Next week is Green Office Week (GOW) which is intended to raise awareness of the importance of eco-friendly offices and inform office workers that they too can make a positive impact on the environment whilst at work. Your office will be healthier and make financial sense Although some organisations are already making clear statements about their green products or services … [Read more...]
SA’s flower show contribution inspired by biomimicry
It is inspirational to see how well we are able to meet the mandate for the Chelsea Flower Show in London this May. The theme is In Harmony with Nature. The Kirstenbosch launch to showcase this year's design was exciting and the designers are to be highly commended! David Davidson and Ray Hudson have taken inspiration from our wealth of biodiversity and created a design to … [Read more...]
Eco speed week 2013
So, you’ve probably heard of Speed Week where you can scream your vehicle down a 5 km dirt track at Hakskeen Pan in the South African Kalahari desert? What you may not have heard of is “eco speed week,” where you can do the same but with your alternative fueled vehicle. Neither had I until late last year. Bob Bond, of Tshwane University of Technology, had been trying to … [Read more...]
Green living with style
Environment Response Architecture (ERA Architects) were approached by a client with a very exciting and challenging request. The client wanted a Johannesburg home that has a unique and intriguing look, but most importantly could also function if the Johannesburg municipality should fail completely; a luxury home that offered comfortable living no matter what the … [Read more...]
Build your own floating island for a natural pool
You might remember my battles to convert our harmful saltwater pool into a natural pool last year. Well, I have finally succeeded. We now swim in a clear mountain pool – yes, the natural colour of water is brown. White or sea-through water is bleached and therefore chemically laden and not good for you or the environment. Why would one bother to convert your pool? A 2010 … [Read more...]
Africa’s greenest hotel rests on values
“We did not inherit the planet from our parents, but are borrowing it from our children,” said Mario Delicio, co-owner of Hotel Verde, together with his wife Annemarie, at the grand opening of Africa’s greenest hotel this week. And it was his love for his three daughters that prompted this Italian German businessman to create an iconic building for others in the hotel industry … [Read more...]
Rise the new world in green buildings
Green building is leading the pack of green innovation in our country with systems and verifications in place to educate, inspire and assist all those who are serious about a more sustainable future. Green Times attended Accelerate Cape Town’s sustainability forum which offers a think tank for people with innovative green ideas, and shares success stories and learning … [Read more...]
Another man’s treasure: innovative ways with waste
The Cape Craft and Design Institute (CCDI) annually presents a collection of innovative handmade Western Cape products – and the latest, fifth edition showcases some outstanding examples of upcycled design. The Collection was unveiled at the prestigious Design Indaba expo from 1-3 March at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Floral inspiration is often to the … [Read more...]
‘Building whisperer’ to make UCT Africa’s first smart campus
A public lecture by guest international speaker, David Bartlett, shone light on a new project to make the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) campus the first ‘smart campus’ in Africa. David Bartlett, also known as ‘the building whisperer’ is an internationally renowned IT professional, known for reducing the energy consumption of buildings considerably. He was listed by … [Read more...]
Turn tap water into clean drinking water
On average you should be drinking at least two litres of water per day, enabling your body to flush out all the waste products. By not doing this you are putting your health and that of your family at risk. But let’s be honest: who wants to drink two litres of bad tasting tap water each and every day? Now great tasting healthy water (a 90% improvement in quality) is right … [Read more...]
Malherbe takes on another epic journey
Extreme adventurer Braam Malherbe has set his sights on circumnavigating the Tropic of Capricorn in a bid to raise awareness for I-Saw, a charity that focuses on children with cleft palates and burn scars. To date he has risen over R2.5-million. Speaking at a recent Alexander Forbes business breakfast at the East London Golf Club, Malherbe, 55, said his upcoming adventure … [Read more...]
Paarl’s first green offices aim for 4 stars
Cecilia Square is an exciting new green building being erected on the N1, nearby the Paarl mall. It was launched last week and the plans are to open the doors of this groundbreaking office development on 1 August next year. The building aims to receive a 4 Green Star Rating by the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) and is one of only 7 green buildings registered … [Read more...]
New standards for building green in developing countries
The Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA), in conjunction with the World Green Building Council (WGBC), has announced that they are developing a framework and new rating tool category for green buildings that will make “green” certification ratings even more relevant to the unique circumstances of developing countries. The Social and Economic Development framework … [Read more...]
