Association goes green in R10.5 million retrofit project

The Master Builders Association of KwaZulu-Natal goes green in R10.5 million retrofit project.

In keeping with global efforts to prevent the skyrocketing emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that are trapping heat in our atmosphere, Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal has embarked on a R10.5 million project to retrofit its head office in Westville, Durban.

As a leading professional association representing the building and construction industry in the province, the association encourages green building initiatives and leading by example is one way of driving this message home.

“Buildings account for 30 to 45% of all energy consumed,” according to the association’s Executive Director, Brandon Abdinor. “If you consider that more than 40% of the world’s carbon emissions originate from buildings and their use, then surely this is where we should be directing our attention in the fight to save the environment?” According to the United Nations Environment program the building sector has the biggest scope for reducing these emissions.

Buildings are the second biggest emitters of CO2 with the power industry being the single biggest culprit.

“Greening” a building does not necessarily have to be a complicated affair. It stands to reason that if you reduce, reuse and recycle then you are a lot of the way there. If less heating, less air conditioning, less hot water, and less lighting is used, then the amount of carbon emissions lessens drastically. The use of energy efficient appliances will also help.

The highly visible glass-encased Master Builders Association head office along Essex Terrace in Westville will become a showcase not only for the members of the not-for-profit association, but the general public, educational institutions or any other discipline that is concerned about the harm being done to the environment. In addition, lessons learnt about the cost effectiveness and efficiencies can be passed on to members for them to use. 

The opening of the refurbished building is scheduled for June this year.

Air conditioning and lighting are two of the main CO 2 perpetrators. Their consumption is to be curbed by more efficient use of natural ventilation and lighting. At the same time the Perspex dome atop the heat-trapped atrium will be fitted with whirlies which will expel hot air whilst drawing in cool air.

Suitable shading will be installed on the hot west side of the building while solar photovoltaic panels (PVs) are to be sandwiched between certain of the glass panels that make up an extremely large portion of the building. PVs are arrays of cells containing a material that converts solar radiation into direct current electricity. Nearly 200 batteries will store the power and inverters will create usable voltage.

Two six metre high wind turbines will be installed on the roof to assist the PVs. The system will be generating power for computers, essential lighting and other devices linked within 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 facilities that forms part of the building’s refurbishing exercise. A small generator will be used for maintaining these essential services during power outages as well providing uninterrupted power for the new disabled people’s elevator. Abdinor says payback for the investments in electrical systems decreases with every Eskom price hike.

Rainwater harvesting also forms part of the Green Building initiative and six water tanks capable of storing 30 000 litres will provide water for the lavatory cisterns and -during periods of no rainfall - for the roof garden which will be another enormous contributor to reducing the building’s interior heat which flat asphalt rooftops are guilty of creating.

Bruce Clark from Durban based Bruce Clark Associate Architects, the official architects, said that while Master Builders is not necessarily seeking Green Star status, the objective is to showcase how an existing building can be retrofitted through the use of some simple interventions.

“We are not making any changes to the existing infrastructure, but we will be making use of natural ventilation, lighting and recycled rainwater. By merely repositioning the air conditioning units will make a big difference as will installing solar heaters and other electricity saving devices.”

Clark said the retrofit project is designed so that members of the building industry, the public and student bodies can access the building and view the redevelopment in a holistic manner.

“It will all be very visual and accessible such as how the solar water system works, where the batteries are stored, how much electricity is being used at any time and all the other environmentally friendly products and systems that we are implementing,” he said.

In addition to the obvious environmental and educational benefits, there are certain financial gains to be made. Electricity and water costs are reduced and there is even some potential to sell the electricity generated back into the grid in future. Green buildings have been proved to be healthier, increasing worker productivity and reducing absenteeism.

The second leg of the Master Builders’ refurbishment programme is to open a Green Exhibition Centre promoting the efficiency of a green building with a full range of products, designs, information and service providers. About 300 sqm has been allocated to the centre that will include all forms of energy saving environmentally friendly devices.

All products at the centre will have the applicable approval, such as solar water heaters which have fallen under the spotlight recently thanks to more attractive rebates. As an independent association, Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal will be able to give advice on the most suitable contractor/s in their given fields of expertise offering visitors price guidelines and peace of mind. The centre will be open to the public in July.

Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal is an Employer Body representing members in the Building and Construction Industry.  Visit www.masterbuilders.co.za for more information and www.findabuilder.co.za to find a member in your area.

Brandon Abdinor | Executive Director

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