PROJECTS
Local council says that the achievement sets the benchmark in social housing development.
Up to 30 % of the units were reserved for households with a combined monthly income of less than R3 500 per month, and 70 % were allocated to households earning a monthly income of between R3 500 and R7 500.
“ Tenants residing in social housing developments must be able to pay rent, and are charged for their water and electricity usage. Therefore, the energy and water saving design implemented at Belhar Gardens also benefits the tenants as the savings are passed on to the households, making these units more affordable,” says Councillor Herron.
The units at the Belhar Gardens development use, on average, use 30 % less water and energy than other housing developments with traditional water and energy designs.
“ Each unit has been fitted with water flow restrictors and water meters that measure the amount of hot and cold water used. In doing so, the household or tenant is aware of their water usage at all times, and can implement their own water saving methods. We have also replaced conventional geysers with heat pump stations at every block of units. The heat pumps can save up to 48 % in electricity use, compared with conventional geysers. The hot water is measured separately for each unit, meaning we pass the savings on to the tenant,” explains Madulammoho’ s CEO, Renier Erasmus.
GETTING CERTIFIED
The EDGE preliminary certification confirms that the design implemented at Belhar Gardens development meets the minimum benchmark saving of 20 % in water and energy used. The GBCSA conducted the final audit and site inspection and are expected to issue the full certificate by January 2018.
Units comprise of bachelor, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units.
“ The initial cost associated with the energy saving design is higher when compared with conventional designs. The heat pumps are, for example, two times more expensive than conventional geysers and came at an additional cost of about R5-million for this development. The water reduction designs added an extra R1 000 for each unit. That aside, we think this is the way to go as we want to make our units as affordable as possible,” says Erasmus.
“ The GBCSA certification is important as it demonstrates that affordable housing can go green and still be viable. We want developers to take note, and to follow the example set by Madulammoho. In the meantime, we are also looking at innovative designs that can save water and electricity, as well as exploring alternative building materials that are cheaper and environmentally friendly,” Councillor Herron adds.
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JANUARY- FEBRUARY 2018
AFFORDABLE
SA HOUSING