibly the most rigorous green building certification programme and sustainable design framework in the world, the Living Building Challenge is developed by the International Living Future Institute (ILFI) with the mandate of leading transformation toward a civilization that is socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative. Solid Green is currently working with US-based architectural firm, A-I-R Inc, on two residential projects in Cape Town that are registered to be Full Living Buildings under the Challenge. Reinink says, “This work keeps me motivated and realistic that there is still a long way to go in terms of greening the built environment.”

The Living Building Challenge Standard is possibly the most rigorous green building design framework in the world.

In addition to advocacy, training and mentorship form part of the Solid Green mandate. Three staff members sit on the GBCSA faculty, providing training to enhance the understanding of Green Star tools and certifications in the building industry. A contingent of five also sits on the GBCSA assessment panel, carrying out submission assessments; while two more representatives serve on the GBCSA Assessment Committee, whose responsibility it is to ensure that the certification assessments and assessment processes remain of the highest quality.

In addition, Lombe is currently mentoring start-up organisation, Khora Group – headed up by Katlego Mothapo – which was accepted into the Innovation Hub’s Climate and Innovation Centre (CIC). This incubation programme provides advisory and support services, networking opportunities and access to finance for start-up companies in the green or sustainable sector.

And, in its quest to change mindsets and stay at the forefront of thought leadership, Solid Green is proud to be a partner in the newly-launched GreenED, an online resource offering best-in-class online and contextual learning on sustainable design in the built environment and green rating certifications.

The company has been acknowledged on numerous occasions for its dedication and hard work. Since 2011, directors, staff members and projects have received fourteen Green Star SA Leadership Awards in total, with the Established Green Star awarded to Marloes Reinink in 2013, and Chilufya Lombe in 2014. Last year, the company was Runner Up for the ‘10 Year Award for the Consulting Company with the Highest Number of Certifications’ in South Africa.

Says Reinink:

We are proud of our achievements and meaningful contributions to the green building sector. Our vision for the future is to maintain our current services in the South African industry and grow our activities and impact into Africa, where real change is needed in terms of how buildings are delivered in order to keep up with the current pace of development on the continent.

The post Solid Green scores its Half Century on Green Building Certifications! appeared first on Solid Green Consulting.

Perhaps the biggest development, and game-changer in education in the past few years is the Massive Open Online Course, or MOOC. The intention of the MOOC movement is to bring world-class course content to more people who do not typically have access to advanced education. One of the largest course providers claims a total of 11 million students, of whom about 33% are from the developing world.

Simultaneously, the market for green buildings in South Africa has grown rapidly in the past decade with an exponential growth of Green Star certified projects.  This trend is predicted to continue and has fostered growing interest in acquiring green building knowledge to better understand these design paradigms and related technologies, as well as developing professional skills to be able to service this market segment.

Marloes Reinink of Solid Green Consulting says,

The local green building market currently has a largely unmet need for opportunities to gain knowledge on green design topics relevant to the South African context: concepts, fundamentals, principles, technologies and application – both at beginner and advanced levels. Internationally there is precedent for the online education model which has been successful.  However, content from other regions does not export well for multiple reasons.

Primarily, the continuing education credit being offered is for different registration bodies (such as the US and UK Green Building Councils) and for different certification tools (such as LEED and BREEAM). In addition, green building courses need to be contextually based in order to be relevant to, and meet the climatic and technical demands of, regional markets. Also, the cost of courses becomes expensive when paying in a foreign currency.  And finally, many product manufacturers that support these courses internationally do not distribute their products in South Africa.

A need has therefore been identified for a regional solution that will meet the requirements and expectations of the African green building market. Enter GreenED, a new online learning resource for professionals and students who want to learn about sustainable design in the built environment and green rating certifications.

Michelle Ludwig of Ludwig Design Consulting comments,

The GreenED vision is to become the leading resource in Africa for green sector continuing professional education, information, and communication; the essential tools that users need to be successful in the green built environment. Courses are offered for individuals who need to stay at the forefront of knowledge and skills in their sector; and for companies who need to improve performance in the workplace to gain a competitive edge through employee excellence – through in-house events, interactive webinars and online courses.

Developed by South African green building and architectural professionals, Marloes Reinink, Michelle Ludwig and Karen Eicker, GreenED seeks to respond in a sustainable manner to the needs of the African built environment, coupled with the rapidly-evolving digital transformation of the workplace, where businesses need to be agile, adaptable and at the forefront of their sectors on an ongoing basis in order to remain relevant and increase their profitability.

Says Eicker,

On-demand educational material is provided both sustainably and efficiently – employee time is saved by reducing the need to commute; cost effectiveness is ensured as companies no longer need to bear the costs of training venues and refreshments; and course material is provided digitally, reducing the need for hard copy resources and fostering a ‘paper-free’ environment. Thus, in keeping with the ethos of sustainability, GreenED provides an educational alternative with a significantly reduced carbon footprint, which simultaneously benefits the customer’s bottom-line by increasing their industry-related expertise with cost-effective courses.

Launched in October 2017 at the GBCSA’s Green Building Convention, GreenED runs regular courses that range from ‘Introduction to Green Buildings’ and ‘Introduction to Green Interiors’, to ‘The WELL Building Standard: Designing for Health & Wellbeing’ and ‘Building Modelling & Simulation: Daylight & Thermal Comfort’.

More information is available at www.greened.co.za.

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Varughese is a mechanical engineer who specialises in energy modelling and energy simulations in the built environment — from solar studies to thermal comfort analyses. He is a Green Star SA accredited professional as well as an EDGE-accredited auditor. His ambition is to one day become an expert and authority in the green building industry, consulting on a variety of large and complex projects — not only locally but in Africa and beyond.

Access the article below here, or at RACA magazine online.

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