ASSOCIATIONS
Energy-efficient clay brick
By the Clay Brick Association
The Energy Efficient Clay Brick ( EECB ) project aims to ensure environmental sustainability by seeking economic solutions to increased energy efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions in the South African clay brick sector . Over the last 5 years , the CBA ’ s Energy Efficient Clay Brick Programme has resulted in a 10-15 % reduction in the industry ’ s greenhouse gas emissions .
The industry ’ s sustainability initiatives are being driven by the Clay Brick Association of South Africa ( CBA ), a member-based non-profit organisation that supports and builds capacity in the national clay brick supply chain . The sector produces more than 3.5 billion clay bricks per year , providing around 20 000 direct jobs and an additional 160 000 jobs in allied services .
THE SWITCH AFRICA GREEN PROGRAMME
In 2018 , the CBA was commissioned to execute a 3-year project co-sponsored by the European Union ( EU ) under the SWITCH Africa Green programme . South Africa is the largest CO₂ emitter in Africa and the 12th largest in the world . The clay brick sector is committed to playing their part in meeting Government ’ s targets to reduce carbon emissions .
“ Our Switch Africa Green Project encompasses several integrated industry initiatives to support , promote and implement sustainable development in the sector ,” reports CBA Executive Director Mariana Lamont .
“ Our project plan includes research on improving sustainability in production , as well as educating construction professionals , government and home-owners on how to design resource-efficient buildings .”
Twelve regional sustainability workshops for members were conducted during 2018 .The workshops were also attended by architects and building industry decision-makers who were given access to research on improving the natural energy-efficiency of homes and offices .
The CBA actively pursues continuous improvement amongst its members on sustainability and environmental practices . By reviewing and assessing lessons learned in the European clay brick sector , it can provide internationally proven , locally relevant factsheets on green building practices .
SUSTAINABILITY IN THE FORMAL SECTOR
CBA members are collaborating on a range of pilot projects that improve the sustainability of their operations . An online data gathering , and reporting portal has been developed which will track nine sustainability metrics – this will help to identify the most effective energy-saving methods and technologies .
A key topic for CBA members is reducing CO₂ emissions . To achieve a real drop in CO₂ emissions , CBA members need to improve or upgrade their production facilities . Organising additional funding and financing instruments for CBA members will be essential to the success of this important CO₂ -reduction initiative .
SUSTAINABILITY IN THE INFORMAL SECTOR
The Switch Africa Green Project promotes an exchange of ideas between formal and informal brick producers , sharing practical ways to reduce coal and water consumption , air pollution and waste .
The Clay Brick Association of South Africa is leading a 3-year EU-funded programme to support , promote and implement sustainable development within the clay brick sector . The CBA is working with its members to conduct training courses and distribute educational materials giving informal brick makers the skills needed to produce more sustainably and profitably .
A 4-day pilot training session held in Indwe in the Eastern Cape was attended by 24 informal clay brick makers . Conducted in in English , Afrikaans and Xhosa , the training was well received by both the informal brick makers as well as the municipality . Additional courses are being developed .
Informal businessmen lack access to the internet .This makes gathering data , communication and distribution of educational information challenging . The Local Economic Offices at several municipalities have shown an interest in engaging with the project and the informal sector .
CONTINUALLY IMPROVING INDUSTRY SUSTAINABILITY
“ The Clay Brick Association of Southern Africa has led research in brick production and brick building design for 55 years ,” explains CBA Executive Director Mariana Lamont .
To facilitate energy efficient building design and construction , our technical manuals and sustainability reports are available free from the www . claybrick . orgwebsite .”
Visit www . claybrick . org . za for technical information and advice .
www . saaffordablehousing . co . za MAY - JUNE 2021 25