PROPERTY UTILITIES polymers , or even carbon fibre and graphene , under the right circumstances . African countries need to develop and implement standard codes for the use of alternates like these to steel rebar to ensure these substitutes are used safely and effectively .
Groves points out that Pulverised Fuel Ash , Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag and Silica Fume are already used regularly in cement replacement blends , while traditional asphalt can be replaced with more environmentally friendly natural and synthetic polymers , recycled plastics or even rubber from recycled tyres .
“ Bio-based asphalt is a promising solution to reduce emissions and is being tested in Europe . And there are other innovations being tested internationally , such as hydrogen-based steel-making and electrifying the cement making process to reduce emissions ,” says Groves .
Furthermore , sustainability goals , along with leveraging available technologies , must be considered and integrated into construction projects . This may entail introducing congestion fees for infrastructure and could also lead to the transport and construction of new buildings being constrained according to sustainability objectives .
“ The use of digital technologies allows for many efficiencies to be introduced into the whole lifecycle of built projects – from standalone buildings to mixed-use developments and larger precincts , as well as the surrounding and ancillary infrastructure - from planning through construction , to operation and maintenance ,” says Groves .
SA Real Estate Investor Magazine AUGUST 2022 127