Feature
Continued from page 41
A green building is not static, it is an organically evolving
concept, a worthy goal for all mankind. ‘Green’ is essentially
different for every building. It will need to consist of unique
solutions that meet specific functional parameters and
climatic conditions.
High on the list of green building compliance is Indoor Air
Quality (IAQ). On that score, HVAC units need to prove energy-
efficient heating and cooling. Similarly, a focus on environment-
friendly, non-toxic materials and the reduction of waste is
expected. Designing an environment that keeps moisture and
mould at bay is a prime focus for what heating and cooling
systems we use in our buildings. Ventilation is about adequate
exchanges of fresh air. Outdoor air in cities and in surrounding
urban areas is anything but fresh. Keeping out pollution is a
priority for any HVAC system committed to green building
credentials. “Clean construction practices and smart materials
specifications reduce dust and volatile organic compounds
(VOCs). Attentive maintenance emphasises non-toxic solutions,”
advises architectural designer, Greenspace Studio.
WORKING FOR A GREENER TOMORROW
AHI-Carrier has already been involved in highly sensitive
applications requiring innovative technology at its best.
Delivering energy-saving to Pennsylvania’s Iron Mountain, a
data centre in the US, put the design team’s green building goals
under stringent test. Iron Mountain protects billions of valued
Stella Place in Sandton is a 5-Star Green Star rated building.
www.hvacronline.co.za
assets form the likes of the Fortune 1000 companies to the US
government itself. Critical business information, highly sensitive
data, and cultural and historical artefacts depend on cooling
systems that meet green building standards.
In keeping with their green building mandate, AHI-Carrier
developed the solution for the Sisters of Mercy Headquarters
in Belmont, North Carolina. This project is another that bears
testimony to AHI’s ability to factor in energy efficiency in the
case of HVAC systems. Their solution was required to serve the
entire campus with residential, administrative, religious, and
educational facilities for between 400 – 500 people spread over
20 438m 2 of space.
We in South Africa are also starting to make an impact
regarding our green building achievements. A case in point was
the iconic PwC Tower in Gauteng’s Waterfall City, Midrand. Not
a small part of what gave the project its green building status
was the high-efficiency, water-cooled screw chillers plus three
multi-functional air-cooled chillers and a heat pump. Described
as ‘unique capability’, AHI’s PwC Tower solutions perfectly and
precisely match both building load and energy efficiency without
compromising the environment.
Fast becoming a leader in green building, South Africa is
seeing more and more companies opting for environmentally
friendly solutions. The Green Star SA rating allows for
certification of buildings based on the following levels of
achievement:
• four-star Green Star SA Certification, which signifies ‘Best
Practice’;
• five-star Green Star SA Certification indicates ‘South African
Excellence’; and
• the six-star Green Star SA Certification which signals
‘World Leadership’.
Accenture in
Midrand, has
achieved a
‘Design’ 4-Star
Green Star rating.
The aim of all of us on this extraordinary planet is to go green
from the ground up. As we take on this global commitment, our
heating and cooling systems need to step up to the plate. RACA
RACA Journal I March 2020
43