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'''Green Standards Should be Propagated Throughout South Africa S. Miles'''

1.INTRODUCTION “The built environment is designed to serve human needs, but it has significant negative impacts on the natural environment and on human health and performance. Green building has developed as a holistic and practical answer to the environmental and health burdens of the built environment. Green buildings depend on the continuous improvement of building processes, technologies and performance to minimize negative environmental or health impacts, and contribute to environmental restoration and sustainable resource management. Research and the deployment of its results are means to those ends.”[2] Green building standards have been implemented in many countries around the world. South Africa is yet to come up with a set of legislative standards and consequently its own rating system. There are obviously multiple levels of green construction. As one increasingly designs for sustainability and energy efficiency, so those different levels are reached. South Africa is facing a crisis in terms of resource depletion, such as coal. In South Africa, coal is one of the main natural resources used in the production of energy. By building “green”, South Africa would dramatically reduce the amount of current coal consumption. Building green will not only increase energy security within South Africa, but will also facilitate the development of a sustainable future.

A Green building industry would facilitate a reduction of water consumption as well as assist in reducing the amount of toxic emissions into the atmosphere. Further, by definition, green buildings do not suffer form ‘sick-building syndrome’, improving the quality of both indoor and outdoor air which results in safe, healthy and comfortable working conditions. “There is no rocket science involved in green building and ecodesign. We have vast amounts of information and knowledge available on the subject; now all we need is a body to facilitate growth and adoption of these principles in South Africa, where green building is still the exception rather than the rule. Common misperceptions such as green building being a costly exercise are not necessarily true, as there is a great deal that can be achieved simply by using good design,”[3] 2. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

South Africa does not have a definite set of legislated green buildings standards hence no rating system has yet been established. There is no apparent reason as to why South Africa does not have green building standards. The country is in desperate need for such standards to develop a sustainable future.

2.1. STATEMENT OF THE RESEARCH QUESTION Should green standards be propagated in South Africa? 2.2. STATEMENT OF SUBQUESTIONS
 * 1) 1.     How much will the costs of building be affected?
 * 2) 2.     Are professionals willing and able to implement green standards?
 * 3) 3.     Are required resources and materials available in order to build green?

2.3. THE HYPOTHESIS Green Standards should be propagated in South Africa. 3. DELIMITATIONS The concept of green building in South Africa is relatively new and not many people fully understand the concept, so introducing such standards may readily accepted. In addition, it might be difficult to persuade existing construction companies and construction professionals to incorporate new green building principles into their design and technology, as this would be a break away from what they are used to. Further, often building techniques are derived from tradition and social needs (i.e. labour intensive construction). These too would hamper a prompt adoption of green building principles.

