https://www.engineeringnews.co.za

Follow @EngNewsZA

Advertise on this page? Click Here to Learn More

Green Building News

GBCSA to launch home green rating system next year

By: Marleny Arnoldi 3rd April 2020 The Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) has motivated South Africans to get a certified green rating for their homes. The council explains that the Green Home Rating System for existing buildings will look to shift South Africa’s homes to align with the United Nation’s Sustainable... →

Building for sustainability promotes valuable returns

3rd April 2020 There is a direct link between the stability of an economy and ongoing development, says consulting engineers firm WSP Africa structures regional director Johan Piekaar. Currently, the local construction and property industries are experiencing a lull owing to reduced expenditure by government on... →

Photo by Creamer Media
CONSTRUCTIVE BUILDING Implementing a sustainable building philosophy provides value-add throughout the value chain

Collaboration needed in electrical sector

By: Tracy Hancock 20th March 2020 South Africa’s entire electrical sector needs a “shake up” and a lot more collaboration, Electrical Conformance Board of South Africa (ECBSA) MD Peter Pedrick has learnt since taking up his position in May last year. Historically, South Africa was internationally recognised for its effective... →

FIRE STARTER There has been a significant rise in fire damage in South Africa over the past ten years amid a lack of regulation policing and governance

Cape Town commercial building showcases pioneering use of ecobricks

By: Kim Cloete 19th March 2020 A new building under construction at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront has become among the first commercial buildings in the world to use ecobrick technology. Recycled beverage bottles, including the typical ‘Coke’ 2 litre bottles, are being used as ecobricks in the construction of The Ridge, a... →

Civils sector lifts its head after sharp contraction

By: Irma Venter 17th March 2020 Collectively, in nominal terms, the nine listed contractors on the JSE have lost “a staggering” 80% of their value since before the start of the financial crisis, says construction market intelligence firm Industry Insight senior economist David Metelerkamp. “This is absolute destruction of an... →

Balwin, Absa partner to launch South Africa’s first green home loan

By: Marleny Arnoldi 12th March 2020 JSE-listed real estate investment trust Balwin Properties, together with Absa, has launched South Africa’s first green home loan – the Absa Eco Home Loan. The home loan will come with features and benefits that will appeal to customers looking to live green. →

Balwin CEO Steve Brookes

Green Building Council seeks new leader

By: Marleny Arnoldi 12th March 2020 The Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) has invited applications for its CEO position. The council said in a statement on Wednesday that it was looking for a dynamic leader to take it to the next level in its mission of accelerating the property industry towards sustainability. →

Construction sector sheds jobs as it faces late payments, community mafias

By: Irma Venter 11th March 2020 Around 90 000 formal jobs have been lost in the South African construction industry from June 2018 to September 2019, says construction market intelligence firm Industry Insight. Employment in the sector now stands at around 600 000 people, says CEO Elsie Snyman. →

Deloitte’s new consolidated headquarters to be operational from April

By: Marleny Arnoldi 4th March 2020 The new African head office of professional services firm Deloitte is set to formally start operating in April, says property development, asset management and real estate investment trust Atterbury. The 44 000 m2 building, in Waterfall, Midrand, will initially accommodate 3 500 staff members,... →

Deloitte Africa's new head office, in Midrand

WBHO (almost) shakes off nightmare Aussie roads project

By: Irma Venter 3rd March 2020 Wilson Bayley Holmes-Ovcon (WBHO) saw a strong recovery in the six months ended December 31, as it turned a R2-million profit for the comparative period in 2018 into a R264-million profit. It seems the construction group is shaking off the effect of a botched roads project in Melbourne,... →

Flooring company to start green project

By: Halima Frost 28th February 2020 Flooring contractor KBAC Flooring will handle a 1 400 m2 external raised paving installation project in Centurion for M&T Development, set to start in April 2020. The project is believed to be the first of its kind in Africa using a unique locally manufactured product. KBAC Flooring will... →

UPLIFTING Raised flooring allows for increased aesthetic appeal and accesses to hidden building services

Local steel industry still holds much potential

By: Mamaili Mamaila 28th February 2020 The current capacity and capabilities of the local steel industry are still largely understated, says export trade promotion agency the International Steel Fabricators (ISF). →

International Steel Fabricators CEO Neels van Niekerk discusses the South African steel sector. Camerawork: Creamer Media’s Nicholas Boyd. Editing: Creamer Media’s Nicholas Boyd. Recorded: 30.01.2020

Skills shortage plagues natural refrigerant sector

By: Darren Parker 14th February 2020 One of the most pertinent issues facing the local heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC-R) industry is the lack of specialised skills needed for the systematic adoption of natural refrigerants in place of traditional synthetic refrigerants. Heightened pressure on... →

