The Stellenbosch University’s (SU’s) Faculty of Engineering on Wednesday officially opened two new buildings that were designed according to green principles.

The newly constructed 4 000 m2, R38-million Knowledge Centre, which comprised the Engineering and Forestry Library, two large lecture halls and two research centres, and the 3 500 m2, R30-million Process Engineering Annexe, were necessary to accommodate the university’s higher intake of first year engineering students, with new enrolments having increased from 350 in 2009 to 600 in 2013.

Speaking at the opening, SU rector and vice-chancellor Professor Russel Botman stated that South Africa was not producing enough engineers, pointing out that there was only one engineer for every 3 166 people in the country.

"The future of South Africa is dependent on [the country] becoming a winning nation. To achieve this, we have to realise the goals of the National Development Plan. This will only be possible if South African universities deliver more engineers. The Stellenbosch University Faculty of Engineering will do its utmost to contribute to these objectives by increasing its graduate numbers,” Faculty of Engineering dean Professor Hansie Knoetze said.

SU added that, while the buildings did not have an official green-rated status, several green aspects were incorporated into the design, and air-conditioning plants for both buildings had been designed to be as energy efficient as possible.

In addition, the paint used in the Knowledge Centre was free of lead and toxic substances and the roof of the building had been designed to facilitate temperature control, saving energy used on air-conditioning.

Further, the centre had extended roof overhangs to limit direct sunlight and heat.

Meanwhile, double-glazing was used on the windows of the Process Engineering Annexe, with the design promoting the use of natural ventilation and light.

A special waterproof concrete was also used for the roof of the annexe, which was an excellent form of insolation and meant that no maintenance to prevent leaks would be required for the next 30 years, SU stated.

Knoetze added that the two buildings were the first significant additions to the university’s engineering complex since its completion in the 1970s, noting that the buildings would assist the faculty in competing with the best of the world.

Construction on the Knowledge Centre had been completed in July last year, and the building was put to use in stages, while the Process Engineering Annexe was completed towards the end of 2012, with occupation having started this year.
  
Various other projects were also ongoing at the Faculty of Engineering to improve and expand its infrastructure.