“We need to shift the goalposts.” That was the brief.

When this project kicked off in early 2023, the challenge was clear: Net Zero Water had historically been achieved through modelling. Achieving it through measured operational performance in real conditions, over time, was widely considered too complex to even consider.

Introducing a borehole into that equation only heightened the complexity. Groundwater abstraction is often viewed with caution in sustainability frameworks, frequently categorised as finite or inherently unsustainable. The prevailing assumption was that it could not credibly form part of a Net Zero Water strategy, simply because that’s what the industry accepted.

We chose to test that assumption.

Over nearly two years, the team worked to secure what has not previously been achieved in South Africa: a fully measured Net Zero Water certification in operation, with an on-site borehole formally recognised as a renewable water source under defined conditions.

This outcome was the result of measured evidence. The submission process required extensive engagement with the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA), including multiple rounds of technical clarification. At its core was a commitment to move beyond theoretical modelling and demonstrate, through operational data, that groundwater abstraction on site can be responsibly managed within the natural cycle of aquifer recharge.

To do so required rigorous hydrogeological assessment, establishment of a defensible sustainable yield, and implementation of structured monitoring and governance systems. Abstraction volumes were capped in line with defined thresholds. Groundwater levels were tracked against baseline conditions, accounting for seasonal variability and rainfall patterns. Clear management triggers were embedded to ensure that any deviation would prompt corrective action.

In short, sustainability was not assumed; it was measured, verified, and actively managed.

The question we ultimately addressed was not whether groundwater abstraction is renewable in theory, but whether it can be demonstrably sustainable in practice. By aligning operational controls, professional oversight, regulatory compliance, and transparent data management, we established a framework that satisfied that test.

Including the borehole significantly increased the technical scrutiny applied to the project. It required demonstrating that abstraction would not result in progressive depletion, that surrounding users and ecological systems would not be negatively affected, and that governance mechanisms would remain in place beyond initial certification.

But we know that complexity drives innovation.

What emerged is a measurable methodology that strengthens how renewable water sources can be evaluated in future Net Zero submissions. The project helps move the industry forward from reliance on predictive modelling toward operational accountability grounded in data.

It meant challenging long-held assumptions with science.
It meant accepting additional scrutiny rather than avoiding it.
It means building systems that are resilient over time.

This project represents a meaningful milestone. It required persistence, technical depth, collaboration across disciplines, and a willingness to engage in repeated refinement. The process was rigorous and at times demanding, but ultimately transformative.

The result is an industry first for South Africa: operational Net Zero Water, achieved through measured performance, with groundwater responsibly incorporated under clearly defined and defensible criteria.

If this was once considered out of reach, this project demonstrates that with disciplined governance and sustained commitment, it is not only achievable – it is repeatable.

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Reaching Net Zero is never only a technical exercise. It’s a process that touches design decisions, procurement, operations, behaviour, governance and, perhaps most importantly, confidence. With each project, the market has matured and so have the questions clients ask. Looking back across these 51 certifications, several practical learnings stand out.

1) Net Zero is a pathway, not a finish line

One of the most important mindset shifts is recognising that Net Zero is not a single “moment” where everything becomes perfect. It’s a structured pathway that helps organisations reduce impact year-on-year, make better decisions with better data, and build internal capability. Certification is valuable because it sets a clear framework, accountability, and a credible external benchmark. But what matters most is what happens after the certificate is issued – the operational discipline to sustain performance and continuously improve.

2) Carbon is measurable and financially relevant

It’s no surprise that Net Zero Carbon dominates our portfolio. Carbon accounting has become the most widely understood entry point, largely because energy and emissions data are increasingly accessible, and decarbonisation often aligns with financial drivers: reducing energy costs, improving resilience, and meeting investor or tenant expectations. But we’ve also learned that carbon is a “gateway” topic. Once teams become comfortable tracking energy and emissions, it becomes far easier to broaden the conversation to water, waste and ecological impacts.

3) Data readiness is the make-or-break factor

If we had to choose one consistent success factor across projects, it would be this: good data changes everything. Strong Net Zero outcomes depend on reliable utility information, clear building boundaries and consistent documentation. When data is missing, inconsistent, or scattered across parties, teams spend time reconstructing the past instead of improving the future. Early in a project, we now focus heavily on defining boundaries, responsibilities and minimum data requirements. This not only streamlines certification but also strengthens the client’s long-term reporting and ESG readiness.