SNEAKY LEAKS Refrigeration systems charged with odourless CO2 need to be monitored with sensors to ensure leaks do not compromise air quality in enclosed spaces

Sanral’s new standard contract exposes contractors to higher risks, says MDA

By: Irma Venter 4th February 2020 Amendments to the South African National Roads Agency Limited’s (Sanral’s) standard contract have made it significantly more difficult for contractors to deal with disruptions related to the construction mafia, warns construction and technology law specialist MDA Attorneys. The term ‘construction... →

UK pledges new aid to help build green cities across Africa

By: African News Agency 15th January 2020 The United Kingdom has pledged new aid towards building green cities across Africa with quality infrastructure to help the continent reach its economic potential. The announcement from the UK Department for International Development (DFID) came as its secretary Alok Sharma visited Kenya ahead of... →

New Oxford-Glenhove buildings aim for 4-star green ratings

By: Schalk Burger 13th December 2019 The two newest buildings to be built on the intersection of Oxford and Glenhove roads – OxGlen Block 3 and Block 4 – will aim to achieve 4-Star Green Star SA Office Design rating from the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA), engineering consultancy Solid Green Consulting senior... →

Cool coatings can help make living in low-cost buildings more bearable

By: Schalk Burger 6th December 2019 Cool coating technologies, also known as cool surfaces, can play a key role in making human settlements more energy efficient and sustainable, and buildings more habitable, says research institution South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) energy efficiency cool surfaces... →

!KHEIS COATING Local youth cover a roof in cool coating in Groblershoop, in the !Kheis municipality in the Northern Cape

Retail expansion an attainable goal

By: Theresa Bhowan 22nd November 2019 Listed as an overarching strategic focus, Sasol’s Retail division forms an integral part of the Sasol Groups’ investment strategy. Sasol Energy Retail and Corporate Affairs VP Mohamed Carrim, says that the organisation aims to substantially grow its market share in the foreseeable future as it... →

Photo by Sasol
FILL ‘ER UP Sasol has 409 Sasol Convenience Centres nationally each consisting of a forecourt, a convenience store, and a bakery

Barloworld Automotive and Logistics' head office obtains Green Star rating

21st November 2019 The new head office of Barloworld Automotive and Logistics – the first building to be completed in the mixed-use Irene Link precinct, in Centurion – has been awarded a 5-Star Green Star SA Design Rating. Owned by property developer Abland, in partnership with fellow property developers Giflo... →

Green SanteQ lightweight walling system in heavy demand

By: Tracy Hancock 8th November 2019 Discussions are under way with developers in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana and Botswana for the supply of the ‘green’, locally produced SanteQ lightweight walling system, as well as for potential partnerships and projects in Sri Lanka, the UK and Australia. Introduced early this year,... →

Presidential Climate Change Commission to be just-transition crucible – Creecy

By: Terence Creamer 7th October 2019 Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Barbara Creecy has confirmed that the Presidential Climate Change Commission, which was proposed as part of agreements reached at the 2018 Jobs Summit, will be established and will become a key platform for facilitating South Africa’s ‘just transition’... →

Photo by Creamer Media's Dylan Slater
Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Barbara Creecy

SANEDI receives $100 000 grant for cool roofs challenge

By: Schalk Burger 2nd October 2019 The State-owned South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) has received a $100 000 grant from the 1-Million Cool Roofs Challenge to deploy solar reflective coatings and/or materials between August this year and December 2020, the institute announced in a statement on Wednesday.... →

Cool surfaces in Groblershoop, Northern Cape

Upcycling initiative creates employment opportunities

By: Theresa Bhowan 27th September 2019 Through research, innovation, skills development and corporate contribution, carbon tax training and consulting services expert 5inc is well placed to create jobs and skills development opportunities through projects based on waste collection and upcycling. →

YASMINE MIEMIEC 5inc turns corporate waste into new and reusable products

Solar heating pilot seeks to demonstrate viability of large-scale applications

By: Donna Slater 27th September 2019 The first solar district heating system was launched in South Africa by Austrian Ambassador to South Africa Dr Johann Brieger on May 15 at the University of the Witwatersrand’s (Wits’) Junction student residences in Parktown, Johannesburg, through a partnership facilitated by the South African... →

HVAC-R system to be introduced to S Africa in Q1 2020

By: Cameron Mackay 20th September 2019 Diversified technology company Johnson Controls will introduce Verasys – the first plug-and-play control system that integrates heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC-R) equipment and controls – to the South African market in the first quarter of next year. Johnson... →

Institute establishes drive for CO2 as natural refrigerant

By: Cameron Mackay 20th September 2019 Local heating, refrigeration and air conditioning (HVAC) industry body the South African Institute of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (SAIRAC) has established a drive to introduce the option of using carbon dioxide (CO2) as a natural refrigerant, referred to as R744, through technical talks... →

