Esther Seabi, local sustainability officer at Fuchs, mentions that her role in the process was to steer for alignment with Fuchs’ sustainability strategy. The process turned out to be a valuable learning experience for her: “We chose Solid Green as a consultant mainly based on their track record. I am not a built environment professional myself, but the sustainability consultant at Solid Green, Chilu Lombe, was great in terms of guidance and post assessment support,” says Seabi.

A key focus of the building was to ensure occupant comfort for at least 80% of the year using outdoor air only. To achieve this, considerable effort was put into optimising the building fabric and specifying a high-performance double glazing to ensure passive design was optimised as much as possible. The architect introduced various other passive design elements into the façade composition to assist with the thermal performance of the building, including cavity façades and large sunscreen details to keep the harsh summer sun off the windows while allowing small heat gains from the lower winter sun.

The architect, Graeme Palmer of GPD Studio, was happy to be an integral part of the Fuchs Net Zero certification. Says Palmer:

It is warming to see that there are many global corporations that want to do all they can to assist with the global climate issue that plagues us at present.

Palmer worked with Solid Green to generate an efficient HVAC specification and associated insulation details that worked together for a low energy solution. The energy modelling done by Solid Green was used to help make informed design decisions on various finishing materials.

A comprehensive metering system was installed to ensure ongoing optimisation of the building’s energy performance during operations. This will ensure the building works to its full potential. With the building fabric optimised, decoupled ventilation was designed into the cooling system to ensure that when outdoor conditions allow, the building can be cooled by fresh air only without having to open windows. In this case, the main cooling system can be kept off completely.

The modelling process enabled energy efficiency measures to be incorporated and building system services to be optimised, to allow the project to reach an impressive energy use intensity of 51kWh/m2/year. The solar rooftop PV system, consisting of 242 solar modules with a system size of 80.1kWp, will have an estimated power production of 138,525kWh/year to assist the building to achieve net-positive performance.

Palmer concludes:

Overall, we believe that Fuchs Southern Africa has an energy efficient head office that epitomises the reward that can be achieved if built environment consultants work together to reduce our deadly carbon emissions.

Project Team

Owner: Fuchs Lubricants
Accredited professional: Solid Green
Architect: GPD Studio
Electrical engineer: MNS Engineers
Mechanical engineer: Midrand Air
Project manager: Draglobal

The post Net Zero Carbon goals for Fuchs Lubricants Headquarters appeared first on Solid Green Consulting.

The Firsouth office is targeting an ambitious 6-Star Interiors v1 certification for their refurbished offices and laboratories. The office, with a usable area of 1109,2m², is situated in an industrial zone in Midrand, Johannesburg, near highway access. The building itself is largely glazed, which ensures that most of the interior has access to daylighting and external views.

To deliver on the client’s values and aims, the Tétris design, furniture and project management team had to view the entire project delivery as a sustainable eco-system. The outcome is a workplace filled with light, plants and detailing for productive, comfortable and healthy workspaces. The design team used the hexagonal shape of a chemical molecule as the framework for its design and combined it with the structured geometry of traditional African ShweShwe fabric patterns. Planters, carpet tile designs and wallpapers all reflect this design language and combine well with Firmenich’s global brand standards to create an international look and feel that’s combined with local culture.

Air

The team worked closely with the client to understand the specific requirements for their office and laboratories. Air quality is core to Firmenich achieving a healthy workspace environment. Air flows are managed to ensure that odours remain inside the laboratories and don’t extend beyond these areas. The HVAC system distributes fresh air throughout the space, and CO₂ monitors continually measure air quality to ensure full compliance. Non-critical air conditioners are on timers to reduce unnecessary use of power.

Access to two outdoor balconies and openable windows allow for additional fresh air to enter the building. Interior spaces are shaded by external awnings, which also decreases the need for excessive use of air conditioning and provides visual comfort from glare. Areas are accessed through sealed, no-touch, double doors that are activated by access cards to ensure that each space is thermally controlled.

