Architect and Builder Magazine South Africa November/December 2013 | Page 29

ADVERTISERS ON THIS PROJECT:
AfriSam South Africa
The leading black-controlled
construction materials
group in southern Africa
The Atvantage Group
Project Managers

The hotel uses a grey water recycling
system whereby drain water from baths and
showers is collected, recycled, and then used
for toilet flushing. This will result in a significant
reduction in municipal water consumption of
approximately 1.5 million litres per annum.
Rainwater and sub-soil drainage water are used
for all external requirements such as irrigation.
Washing machines will use the water from the
final rinse cycle for the pre-wash cycle of the
following load. Hotel Verde is also fitted with
low flow taps and shower heads, and makes use
of drip irrigation.
A sustainability orientated approach to
landscaping has been adopted at the hotel.
Exclusively indigenous and endemic vegetation
has been used with preference to carbon
capturing plants. The roof of the reception and
lobby area has been made a vegetated roof.
Not only is this aesthetically pleasing but it
also creates habitat for bird life and thermally
insulates the area below.
50% of the building materials used in the
construction of the hotel were sourced locally,
saving energy and emissions connected with
transporting them. Furthermore, Cobiax void
formers were introduced into several of the low
load carrying slabs saving 1284 tons of concrete.

Hotel Verde

These slabs are therefore lighter, reducing
the depth of foundation required. The Cobiax
spheres are also made from recycled plastic.
Another aspect that displays Hotel Verde’s
dedication to the reduction of greenhouse gas
emissions is the sustainable manner in which
it will be operated. The staff of the hotel will
carpool and use public transport wherever
possible and there will be preferred parking
bays reserved for guests driving hybrid fuel
saving vehicles. Guests will be incentivised
to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle by
offering them rewards for refraining from using
certain energy consuming luxuries, such as
air-conditioning.
The hotel has adopted a medium term target
of “zero waste to landfill” and a strict waste
management program will be implemented
during operation. Waste will be sorted on
site and recycled and all organic waste will be
composted, both on and off site.
From renewable energy generation, to
energy efficient equipment and practices, to
water conservation, to innovative approaches
to the promotion of sustainable living amongst
staff and guests, there is no doubt that Hotel
Verde is making a monumental effort to reduce
its greenhouse gas emissions.

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