4. DEFINITIONS OF TERMS IGBC – Indian Green Building Council GBCSA- Green Building Council of South Africa 5. ASSUMPTIONS I assume that there is nothing preventing green building standards being propagated in South Africa and that the country is merely lagging behind. In addition, I assume that existing buildings can be retrofitted to meet the requirements set by the rating system. 6. IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY The study proposed is of vital importance to all citizens as well as the environment of South Africa. Having green standards propagated through South Africa is part of the solution towards achieving sustainable development. The study looks at how to lessen the harsh impact the construction industry has on the environment. It will look at methods of decreasing the amounts of energy consumed and ways in which the limited resources we have for creating this energy can be conserved. Furthermore, incorporating green standards will reduce water consumption, encourage the use of natural light and decrease the amount of harmful gases being emitted into our atmosphere. The study will have a positive effect on generations to come, it will give them a guideline on how to build green thus creating an environ-friendly country. 7. REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE 7.1. ARE SOUTH AFRICA'S BUILT-ENVIRONMENT PROFESSIONALS EMBRACING GREEN BUILDING PRACTICES? There is no official, legislative green building rating system in South Africa. The author of this paper brings your attention to the fact that green building is becoming more popular throughout South Africa. This article states that the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) should be in operation by early 2008 and no system has been introduced as of yet. The GBCSA does make the public more aware of green standards and encourages professionals in the field of construction to get involved. This article is extremely relevant in my research as it shows and emphasizes that green standards are in need in South Africa. South Africa is being assisted by the World Green Building Council, Australian and New Zealand counterparts in order to develop a series of rating systems. This article brings important facts to our attention. It shows that green building standards need to be propagated throughout South Africa and the advancements that have been made. It also shows the benefits of building green and how green methods can better a countriy’s economy. [3] 7.2.UPDATE ON GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA South Africa is so far behind the rest of the world as far as green standards go and some serious drive is needed in this area. The author looks at how important these standards are and how South Africa is urged to get a rating system together. Quote: "Producing a rating tool was one of the GBCSA's main priorities as it sets the standards for green building and provides clear guidelines on what constitutes a 'green building'"[4] No official standards have been implemented in South Africa as of yet. This article adds more pressure for the GBCSA to get a set of standards together by creating public awareness. Green standards designed for South Africa need to be put in place. The standards that are going to be imposed on South Africa are going to be based on the same rating system as Australia, Green star. Now that the GBCSA has come into existence, a rating system needs to be implemented, this rating system needs to be customized for South Africa. [4] 7.3.ENERGY CONSIDERATIONS AND BUILDING STANDARDS FOR BUILDING WELL The main viewpoint of this article is on energy efficiency and getting green buildings built. "It works by identifying different categories in which a building’s environmental performance can be improved, pinpointing specific initiatives that would improve performance, awarding points for implementing these initiatives and then awarding a rating based on the overall score."[5] A lot of emphasis is placed on energy efficient methods, however, this is not the only way to make a building green and there are other methods that need to be considered when reviewing a green building. This article shows that green buildings are not only better for the environment, but for humans as well, it improves working conditions, thus eliminating sick building syndrome. This article shows us the importance of energy; how energy can be saved or used in ways that are more efficient and the progress the GBCSA has made. The rating system to be implemented in South Africa is based on Green star which is a second-generation system thus has taken into account the failures and achievements of previous systems. The article brings out key points. it highlights the fact that households should be using energy efficient sources such as solar power heating, rather than adding expensive finishes and how if everyone did a little, a lot would change. the second part of the article show the purposes, goals and objectives of the GBCSA, and how they plan on getting their set of ratings based on other systems which have been tried and tested, obviously, with adaptation to suit South Africa. [5] 7.4.LLEWELLYNVANWYK.PDF South Africa is a developing country still trying to meet some basic needs. The author of this paper looks at what precautions need to be taken into account for future developments. "Development (is required) that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."[6] This article places a lot of importance on sustainable development, rather than green methods. Frightening figures are raised about South Africa's current situation, which will create awareness. Relevance: This article highlights a few points about South Africa's basic infrastructure not being able to cope with the population and that green building is very important in order for the country to overcome its problems. Methods of green building are being developed to deal with the problems at hand. This article brings to our attention just how unprepared South Africa is currently with its large population. Methods are being discussed on green building techniques and how to develop a sustainable future. [6] 7.5. JANERIC.PDF Green building is a worldwide trend, but South Africa is far behind and needs to get involved. The author takes a serious look at green building, and how South Africa is taking a step in the right direction. "To drive the adoption of green building practices in the SA property industry, and move the industry towards sustainability through market-based solutions."