The visitor centre of the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), received an Honourable Mention for Architecture from the Pretoria Institute for Architecture (PIA).
The award specifically mentioned a “pavilion showcasing current sustainable thinking”.
As the energy consultant on the project and also responsible for the implementation of cutting-edge green energy technology into the building, this can be described as a typical project showcasing all four core competencies of our business:
- design & implementation of energy strategies,
- commercial solar thermal systems,
- commercial solar photovoltaic systems and
- training.
First step taken was to write an energy strategy which assisted the DBSA in reducing their energy demand and consumption to less than 46% of SANS 204 (current best practice).
We integrated numerous sustainable energy strategies into the project and provided consulting on the general environmental design.
The building is the absolutely pinnacle of sustainable design and South Africa´s first CO2 and energy neutral building.
Tapologo Aids Hospice in Phokeng, near Rustenburg, was honoured with the Mail & Guardian Merit award in the category: Environmental Best Practice for a Non‐profit Organisation.
Innovative design, construction and operation combining ancient building skills and knowledge with modern day needs has created facilities that have a much reduced impact on the environment.
The project features some of the most innovative passive design strategies, solar water heaters, photovoltaic system, energy efficient equipment, own material production, local
labour, rain water harvesting, local food production, preservation of bio diversity, to name
but a few of the many green successes of this development.