4) Operational teams are the real heroes of Net Zero

Net Zero is often initiated by sustainability leaders, executives, or property teams but it is enabled daily by facilities managers, building operators and service providers. The best projects are those where operational teams are included early, understand the “why”, and are supported with practical tools such as clear operating procedures, metering strategies, and maintenance planning. Where Net Zero becomes part of “how we run the building”, outcomes are stronger, and performance is sustained rather than short-lived.

5) The quality of the strategy matters more than the size of the budget

There’s a common misconception that Net Zero is only achievable with major capital expenditure. While some upgrades do require investment, many strong outcomes come from smart sequencing: operational optimisation first, targeted upgrades second, renewables where feasible, and offsets only for what cannot (yet) be eliminated. The most successful projects are strategic: they prioritise the biggest impact actions first and avoid spending money on measures that look impressive but don’t shift performance meaningfully.

6) Waste and water are gaining traction

As the market matures, we are seeing growing interest in Net Zero beyond carbon. Net Zero Waste is particularly compelling because it forces operational clarity: waste streams, procurement choices, tenant engagement, contractor alignment and on-site practices all have to be addressed. Similarly, water resilience is becoming a bigger priority as risk awareness grows. These categories often deliver additional benefits: cleaner sites, improved compliance, stronger stakeholder engagement, and a clearer understanding of material flows through a building or precinct.

7) Net Zero works best when it’s embedded into decision-making, not “added on”

Net Zero becomes far easier when it is integrated into everyday processes – budgeting, reporting cycles, OPEX planning, leasing conversations, procurement requirements and performance reviews. When sustainability is treated as a parallel stream, it relies on a few champions and is vulnerable to staff changes or shifting priorities. When embedded, it becomes durable.

Looking ahead

The story of these 51 certifications is ultimately a story of momentum. The built environment is changing faster than many expected, and the organisations that are learning early are already positioning themselves for the next decade of regulation, investor scrutiny and client expectations.

At Solid Green, we’re proud of the role we’ve played so far, but we’re even more excited about what comes next: deeper decarbonisation, stronger operational performance, and more projects that address Net Zero in a holistic way that includes carbon, waste, water and ecology. If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that progress is absolutely possible when goals are clear, data is trusted, and teams work together.

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Dr Chantal Ramcharan-Kotze, Business Development Lead at The Water Research Commission, presented ‘National Context – Water, Innovation & Sustainable Growth’. South Africa currently ranks as the 65^th most water stressed out of 176 countries; and, in terms of freshwater availability, is ranked at 148 out of 180 countries.

These facts present significant challenges in terms of the Water-Energy-Food nexus, where water, energy and food security are highly coupled and interdependent problems. The situation is exacerbated in the face of climate change, with shrinking arable land and increasing uncertainty and unpredictability around resource availability. In addition, in terms of policy and sectoral planning, there is no clear alignment between agriculture and energy-water constraints within the development agenda.

Ramcharan-Kotze went on to say that, while patent analysis indicates that South Africa has a higher-than-average innovative capacity in the water sector, the uptake of innovative measures remains slow in the face of preferred traditional approaches. Moving forward, closer ties are needed between understanding emerging market opportunities, moving innovative solution towards implementation, and investment from the funding community.

Eric Hough & Cara Lucas, Vice President & Environmental Specialist at Natural Systems Utilities (NSU), spoke about ‘Leading the Country in On Site Water Treatment and Reuse Solutions’. Offering an international perspective, Hough and Lucas identified the challenges posed to traditional wastewater networks in the face of such threats as Hurricane Sandy, which resulted in 11 billion gallons of untreated or partially treated sewage overflow; sea-level rise (SLR) induced flooding; and seismic events.

