NEWSWATCH
THE LATEST NEWS AND PRODUCTS FROM THE BUILDING INDUSTRY
NEWSWORTHY
INNOVATIVE WIND TURBINES INSTALLED AT V & A WATERFRONT
With the inauguration of four LS Double Helix small wind turbines , the V & A Waterfront , together with LuvSide GmbH , a German manufacturer of small wind turbines , is setting an example for a sustainable and reliable energy alternative . The installation of the turbines in the V & A Waterfront shows how aesthetically pleasing wind power can be . The small wind turbines offer an environmentally friendly and low-noise way of compensating for power outages . The four installed LS Double Helix 1.0 turbines of LuvSide offer an energy yield of several thousand kWh per year , depending on the wind power . As the location in the V & A Waterfront shows , the vertical wind turbines fit perfectly into an urban environment . With the implementation of this first reference plant , LuvSide GmbH has ambitious plans for the expansion of its activities in South Africa . A key element of these plans is the local production of some components . Reducing transportation routes will not only increase efficiency , but also the competitiveness of the product in the windy South African market .
NEWINBOSCH RECEIVES SIX STAR RATING
Newinbosch Neighbourhood Estate in Stellenbosch recently received a Six Star Green Star Sustainable Precincts rating from the Green Building Council of South Africa ( GBCSA ) – a first for South Africa and Africa .
“ Although only three other precincts have achieved four-star ratings in the past , it is the first time a precinct in South Africa has received the Six Star Green Star ,” says Harold Spies , chief executive of Similan , the development company at Newinbosch .
“ The rating is significant for a number of reasons – not least of which is that all except one of the major banks offer substantially reduced interest rates on home loans for Green Star-rated properties .”
According to a recent Pam Golding Properties Green Survey , 68.8 % of home buyers are prepared to pay a premium for homes with green features .
“ Newinbosch ticks all the sustainability boxes that buyers are looking for ,” says Louise Varga , area manager for Stellenbosch , Somerset West , Strand and Gordon ’ s Bay at Pam Golding Properties , the marketing agency for Newinbosch .
“ The entire precinct has been methodically designed to encourage a livework-play way lifestyle that enhances residents ’ quality of life . The design places pedestrians first , with interconnected walkways and cycling routes and community amenities easily accessible .”
Newinbosch has also earned its EDGE Advanced certification , ensuring that homes are at least 40 % more energy efficient and 20 % more water and materialefficient than the norm . In addition to qualifying owners for better bond rates , this also significantly lowers running costs .
In addition , Newinbosch features a series of innovative solutions that drive efficient use of natural resources and reduces carbon footprint . These include :
• New-generation waste management systems ;
• Green infrastructure ;
• Sustainable landscaping - restoration of local fauna and flora habitats and planting pocket forests providing ecosystems and purifying air ;
• A not-for-profit urban farm ;
• Water efficiency using stormwater and grey water for irrigation . “ Our aim is to create the greenest neighbourhood in the South Africa - and maybe even in Africa ,” says Spies .
6 News Watch