NEWSWORTHY
EVOLUTION IN COLUMN CONNECTIONS
Peikko Group , in its journey to continuously make significant advancements with column connection solutions , has launched its latest innovation , the HELKA ® column shoes , designed to replace the HPKM column shoes , which has been a staple in Peikko ’ s lineup for many years . This new product enhances efficiency and reliability in construction projects , forming fast and safe bolted connections between precast concrete columns and foundations , or between precast concrete columns . HELKA ® also offers enhanced flexibility when positioning anchor bolts and adjusting the shoe ’ s placement inside columns . Used with HPM ® Rebar Anchor Bolts or COPRA ® Anchoring Couplers , the HELKA ® column shoes create moment-resisting column connections under heavy loading conditions . “ The HELKA ’ s load ratings are optimised to withstand newer , stricter design codes , providing more flexibility for modern construction requirements . The HELKA ® 30 , for example , provides a higher tensile resistance compared to the HPKM equivalent models , while it also features enhanced load-bearing capacity ,” notes Petrov , adding that this ensures safety and stability in large-scale projects . It also features improved resistance and optimised anchor bolts for structural connections , with four or more used in one column crosssection , depending on the column dimensions and forces involved , as well as improved axial resistance values . www . peikko . com
HOTEL VERDE ACHIEVES NET ZERO WASTE CERTIFICATION
Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport recently announced its achievement of the prestigious Net Zero Waste certification from the Green Building Council of South Africa ( GBCSA ), establishing itself as a pioneer in the hospitality industry for its outstanding waste diversion initiatives . Surpassing the required 90 % landfill diversion rate , Hotel Verde achieved an impressive 93 % diversion rate for operational waste over 12 months , recorded from 1 March 2023 to 28 February 2024 , underscoring its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship .
At the heart of Hotel Verde ’ s visionary journey lies the inspiration of its founder and director , Mario Delicio , “ As a company , we hold a responsibility to care for our environment and the society we inhabit . It ’ s time we stop viewing waste as mere refuse destined for landfills . Instead , we must recognise waste as a valuable resource — precious to us all .” Hotel Verde ’ s journey to achieving Net Zero Waste was guided by two core strategies :
Sustainable purchasing policy : The best way to manage waste is through prevention . Hotel Verde understands the importance of creating innovative , reusable packaging solutions . Consequently , they have urged many suppliers to embrace this approach . Moreover , sourcing products locally is essential . By focusing on environmentally responsible procurement , Hotel Verde greatly reduces its carbon footprint and significantly cuts down on waste .
Waste separation and composting : Waste separation is crucial for uncovering valuable materials like metals , glass , plastics , paper , and food waste , which can be recycled and sold . Hotel Verde exemplifies this by providing labeled bins for recyclables and food waste , promoting sustainability among guests and staff , and supporting environmental conservation .
As landfill sites in South Africa approach capacity , Hotel Verde ’ s innovative waste management practices underscore the urgent need for industry-wide intervention . Government need to change the way waste is collected . Sorting needs to be implemented right from the start .
The hotel ’ s status as the only current Net Zero Waste Certified hotel in Africa is a result of key collaborations , highlighting the importance of teamwork in addressing this pressing issue . Diverting food waste from landfills not only conserves valuable space but also significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions , a crucial factor in combating climate change . Through meticulous waste separation and composting efforts , the hotel has successfully composted over 46,803 kg of food waste , resulting in considerable carbon savings . The Green Building Council of South Africa , Green Gap Consulting and Zero to Landfill Organics all played a role in helping Hotel Verde reach certification .
Looking Ahead : Future Sustainability Goals As Hotel Verde continues its sustainability journey , the next goal is to achieve a Net Positive Waste certification by further increasing waste diversion efforts and collaborating with stakeholders to minimise challenging waste streams . This ambitious target reflects the hotel ’ s unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility and its aspiration to set new benchmarks in sustainable hospitality .
6 News Watch