“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.

The post DSM-Firmenich achieves Net Zero Water (Measured) rating appeared first on Solid Green Consulting.

This session evaluated whether it is more environmentally friendly to build new, highly efficient buildings or to re-use and convert older buildings. Case studies where presented comparing the life cycle assessment (LCA) of a new college administration building to Living Building Challenge standards and a factory complex converted to a museum for modern art. The discussion revealed that it depends greatly on the type of building and its future uses. For instance, it is always more worthwhile to convert old industrial buildings for other uses as demolishing them takes too much energy. Office and residences vary greatly depending on their location and construction.

Resources: The Greenest Building Study – by Quantis

Case Study: Rocky Mountain Institute – Lessons Learned

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.

Rocky Mountain Institute Innovation Center

The building has been complete for a year and a check was carried out to determine how the building actually performed compared to the modelled predicted performance. It was found that the building out-performed the model in some cases and did not in others. The main issue was that the model did not take the low infiltration rates into account in winter conditions and overestimated the usage of the heating system. This discovery led to an update of the design software so that the model now more closely replicates the actual performance of the building; and the more accurate software can now be used on future buildings.

Another challenge was getting the staff used to the new more open office layout. Fortunately, this had been considered in the design and many quite refuge spaces are located around the building, which also allow for flexibility in the working environment from a thermal, acoustic and physical comfort point of view.

The Innovation Center is the highest-performing building in the coldest climate zone in the U.S., producing more clean energy than it uses on an annual basis plus enough to power six electric vehicles. It is one of only 200 net-zero commercial buildings in the U.S. as of 2016, and provides a leading example of buildings that can solve the climate crisis. The building achieved this through a heavily integrated design process with the whole professional team, contractor and client; clever passive design; and on-site PV generation.

Building Tour Green Day Out – Living Building Challenge

Of particular interest to the Solid Green team was a visit to three buildings designed to meet the Living Building Challenge. The Kern Centre, a 2-storey 1500sqm College building, generates 105% of its energy on site and reduces water consumption by 95%. The building is a beautiful space and displays all green initiatives on a touch screen at the central entrance, including live metering of the water and energy consumption. The building has composting toilets and uses a composting system for its sewer. Rainwater is harvested, cleaned and reused.

The Kern Centre

Another Highlight was the Hitchcock Centre for the Environment. This small 850sqm building functions as an environmental education centre. It is registered under the Living Building Challenge but has not been in operation for 12 months yet. Features include a beautiful wooden structure, exposed services and transparent rainwater tanks so children can see the rainwater tank filling up during a storm. The building also has a composting toilet and a composting system in the basement.

Hitchcock Centre for the Environment

As Solid Green is embarking on two Living Building Challenge projects in Cape Town, this was a particularly inspiring day – from chatting to the consultants working on these projects to knowing that it is possible to create a regenerative building! If you would like to know more about the Living Building Challenge, please contact Marloes Reinink at marloes@solidgreen.co.za. As an ambassador for the Living Building Challenge in South Africa, Marloes can present an “Introduction to the Living Building Challenge” at your offices.

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