Associations
ASHRAE SOUTH AFRICA
ACTIVITY UPDATE
A guide to developing net zero carbon buildings in SA has been launched.
Getting to Zero: A guide to developing net zero carbon
buildings in South Africa gives a thorough overview
on net zero carbon buildings in South Africa. It provides
guidance to professional teams considering developing a
net zero carbon building and shows those shaping the built
environment in South Africa that it is possible.
While it may be considered ambitious, it is certainly
achievable.
Sparked by engagement between ASHRAE South Africa
Chapter and the eThekwini Energy Office, the guide is
a collaborative production, led by ASHRAE South Africa
Chapter, specifically the local Sustainability Committee
with input from the C40 South Africa Buildings Programme,
Sustainable Energy Africa (SEA), and the Green Building
Council South Africa (GBCSA).
When it comes to getting a building to net zero carbon
status, the basic idea is to reduce energy consumption as
much as possible, and then to provide the building’s minimal
energy needs through renewable energy. Exactly how this
can be done, is explained in this guide.
For those keen to take the sustainability of their property to
the next level ahead of regulatory changes that will make higher
efficiencies in buildings mandatory, this guide can assist.
Getting to Zero gives practical tips on how net zero
carbon can be achieved. From identifying the right people
to have on your project team, to the actual energy use
intensity of lighting and mechanical equipment that should
be targeted in a commercial building. Furthermore, it
highlights renewable energy considerations to bear in mind
on your project.
The guide features numerous case studies, showcasing
projects that have already achieved net zero carbon status.
These projects provide inspiration and share learning to
motivate those seeking to make net zero carbon a reality.
LOCAL CONTEXT
Getting to Zero emphasises that building energy-use
intensity should be about one third of current standard
practice in South Africa. It advises ways to reduce the
energy use intensity, through passive design, building
simulation and highly efficient active design/mechanical
equipment and appliances.
It details the most effective passive design strategies to
use in the South African context. And when implementing
active systems such as air conditioning, it gives the pros and
cons of different systems and guidance on choosing the most
effective systems for particular regions in South Africa. The
guide also highlights some of the intricacies of the renewable
energy landscape in South Africa.
THE IMPERATIVE
Reliance on fossil fuels to power buildings and cities damages
the health of our people and our environment. The building
sector has the potential for significant greenhouse gas
emissions reduction at a lower cost than many other sectors.
The motivation for net zero carbon buildings is driven by
South Africa’s national and local climate change commitments,
including the C40 Global Net Zero Carbon Buildings Declaration.
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