Onsite Water Treatment

Alternative wastewater treatment systems were then presented in the context of the case study of Battery Park City, NYC, which has resulted in:

• Six in-building water reuse systems serving eight buildings in BPC.
• 2,000 residents who are capable of reusing nearly 605,000 litres/d of renewable water sources.
• 15 years of operating data, with ZERO permit exceedances and ZERO user complaints/public health concerns.
• Net-zero and net-positive energy systems now possible with thermal energy recovery.
• The ability to improve resiliency in wastewater treatment and water supply.

Finally, Jonny Harris, Founder of Isidima Design & Development, spoke about ‘Case Studies in Building Thriving Water Sensitive Cities’, focusing on the role of sanitation and wastewater recovery for building thriving cities, and the value of a water efficient approach to secure equal access to water and sanitation for all.

Building Thriving Water Resilient Cities

Harris’ presentation opened with water use in the home (volume used and volume wasted); the social, economic and environmental impacts of wasting water; and the need to close the loop to close the gap – how water savings generated by water re-use and water efficient toilets can reduce pressure on bulk infrastructure.

Case studies cited were:

• Water re-use for toilet flushing (Sustainability Institute, Stellenbosch)
• Harnessing greywater for a greener environment (Genius of SPACE, Franschhoek)
• A Living Building Challenge (LBC) design approach for water efficient developments (Corlett Drive, Johannesburg)
• The business sense of water re-use (ABinBEV brewery, Port Elizabeth)
• Low flush toilets for water efficient schools (Eastern Cape).

This free ‘Net Positive Water’ webinar is CPD-validated by SACAP and ECSA and is available online: https://www.greened.co.za/courses/net-positive-water-buildings/.

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The Landscape as Client

The design brief required that the project should demonstrate innovation in terms of sustainability and biomimicry, while being contextually relevant. “The area was once dominated by grassland, wetland and koppie,” says Marc Sherratt.

Restoring the indigenous ecology of the site became the starting point and controlling device for the architectural design. We approached the landscape first rather than the buildings, to determine what life we could keep, and which landscape might increase the area’s biodiversity. We decided to treat the landscape as a client.

We underwent an extensive research process into the indigenous landscape of Johannesburg, and consulted with a wetland specialist and an ecologist. Through this process, we decided to re-create a wetland on the site and to develop buildings that would sit sensitively in the landscape. The overarching design concept was informed by a bird’s nest – from how the structures touch the ground and the use of local materials, to the building’s response to climate and ideas around camouflage.

Wetlands provide evaporative cooling of around 2 degrees, thus giving the building resilience and future-proofing. Wetlands are also nature’s way of filtering and purifying water. This type of ecosystem facilitates large volumes of water being stored and recycled on site, which addresses one of the biggest challenges under a Net Zero certification for water by negating the need for large water storage tanks.

The wetland therefore has several uses. It acts as a storage facility; provides a wildlife sanctuary for indigenous wetland species, many of which are threatened; and offers a unique aesthetic value to the development. Water is filtered slowly and naturally using the slight slope of the site, ultimately resulting in potable water for residential use. Marc explains that, when the cost is of the system is shared between five units, it will be amortized relatively quickly.

Solid Green Sustainability Consultant on the project, Annelide Sherratt says, “Rainwater that falls onto the wetland and runoff from the roof is harvested and stored in the wetland. The total collection area on site including the roof and wetland surface area is approximately 960sqm. The average annual rainfall that is predicted to be harvested is estimated to be 655,600 litres. The predicted consumption of the development is 643,100 litres, so the project is expected to achieve a surplus of 12,500 litres of harvested water per year.

The project will have a 3-step filtration system, which catches leaves and plant materials, filters water down to 10 microns through a micron screen filter, and then purified it to drinkable quality. The storage tanks of filtered water will have more than 5 days of water available for use at all times.

In addition, the architect’s research revealed that wetlands in nature are a major source of fresh food for communities providing, among others, fish and fresh water mussels. Marc explains:

Unit owners will be offered the option of an aquaculture system, which, together with the option of an urban farm on the roof, will allow them to produce their own food. This challenges the Western concept of sustainability and proposes a more African approach that embraces practical benefits to the community.

Touching the Earth Lightly

The building itself sits lightly on the earth, touching the ground at two points only, with the rest of the structure floating above the wetland. Each of the five units has its own private view and the primary spaces are north-facing, with open plan kitchen and living areas on the ground floor and bedrooms on the first floor. The roof areas have been designed to accommodate residents’ individual needs such as children’s play areas, urban farming, or outdoor entertainment areas.