Cebisa Mafukuzela, sustainable building consultant at Solid Green, adds that the project has included Indoor Air Quality monitoring that focuses on virus management.

Considering the Covid pandemic, Firmenich prioritises the health and safety of employees and has installed a system that ensures indoor air quality remains at a healthy rate.

Water

At the request of the client, the design and project management team was tasked with providing solutions for harvesting rainwater, storing water, sourcing underground water and ensuring efficient water use.

Rainwater is harvested from the roof and parking area and then stored in a 100kL underground concrete water storage tank. This system reduces the reliance on municipally supplied water by approximately 67%. Collected rainwater is pumped to an above ground 5kL tank and then through a reverse osmosis treatment plant to provide potable water to the building. To become even more self-sufficient, a borehole was sunk to access natural underground water. The quality of the water production is consistently tested and measured, thereby ensuring the continuous supply of compliant potable water.

No-touch timed sensor taps are used throughout, which equates to a water saving of 60% in relation to conventional taps. All toilets are Propelair toilets, which use 84% less water in comparison to conventional toilets. In addition, a circular heat pump ensures that hot water is immediately available when taps are opened, thereby reducing water wastage.

Energy

A 75% reduction in municipal power use was achieved through the installation of 110kWp photovoltaic system with battery storage, which ensures continuous productivity despite power outages. Energy consumption and peak demand figures are measured by meters that are connected to the building management system (BMS), which is updated continuously at the polling speed of the BMS controller (live trending). This information is displayed on a screen in the main entrance foyer to allow staff and visitors to see the usage, to share reduction targets and to create awareness. As part of the energy saving strategy, the project has opted to select energy efficient equipment wherever possible to ensure that the operating consumption is as low as possible. All lighting used within the building is energy efficient LED.

Waste

An operational waste management strategy has been put in place to ensure that waste generated throughout the offices is collected, sorted, and recycled where possible. All waste types, including food, plastic, glass, tins, general waste, paper and cardboard, will be collected in recycling bins and transferred to the waste storage area for collection for recycling on a weekly basis.

Amenities

Limited car parking is provided for allocated staff members to encourage the use of alternative transport modes. One electric car station is available on site located near the entrance of the building. Cyclist facilities such as gym showers, lockers and changing facilities are available for employees.

The office is located within on kilometre walking distance of a bus and taxi stop as well as other amenities such as an ATM, convenience store, a restaurant, a place of worship and a retail shop.

For Ashley Sams, Firmenich’s Global Workplace Solutions Workplace Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, the highlight of the project is being able to bring together the improved workplace experience, enhanced offices and laboratories as well as various sustainable initiatives into a single project. He says:

To get the balance of achieving these in an equally successful manner with the various stakeholders involved was a challenge that I’d like to think we successfully navigated.

This inclusive approach, together with a creative yet practical vision, has enabled Firmenich to confidently demonstrate its commitment to user wellbeing and sustainability.

Project Team

Developer: Firmenich
Accredited Professional: Solid Green Consulting
Architect: Tétris
Interior architect: Tétris
Electrical engineer: Presto Electrical
Mechanical engineer: SFGP
Quantity surveyors: Tétris
Sustainable building consultant: Solid Green Consulting
Wet services: Tétris
Project manager: Tétris

The post A breath of fresh air: 6-Star Interiors rating for Firmenich’s Firsouth Office appeared first on Solid Green Consulting.

The two key components of the design brief were to create a new architectural aesthetic which would stand out as a landmark on the Ridge while complementing the existing architecture of their current offices, and to link all three buildings to each other at various levels. The final phase of the Rewardsco precinct development has just been completed with the official opening on 1 November 2022.

Hilton Lawrence from HL Architecture explains, “From a building aesthetic point of view, the most difficult part of the brief was creating a new architectural language while complementing the very bold existing aesthetic. The decision was taken to spend money on two primary façades, the façade facing Umhlanga Rocks Drive as well as the internal façade that interacts with the podium parking areas and arrival points.”