Foundation celebrates 25 years of success in used oil recycling

6th September 2019 More than 1.5-billion litres of hazardous used motor oil has been kept out of the environment. →

COLLABORATION It is imperative that ROSE works alongside government to ensure we help shape legislation which will benefit all stakeholders in the oil industry

Exxaro showcases new ultramodern headquarters

5th September 2019 South Africa’s largest coal producer and black-empowered coal company Exxaro has unveiled its new ultramodern headquarters in Gauteng. Tasneem Bulbulia tells us more. →

Exxaro showcases new ultramodern headquarters

Sandton Central continues to expand high-grade office space

By: Schalk Burger 3rd September 2019 Prime-grade office space in Sandton Central has increased from 1 000 m2 in 2010 to 95 000 m2 this year, Sandton Central Management District (SCMD) city improvement district manager Elaine Jack said in a statement on Monday. SCMD also noted that, according to a South African Property Owners... →

Aerial view of Katherine Towers in Sandton Central

Australian project eats into WBHO profit; parastatals issue R20bn in tenders

By: Irma Venter 3rd September 2019 Wilson Bailey Holmes-Ovcon (WBHO) has seen a significant decline in profit owing to anticipated losses on the Western Roads Upgrade (WRU) project, in Australia. The construction group on Tuesday reported its financial results for the year ended June 30. →

Louwtjie Nel

Carbon tax awareness leads to gas conversions, growth for company

By: Cameron Mackay 30th August 2019 Increased demand for converting to the use of natural gas from heavy fuel oils for energy solutions has led to opportunities for compressed natural gas supplier Virtual Gas Network. The introduction of the Carbon Tax Act in June this year has led to an increase in awareness in the industrial and... →

ACCESS FOR GROWTH Importing and increased access to LNG would allow for downstream development and could help Virtual Gas Network become a national gas distributor

New buildings to provide accommodation closer to institutions

By: Khutso Maphatsoe 16th August 2019 To address the issue of the lack of student accommodation in close proximity to campus, ADA Consulting Engineers has been involved in a greenfield construction project for a Southpoint building on Jorissen street in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. “Owing to Braamfontein being a densely built-up area,... →

V&A Waterfront shopping centre achieves five-star green rating

By: Simone Liedtke 5th August 2019 The V&A Waterfront’s waste management and recycling practices has earned the property a five-star Green Buildings Council of South Africa (GBCSA) Green Star Existing Building Performance (EBP) v1 certification for its Victoria Wharf shopping centre. This is the highest rating for any existing... →

CSIR doubles down on solar PV amid energy-autonomous campus success

By: Donna Slater 12th July 2019 The Pretoria-based headquarters of research organisation the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has almost doubled its commissioning of solar photovoltaic (PV) installed capacity because of its rooftop-mounted fixed-axis solar PV plant exceeding initial performance expectations. →

AfriSam exploring ways to further reduce its carbon emissions

By: Schalk Burger 28th June 2019 Diversified materials company AfriSam is working to further reduce its carbon emissions, after achieving a sustained reduction of 35% as a result of on various initiatives over nearly two decades, says AfriSam Cementitious executive Hannes Meyer. During a media tour of the clinker production... →

Photo by Dylan Slater
LIMESTONE KILN Producing clinker is energy intensive and releases CO2 over and above the fuel used to burn the limestone

Wits launches first solar district heating system in South Africa

20th June 2019 The South African National Energy Development Institute last month launched the first solar district heating system in South Africa at the Wits University’s Junction Campus, saving the buildings millions in energy costs a year. →

Wits launches first solar district heating system in South Africa

Balwin registers over 16 000 EDGE certified units

By: Simone Liedtke 18th June 2019 JSE-listed Balwin Properties has registered more than 16 000 units across seven of its built-to-sell and three of its rental developments as excellence in design for greater efficiency certified with the Green Building Council South Africa. The registration will be completed over the next six... →

Balwin Properties Kikuyu development

Topics In These Articles

... more

RSS Feed

About

Engineering News is a product of Creamer Media.
www.creamermedia.co.za

Other Creamer Media Products include:
Mining Weekly
Research Channel Africa
Polity

Newsletters

Sign up for our FREE daily email newsletter

Receive daily sector news alerts

More

Subscriptions

We offer a variety of subscriptions to our Magazine, Website, PDF Reports and our photo library.

Subscriptions are available via the Creamer Media Store.

View store

Advertise

Advertising on Engineering News is an effective way to build and consolidate a company's profile among clients and prospective clients. Email advertising@creamermedia.co.za

View options

Subscribe