“The premise behind this development is that the way we consume is as important as the way in which we build,” Marc says.

To protect the integrity of the site, we are developing strict parameters with regards to how the development will be operated, a process that will be managed by a body corporate. The residents of this development will become stewards who understand that urban growth can help protect threatened biodiversity, in a symbiotic relationship that acts to the benefit of both.

In addition to passive design principles with lightweight, low Portland cement concrete construction providing good thermal mass, each unit will be fitted with Energy Star appliances, a gas stove, a solar hot water heating element and a 3kW solar PV system with 15kWh of storage.

The ground floor spaces have double glazed stacking door systems, allowing seamless integration of interior and exterior spaces; while the upstairs rooms have sliding glass doors with timber screens to minimise solar gain. Skylights bring in additional natural light and illuminate the internal natural textures.

Finishes are as natural as possible, without painting or applied floor finishes which would increase the building’s embodied energy. The intention is to offer clients three options for internal wall cladding, using a system that allows the cladding to be changed or adapted over time – reeds that are commonly used in the African subcontinent, which could potentially be grown on site; recycled timber; or Rhino Wood, which is more expensive but has longevity.

The project is not currently targeting the Net Zero – Waste category, as this option is not open to projects in the design phase, but the developers hope to target this category in the as-built and operational phase of the project.

The Linden Vleihuis embodies an ambitious vision for integrating true sustainability and reintroducing endemic biodiversity into an existing urban context. As such, it raises the bar for residential developments that seek to address the impacts of climate change.

PROFESSIONAL TEAM:

• Architect and Project Manager: Marc Sherratt Sustainability Architects
• Ecologist: Ecology International
• Wetland Specialist: Emifula Riverine Consultants & Associates
• Mechanical Consultant: Drikus van der Walt
• Wet Services: Green Planet Engineering Services
• Quantity Surveyors: Russell Irons & Associates
• Sustainable Building Consultant: Solid Green Consulting

Sustainable building features include:

The Multi-Unit Residential (MUR) development consist of 5 units.

The project has achieved net zero/ net positive ratings for 3 categories that include the following sustainable initiatives:

Carbon/Energy – Net Zero CARBON- Level 2

• Efficient LED lights
• Natural ventilation and double glazing
• Energy Star Appliances and gas stove.
• Solar hot water heating element with 2kw heating capacity.
• Each unit is provided with a 3kW solar PV system, with 15kWh of storage.

 Water: Net Zero WATER – Level 2

• Water efficient sanitary fittings,
• Rainwater harvesting,
• 400 KL created wetland as storage capacity for rainwater and water tanks
• Filtration system to drinkable water quality.

Ecology: Net Positive ECOLOGY – Level 1

• Reusing a brownfield site with existing municipal infrastructure,
• New created wetland,
• Endemic plant species
• 47 % of the site has landscaped areas

More on this project here.

The post Linden Vleihuis: Reintroducing Biodiversity into Urban Living appeared first on Solid Green Consulting.

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

When these principles are applied to a building, the building is required to operate perfectly within the climate where it is located; to harvest sufficient rainwater to provide for the needs of its occupants; and to collect sufficient energy from solar panels and other renewable energy systems to provide the building with all its energy needs. It is also required to provide a healthy indoor environment by using no harmful chemicals in the manufacture of the building materials and furniture, while being beautiful and acting as an inspiration to others.

The Hitchcock Centre for the Environment in Massachusetts is a small 850sqm building functioning as an environmental education centre with a beautiful wooden structure, exposed services and transparent rainwater tanks so children can see the rainwater tank filling up during a storm.

The R.W. Kern Center on the Hampshire College campus in Massachusetts is a 2-storey, 1500sqm building that generates 105% of its energy on site and reduces water consumption by 95%.

The Rocky Mountain Institute Innovation Center in Basalt, Colorado, holds LEED Platinum, International Living Futures Institute Zero Energy, PHIUS+ Source Net Zero, Architecture 2030 Challenge, and International Living Futures Institute Petal Certifications.

