KZN Master Builders' head office goes green
Embracing global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Master Builders Association (MBA) KwaZulu-Natal has embarked on a R10.5 million project to retrofit the head office as a green building.
The association's executive director, Brandon Abdinor, said buildings accounted for 30 percent to 45 percent of the energy consumed and as the organisation that represented the building and construction industry, the investment was aimed at encouraging green building initiatives and leading by example.
"Considering more than 40 percent of CO2 emissions originate from buildings, surely this is where we should be directing our fight to save the environment?" he asked.
Abdinor said greening a building was not complicated with logic dictating that by reducing, reusing and recycling, companies had already achieved a portion of their goal. In using less heating, air-conditioning, hot water and lighting and considering energy-efficient appliances, the CO2 emissions lessened "dramatically". Air conditioning and lighting are the main culprits and their consumption can be curbed via more efficient use of natural ventilation and lighting. The Master Builders Association has also installed whirlies on top of the Perspex dome over the atrium to expel hot air and draw in cooler air.
Solar panels have been sandwiched between glass panels to convert radiation into direct current electricity, and nearly 200 batteries store the power and inverters. Two 6m-high wind turbines have been installed on the roof to assist the panels with the system generating sufficient power for computers, essential lighting and other devices linked to the building's electrical grid.
"There will be sufficient power for mission-critical services, as well as ensuring continued air conditioning and power for the new conference room. A small generator will maintain the essential services during power outages," Abdinor said.
The office would become a showcase for those concerned about harming the environment when it opened next month.
The Mercury
Posted at 09:58AM Apr 28, 2010 by Editor in Commercial |