Build Green & Edge

GREEN BUILDING – AN OVERVIEW

EDGE : Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies

After more than 20 years in the residential construction industry both John and myself are aware and extremely interested in the need for and benefit of Green building practices.

We have completed a number of projects using a combination of solar panels, solar geysers and gas to provide the energy requirements, both with grid power as a back up and without.

John has studied Solar Energy Solutions and installations gaining both a practical and theoretical understanding of this vital energy source. He will be able to guide you to correctly select the best option for your energy requirements with clear and concise advice in what can sometimes be a confusing and costly area. Once agreed, he will be able to implement and complete the installation.

I am a member of the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) through which I am an Accredited Professional, and also with EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies). EDGE is an innovation of the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group and also endorsed by the GBCSA, who are the IFC local partner in South Africa. It is a platform which includes green building practices, software application and a voluntary certification process. Based on user information, EDGE offers technical options and solutions to realize operational savings resulting in potential lower utility costs while protecting the environment.

The EDGE software application uses mathematical equations based on the principles of climatology, thermal comfort and building measures also taking into account the location of the site. The aim is to increase efficiency in three categories: operational Energy usage; operational Water usage and reduction in Embodied Materials. By achieving a 20% minimum saving compared to a local base case in these three areas, the project team would then be able to apply for EDGE certification. This can be done in both the Pre-Construction and Post-Construction phases.

From the point of view of the Developer, Architect, Homeowner or Estate Agent, the overall results shown by the EDGE software offer a compelling case for green building practices for all homes.

Allow us to “Green” your home – both by EDGE standards and using our experience with Solar and Gas installations.

Sarah Unsworth
EDGE Expert
Changing lives - brick by brick
Go Green - Build Green