Progressing net-zero emissions is an essential systemic shift towards a more sustainable built environment.

ADVANCING NET ZERO
GBCSA NET-ZERO CARBON CERTIFICATES

The Green Building Council’s strategy is to follow a reduction first, outcomes-based approach. Through gathering data to inform low-carbon choices, benchmarks are set, best-practice methods incorporated, associated costs reduced and greater uptake eased – stepping up market transformation to sector emissions reductions.

To moderate embodied emissions, increase resource efficiency and stimulate the development and market supply of low-carbon products, the sector must (1) reduce its environmental impact through design and construction, and (2) generate a strong demand signal to finance to decarbonise materials and processes.

NET-ZERO CARBON

A building that is highly energy-efficient and the remaining energy use is from renewable energy, preferably on-site but also off-site where necessary, so that there are zero-net carbon emissions on an annual basis (Net Zero) or if the energy from renewable energy results in more energy being produced than what is on site (Net Positive).

GREENFIELD INDUSTRIAL PARK

Building Emissions (modelled) (pilot) – Level 1
Validity: October 2017 – October 2020
Greenfield Industrial Park was developed as an upmarket space in Cape Town’s growing airport industrial node. The building has been designed to generate as much renewable energy in a year as is consumed by the base-building operations (lighting, air conditioning and site services).

TWO DAM SUSTAINABLE

Occupant Emissions (measured) (pilot) – Level 2
Including 13.6% offset purchased
Validity: October 2017 – October 2020
Two Dam Sustainable is an off-grid responsibly operated trout farm that runs almost entirely on renewable energy. The farm is home to a hyper-efficient recirculating aquaculture system, which is the first of its kind in Africa.

VODAFONE SITE SOLUTION INNOVATION CENTRE

Occupant Emissions (modelled) (pilot) – Level 2
Validity: October 2017 – October 2020
The Vodafone Site Solution Innovation Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg, was completed in 2011. Located within its exclusive vegetated space, the building presents itself as a transparent box with large overhangs and a naturally ventilated double-façade to avoid undue problems of solar heat gains.

78 CORLETT DRIVE

Building Emissions (modelled) (pilot) – Level 1
Validity: December 2017 – December 2020
Developed by Legaro Properties, the three-storey project is situated on a brownfields site. The design incorporates strong minimalist geometries, with shading louvers acting as a dynamic façade element and passive shading device.

VLEIHUIS DEVELOPMENT

Occupant Emissions (modelled) (pilot) – Level 2
Validity: September 2018 – September 2021
The project’s design brief stated that it should “seek to lead in every way in the architectural innovation of sustainability and biomimetic principals”. The architecture and landscape form a symbiotic relationship where one cannot thrive without the other.

MDA PROPERTY HOLDINGS

Building Emissions (modelled) (pilot) – Level 1
Validity: March 2019 – March 2022
The MDA Property Holdings building is designed to reduce the natural depletion on the environment. The two-storey office building is characterised by optimised solar control, daylight and HVAC system design. PV solar panels ensure that the building produces more energy than it consumes.

LORDS VIEW INDUSTRIAL PARK

Base Building (modelled) (pilot) – Level 1 As-Built Rating v1
Validity: January 2020 – January 2023
The building is an industrial structure with most of the space being a warehouse. The circulation system is a mixture of natural and mechanically ventilated spaces. A shared PV system reduces the main power usage and an integrated building management system has been installed.

ZERO IN ON ACTION

1. Focus on emissions reduction. Minimise offsets via best practice sustainable construction and operation, by reducing energy demand, shifting away from fossil fuels and using 100% renewable energy.
2. Reward residual emissions. Invest in carbon reduction projects that are credible and permanent as determined via independent third-party verification.
3. Advance quantifiable benefits. Direct funds into offsets that store carbon and provide tangible environmental and/or social improvements, particularly those with nature-based co-benefits.

HOTEL NIEU

Occupant Emissions (modelled) – Level 2
Validity: April 2020 – April 2023
The intention of the Hotel Nieu development is to provide upmarket hospitality services to people who care deeply about appropriate stewarding of resources. The Nieu philosophy is concerned primarily with the most appropriate use of land and resources.

