Accelerating the Green Agenda through Innovative Building Technologies

This chapter flows out of study (CSIR 2013b) prepared for the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission (PICC) in May 2013 which prepared a value proposition for the use of Innovative Building Technology (IBT) for the construction of clinics, schools, and student residences. Aim and Objective The aim of the study was to encourage innovation in the building industry as a means of accelerating green building. Green building rating systems include, as part of their objectives, demonstrating leadership to the building industry with regard to improving the environmental performance of buildings. The Green Star rating system is advocated on the following premise (GBCSA 2015): Establish a common language and standard of measurement for green buildings; Promote integrated, whole-building design; Raise awareness of green building benefits; Recognise and reward environmental leadership; and Reduce the environmental impact of development. While rating systems have achieved various degrees of success with regard to the above, international industry reports (see below) hold the view that systemic challenges within the industry continue to impede an industry-wide transition to true sustainability. Similarly, the lack of innovation in the building industry is seen as one of the systemic challenges impeding transformation – a factor recognised by rating tools through the encouragement of green innovation. The main objective of the study was to analyse, compare and validate the efficacy of IBT (time, cost and performance) in accelerating green and sustainable building in South Africa. The secondary objectives were to: Quantify the benefits accruing to a project from IBT (time, cost, performance) Quantify the benefits accruing to the country from IBT (local beneficiation, economic growth, job creation, skills development) Support the development of a viable IBT industry in South Africa Reduce the quantity and mass of materials used in the building process Develop and utilise construction materials with low embodied water Develop and utilise construction materials with a low maintenance requirement Strengthen the local content of IBT Develop and utilise construction materials with low toxicit