A dark glazed unitized system with integrated white fins was proposed. The oblique views of the Umhlanga Rocks Drive façade meant that the swooping shapes created by these white blades are in strong contrast to the black glass and the aesthetic changes as you approach and pass by the building. The swooping blades with tapered edges also allowed the opportunity for us to integrate the signage into the façade without creating a visual distraction.

Several sustainability items were incorporated. Block B reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with operational energy consumption by ensuring the project only uses energy efficient LED light fixtures that have been fitted with motion sensors. The building makes use of natural daylight as much as possible to offset electrical lighting, and an energy efficient HVAC system and other energy efficient equipment have also been installed.

Sub-metering of all major water and energy consuming systems is in place. An integrated BMS system records and logs energy and water usage within the building and data can be displayed in real time.

According to Makhosazana Mthethwa, sustainable building consultant at Solid Green, one of the most interesting features is the water system linked to the attenuation and retention ponds that were developed as part of the precinct. “The ponds were designed to store excess stormwater in the area. All five office buildings within the precinct draw from these ponds, thanks to early design decisions. Water from the ponds is pumped to Block B’s 60kL storage tanks and is used for toilet and urinal flushing as well as landscape irrigation and heat rejection. Water efficient sanitary fittings have also been installed to conserve water as much as possible.”

Mthethwa says:

This project is a great example of how all members of the design team have collaborated from concept to finish. The project is also proof that an integrated design process results in balanced designs and reduced waste of resources.

With a collaborative approach that also integrated sustainability concerns from the outset, Rewardsco has been able to achieve a noteworthy Green Star certification for its eye-catching development in Umhlanga.

Project Team

Owner: Erf 3144 Umhlanga Rocks Property Trust
Accredited Professional: Solid Green Consulting
Architect: Hilton Lawrence Architecture
Project management: Capex Projects
Electrical engineer: RWP KZN
Fire engineer: Lotter Consulting
Developer: Zenprop
Mechanical engineer: VMG Consulting & NPN Maintenance
Quantity surveyors: MLC Construction Cost Consultants
Structural engineers: Zutari
Civil engineers: Zutari
Sustainable building consultant: Solid Green Consulting
Wet services: Redline Consulting
Main contractor: Trencon
Environmental consultant: Guy Nicolson Consulting
Facilities management company: Zenprop
Interior designer: Novospace
Landscape architect: Ochre Office

The post Prominent Rewardsco Block B achieves a 5-star certification appeared first on Solid Green Consulting.

Image credit Abland.

“The HVAC system implemented therefore provides a high proportion of good quality outside air,” she explains.

Smoking inside the building is prohibited; and only interior finishes with low Volatile Organic Compounds have been specified for the fitout. In addition, all gaseous and fire suppression systems and thermal insulants used have an Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP) of zero.

An energy model was generated in the design stages of the building to ensure that thermal comfort levels are within the ASHRAE Standard 55-2004 Acceptability Limits for at least 98% of occupied hours. Various energy initiatives were implemented to reduce the overall energy consumption of the building. All individual spaces or enclosed spaces are individually switched with occupancy sensors to offer greater flexibility for light switching; and care was taken to ensure that the office lighting is not over designed, and that artificial lighting with minimal energy consumption was specified.

Image credit Abland.

This reduction in operational energy consumption will ensure that Greenhouse Gas Emissions are minimised during the building’s lifecycle. As data gathering is essential to assessing opportunities for energy savings, sub-metering of major energy consuming systems was implemented.

Sub-metering of major water consuming systems is also in place. The building was designed to reduce the consumption of potable water for the building’s fire protection and essential water storage systems; and occupant water usage was limited to 0.4L/day/m2 thanks to the specification of water efficient fittings.

Image credit Abland.