Is LBC a reality for South Africa?

As a seasoned green building practitioner, Marloes Reinink of Solid Green Consulting believes that the LBC can, and should, be implemented in local projects. She says, “We are so excited to be working on two residential projects in Cape Town that are registered to be Full Living Buildings under the Challenge.”

This means that the projects are aiming to achieve:

• Net Positive Energy: 105% of all energy used must be generated on site;
• Net Zero Water: water consumption cannot be more than what is harvested from rain, sourced onsite, and recycled from grey/black sources;
• The buildings must be completely pollutant free: all materials will comply with a red list of 23 chemicals that cannot be used;
• Net Zero Waste: almost all waste generated during construction and operations will have to be recycled;
• Beauty & Inspiration: the buildings are being designed to be an inspiration and showcase truly regenerative architecture in South Africa.

Designed by US-based architectural firm, A-I-R Inc, construction on the residential developments is planned to start in 2019, with Living Building certification targeted for 2021.

While the designs are still in their early stages, Darren Petrucci of A-I-R Inc, explains that the brief called for densification of two sites, each accommodating a two-family duplex in place of a single-family house. “Our strategy is to locate the new structure in such a way that both homes can benefit from the solar orientation and view, and have equal access to the landscape. The intention is for the homes to share infrastructure such as the water collection system and an elevator for universal access; and each dwelling has the potential to house at least 100 solar panels.

The architectural form and roof profiles are derived from the maximum benefits that can be obtained through correct solar orientation and light shading, and to optimize the roof areas for rainwater collection. As the buildings are tall and cascade up the mountain, we are manipulating natural air flow to cool the houses – stairwells become vertical vents to passively pull air up to the upper floors via thermal suction. Working with Solid Green allows us to test decisions as we move through the design process to optimise the liveability and performance of the buildings.

A series of gardens is being designed to allow waste water from the buildings to be purified using the landscape as a closed-loop filtration system that concludes in an aquifer from which potable water is sourced. Additional potable water is sourced from a borehole. Rainwater collected from the roofs will be used for toilet flushing and the minimal irrigation required. Composting toilets and a composting system are being incorporated to minimize the sewage and deal with the remaining black water treatment.

Private client, Francesco Svelto, comments:

I have been in the building industry my entire life as a civil engineer and builder. Ecological architecture is a new challenge for me, and this process has been an extremely valuable experience. Our intention is for the buildings to operate as independently as possible, and the measures taken to meet Living Building Challenge criteria all support that vision.

Anthony Svelto, the client’s son and architect with A-I-R Inc, adds

We have taken a futureproofing approach in response to the projects’ context and the water crisis in Cape Town. It makes absolute sense to design resilient buildings both in terms of water and energy consumption. The decisions and investments that we make now will benefit both the liveability and performance of the buildings in decades to come.

Sharing the Message

In 2016, Reinink signed up to become South Africa’s first ambassador for the Living Building Challenge. She says:

The role of an ambassador is to the spread the word about the Challenge in your country. This work keeps me motivated and realistic that there is still a long way to go in terms of greening the built environment.

In the last two years, I have presented at a number of architectural firms, at the Designer, Architect, Specifier (DAS) Conference, and through GreenED, an online learning platform for built environment professionals. It is really motivating to experience the positive feedback from attendees. We all want to make a difference and this standard pushes the boundaries towards being truly restorative.

Biophilic design, an emerging design discipline that connects people and nature, is an important part of the Living Building Challenge.

To assist with spreading the message and sharing knowledge around the restorative principles of the Living Building Challenge, Reinink has started a Collaborative in South Africa. The intention is also to identify regulatory barriers to implementing a Living Building Challenge project, and to lobby Government to bring about policy change. As green design becomes the new business-as-usual, this move effectively takes sustainability in the built environment to the next level.

Solid Green’s office, which holds both a 6-Star Green Star SA Interiors v1 As-built rating and a LEED Platinum v3 Interiors rating, takes waste management seriously with separating and recycling bins for paper, cardboard, metal, glass, plastic, e-waste and general waste.

For more information, please visit www.living-future.org, or email lbc.collaborative.rsa@gmail.com or marloes@solidgreen.co.za.

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