DE ZICHT LIFESTYLE CENTRE

Base Building (modelled) – Level 1
Validity: January 2021 – January 2024
De Zicht Lifestyle forms part of the Balwin De Zicht Residential Complex in Cape Town. The building achieved net-zero energy through its lighting and HVAC installations, which are supplemented by a 14.58kWp PV system that generates 25 960kWh annually.

BALLITO HILLS LIFESTYLE CENTRE

Building Emissions (modelled) – Level 1
Validity: March 2021 – March 2024
The Balwin Properties building situated within the Ballito Hills Lifestyle Centre achieves net-zero energy through reducing its energy loads by using energy efficient lighting and HVAC installations, which are supplemented with a 14.58kWp solar PV system that generates 25 960kWh annually.

NET ZERO NET POSITIVE

Net Zero/Net Positive is applied to new construction projects, fit out and existing buildings in operation. Net Zero/Net Positive certification awards projects which go beyond the partial reductions recognised in the GBCSA tools and have reached the endpoint of completely neutralising or positively redressing their impacts.

GREENPARK LIFESTYLE CENTRE

Building Emissions (modelled) – Level 1
Validity: April 2021 – April 2024
Situated within the Greenpark Lifestyle Estate, this community centre project is developed by Balwin Properties. A direct visual connection to the external environment is provided for 80% of the community centre occupied area. A high level of thermal comfort is ensured for at least 98% of occupied hours.

CITY INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

Building Emissions (modelled) – Level 1
Validity: September 2021 – September 2024
The City Industrial Property in Bellville, Cape Town is the flagship facility for City Logistics. The building is an industrial typology building with mixed-mode ventilation, low VOC internal finishes, rainwater harvesting and efficient lighting control system.

FYNBOS LIFESTYLE CENTRE

Building Emissions (modelled) – Level 1
Validity: October 2021 – October 2024
Balwin Properties has exceeded targets by implementing several innovation measures in this single-storey community centre situated in The Fynbos Lifestyle Estate, which allow for a world leadership building. This is done through GBCSA online courses.

THE HUNTSMAN LIFESTYLE CENTRE

Building Emissions (modelled) – Level 1
Validity: October 2021 – October 2024
Developed by Balwin Properties, the single-storey community centre project has a 57.2kWp PV system installed, which yields 102.1MWh annually. The building design shows an improvement of 100% over a SANS10400 notional building.

IN2FOOD – BONAERO

Building Emissions (modelled) – Level 1
Validity: November 2021 – November 2024
In2Food – Bonaero manufactures food for Woolworths and various airlines. The industrial facility consists of food preparation, storage and office areas. The factory floor has a CO2 refrigeration system which has zero ozone depletion potential and low global warming potential gas. All hot water is heated by the system.

GREENCREEK GREENBARN

Building Emissions (modelled) – Level 1
Validity: TBC
Situated within the Greencreek Riverwalk estate, the leisure project developed By Balwin Properties, has a plethora of amenities including a food garden and art gallery. The design of a traditional rustic farmhouse rooted in nature consists of architectural initiatives which contribute to the sustainability of the entire estate and are recognised as world leadership.

BALWIN HEAD OFFICE

Building Emissions (modelled) – Level 1
Validity: March 2022 – March 2025
The new Balwin HQ, located on Corlett Drive, Johannesburg, in an urbanised context adjacent to the Melrose Arch development. The building is made up of four basement levels and five office floors. The redevelopment will see the removal of three cones and the creation of two new floors under an elevated concrete box.

NEXUS AT WATERFALL

Building Emissions (modelled) – Level 1
Validity: April 2022 – April 2025
Nexus at Waterfall is in Waterfall City, Johannesburg. Energy sub meters are present to accurately monitor energy consumption. The building has a 200kW solar PV system. Ventilation meets fresh air standards set by SANS required for buildings in South Africa.

SANBS HEAD OFFICE

Information not available at time of publication.

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