Project specific Environmental and Waste Management Plans were developed and implemented during the construction phase to establish guidelines that minimise the environmental impact associated with construction activities, and to minimise the contribution of waste going to landfill.

As transparency in terms of perceived Green Building premiums is extremely important to help drive sustainability in the sector, Lakeview Phase II completed the financial transparency criteria to assist the GBCSA with market research and to help create a broader public awareness around the actual cost of Green Buildings.

“Nedbank has once again confirmed its dedication to driving green building in the property sector by committing to both 4-Star Green Star Office V1.1 Design and 5-Star As-Built certifications. This includes operational benefits expected from 45% energy savings compared to an average office building,” Sherratt concludes.

Collaborating with a client and professional team who share a common vision has made the certification process that much easier and has allowed each professional to push for sustainable solutions within their area of expertise, resulting in the significant achievement of the 5-star rating in As-Built.

Project Team

OWNER & CLIENT: Nedbank
DEVELOPER: Abland
ACCREDITED PROFESSIONAL & SUSTAINABLE BUILDING CONSULTANT: Solid Green Consulting
ARCHITECT & WET SERVICES: MWLF Architects
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER: Claassen Auret
FIRE ENGINEER: IFE SA International Fire Engineering
LIFT SPECIALIST: Quality in Motion
MECHANICAL ENGINEER: Spoormaker & Partners
QUANTITY SURVEYORS: Quanticost
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS: WSP
MAIN CONTRACTOR: Tiber
PROJECT MANAGER: Morta Project Management
LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS: Connie Pretorius Landscaping
IRRIGATION CONSULTANT: Controlled Irrigation

The post As-Built certification for Lakeview Phase II appeared first on Solid Green Consulting.

Prior to construction, a comprehensive Environmental Management Plan was developed and implemented to minimize the impacts of construction work on the local environment. The building aims to have over 70% of its demolition and construction waste reused or recycled. Contractors on the project have also been conscious of the materials used within the structure, making use of concrete with reduced a Portland cement content, and reinforced steel containing 92% recycled content.

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) has been the main focus of the development. The HVAC system is an air-cooled system that does not use potable water, with fresh air supplied at a rate of 12.5l/s/person for 95% of the usable area. Ample natural daylight and views of the surrounding landscape have been designed into the building, with options to control glare for overall user comfort. The building has also implemented a non-smoking policy; and low-VOC materials have been specified to prioritise the quality of the air to which users are exposed.

Efficient energy and water usage have been prioritised throughout the development, with initiatives including the installation of lighting occupancy sensors; and sub-metering provided for all substantive energy uses within the building to monitor energy consumption and limit the building’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Water sanitary fittings are all fitted with actuators to reduce and control water consumption; and the project has implemented a rainwater harvesting system which provides water to the toilets and urinals, further reducing the use of potable water.

Building users are also encouraged to limit their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions by rethinking their modes of transport. The building makes preferential provision for alternative fuel vehicles, motorbikes/scooters, and cyclist facilities that include racks, lockers and showers.

To maintain the sustainability initiatives throughout the building’s lifespan, Growthpoint required a Building Users’ Guide to create awareness of the building’s systems and their optimal use; and has included a green lease within their agreement to ensure that all future tenants will be required to monitor the performance of energy, water and waste consumption on an ongoing basis; and to prepare a procurement policy for the use of environmentally friendly consumables.

Professional Team

OWNER: Growthpoint Properties
ARCHITECT: EPA Architects
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER: DBA Consulting
FIRE ENGINEER: Woollatt & Clarke
LIFT SPECIALIST: Schindler Lifts (SA)
MECHANICAL ENGINEER & WET SERVICES ENGINEER: Spoormaker & Partners
QUANTITY SURVEYORS: FWJK
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS: Arup
SUSTAINABLE BUILDING CONSULTANT: Solid Green Consulting
MAIN CONTRACTOR: Trencon
PROJECT MANAGER: Betts & Townsend Construction Project Management
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT: SHE Sage

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