[7] At the moment, not everybody is made aware as how to better their own individual homes. Resource centres supplying information have been set up increasing public awareness. A step forward in the right direction has been made and definite trends are coming into existence as far as green building goes. A Rating system specifically adapted for South Africa is underway. The Green Building Council of South Africa is in full swing and is looking for members. Public and professional awareness has been made on the climate changes and on the energy crisis in South Africa. A rating system is being modified and clearly shows that the development of a green building requires no additional costs. [7] 7.6. GREEN BUILDING ACCELERATED IN SA A lot of concern has been raised about the energy crisis in South Africa, one way to resolve or alleviate the problem is through green building. The author of this article takes a stern look at the energy crisis in South Africa. "Considering the current power crisis and possible water crisis in the country, green building promises not only to save energy, it will also put South Africa on the global map of protecting its valuable resources and becoming an environment friendly nation, premised on the notion of economic growth and development."[8] No definite methods of how energy is going to be conserved is mentioned, its not clear which way is the most effective. The public is re-assured that the energy shortage in South Africa is being dealt with in an effective matter. Environmental matters are being seen to through the implementation of green building standards. Since the establishment of the GBCSA, people are taking 'building green' more seriously. A rating system is being created or rather, modified. It is going to be largely based on Australia's system because we share a similar climate. Initially it will be voluntary tool, but could become part of the countries legislation. South Africa is facing a major crisis as far as energy shortage goes. This article re-assures us that the professionals in the property industry are being made aware of green buildings. The rating system to be implemented will be based on Australia's system as they share similar climates, it will however be modified. [8] 7.7.THE COST OF GREEN REVISITED.PDF This paper re-visits the question of the cost of incorporating sustainable design features into a project. The author of this paper looks at difference in costing between non-green buildings and green buildings. "...there is no significant difference in average cost for green buildings as compared to non-green buildings."[9] The only limitations I found in this paper that the costing methods used are not in South Africa. This paper highlights the different areas where costs can be cut, to enable buildings that incorporate sustainable design, to stay within their allocated budgets. The costing of green buildings might be playing a part in why no definite green standards have been propagated in South Africa. Ways of costing have been improved and more emphasis has been placed on the building team as a way of cutting costs. This paper details all the methods in which sustainable building costs can be met within the given budget. It highlights the key concepts such as saving in water use, waste, energy consumption, lighting, ventilation, materials, resources and site design. [9] 7.8.MORRIS ARTICLE.PDF Costing has raised a question as to whether it is viable to build green. The author of this paper looks at answering different questions being raised on costing. "Even though there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the cost question, it is clear from the substantial weight of evidence in the marketplace that reasonable levels of sustainable design can be incorporated into most building types at little or no additional cost. In addition, sustainable materials and systems are becoming more affordable."[10] No definite answers can be given to how much green buildings cost. People are able to use information gathered from this article and assess their own buildings, which they wish to make green, and can then get an idea of what goes into costing and at what levels a building can be made green. This article shows that costing isn't just a figure, but more an integrated system which needs to be viewed from different angles. One needs to decide how green to make their building and which sustainable design features they wish to incorporate. The costing question has been broken up into different questions relating to the cost. By doing this, interested members or participants can see where their biggest costs may lie, and where they can be adjusted. This article looks at how the cost of a green building can be calculated, or rather what questions need to be asked when referring to cost. The major point made throughout this article is that cost is not a lump sum figure that can be given on request. One would need to look at different features of the sustainable design concepts. They say that sustainable design needs to be integrated with good construction practice in order to achieve goals. In addition, another key question is raised, and that is "Compared to what?" they ask in response to, "What is the cost of a green building?” this question is vast and all elements need to be considered, and what level of green is hoping to be achieved.[10] 7.9. RECYCLED MATERIALS – BUILDING GREEN TV The author of this article highlights a few points on how to use materials that have less harmful impacts on the environment, whilst saving on costs at the same time. "All of the above materials become totally fireproof and can be made very lightweight, yet are as strong as traditional concrete, sometimes even more so."[11] All these products and materials may not be readily available. Our knowledge on these materials is broadened and we are made aware of various alternative building materials. This article is extremely relevant to green building and these are only a few materials of the wide selection that complies with green standards. People are becoming more aware of these recyclable materials. This article is about a couple wanting to build and environ-friendly house and they use various recyclable materials, which differ from traditional materials, and they show that they are as effective if not more. [11]

8.PROPOSED SOLUTION The key agents in the study are the firms and individuals involved in the construction industry. These include property developers, builders, quantity surveyors, architects, town planners, engineers. Feedback from these individuals and firms will form the bulk of my research. REFERENCES [1]http://www.greenbuilding.co.za/index.php?option=com_contact&catid=105&Itemid=54 [2]http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=3402 [3]http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article.php?a_id=111643 [4]http://www.eprop.co.za/news/article.aspx?idArticle=9800 [5]http://www.dendrite.co.za/2007/11/09/energy-considerations-and-building-standards-for-building-well/ [6]http://www.greenbuilding.co.za/images/stories/pdfs/Dec/LlewellynvanWyk.pdf [7]http://www.greenbuilding.co.za/images/stories/pdfs/Jan2008/JanEric.pdf [8]http://www.sahometraders.co.za/news/news_article.asp?nid=95 [9]http://www.davislangdon.com/upload/images/publications/USA/The%20Cost%20of%20Green%20Revisited.pdf [10]http://www.davislangdon.com/upload/images/publications/USA/Morris%20Article.pdf [11]http://www.buildinggreentv.com/keywords/recycled-materials