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PROJECT

that conventional site and landscape
The building’s roof is lined with solar panels which can deliver 542 KWP, maintenance practices can have adverse
the average annual yield provides for about 34% of the building’s energy impacts on the surrounding environment
consumption. and human health. Such impacts are
excessive use of potable water, loss of
topsoil, toxic and harsh pesticides, and
damage caused by invasive alien species.
Vodacom’s landscape management
plan provides a process which assists in
mitigation of these adverse impacts and
promotes the following:
• the use of plants that are water wise and
indigenous to the Western Cape;
• the removal of invasive species;
• organic pest control practices;
• the diversion of landscape waste from
landfill via mulching and composting;
• soil management through the replace-
ment of chemical soil conditioners with
time and reduces C0₂ levels, providing organic matter such as compost, and
a healthier environment for occupants; By combining data sets from all the also the maintenance of mulch layers
• only A-rated energy efficient appliances various inputs into the BMS system, and as on top;
were installed; the system becomes more intelligent and • water management through consump-
• a thermal storage unit in the form of an matures, control algorithms are constantly tion targets, water retention and re-
ice plant was installed in the basement updated to automate more functions and claimed water sources. The Century City
to be included into the building’s HVAC improve energy efficiency. Property Owners Association (CCPOA)
system. Ice will be generated during provides Vodacom with access to treat-
off-peak periods or when excess energy Green cleaning principles ed water from the Potsdam water treat-
is available from the solar panels. This ment plant, and this is used for irriga-
means that during high energy demand Vodacom promotes the use of non-harmful tion. All hard surface run-off as well as
periods, the plant in its melting cycle cleaning consumables and pursues this by seepage water is diverted from storm
will be providing for the building’s means of employing a developed green water to an onsite storage facility and
cooling demand; cleaning policy, the aim of which is to from here it is treated to be used for ab-
• the encouragement of green travel, promote environmental best cleaning lution facilities and evaporative cooling.
looking at alternative transportation practices and to address the following:
such as car pooling, public transport, • the procurement of green cleaning
walking and cycling; consumables;
• water usage in the building was reduced • compliance with Green Star SA Existing
by introducing waterless urinals and Building and Performance Technical
fitting time-restricted aerators to the Manual;
taps; • storage, handling, and disposal
• seepage water under the building procedures of green cleaning
and hard surface run-off water is also consumables;
harvested and used for flushing, for the • health and safety precautions; and
commercial car wash and for the HVAC’s • quality and assurance control processes.
evaporative condensers;
• gardens are irrigated from a recycled Traditional commercial cleaning agents
water supply provided by the Century such as detergents, deodorisers and
City Property Owners Association sanitisers have been proven to contain
(CCPOA). hazardous fumes that are potentially
harmful to people. If they are not disposed
Solar panels of in the correct manner, they may cause Vodacom Green Star Accreditation
contamination of water sources and soil.
Century City hosts a solar array consisting The use of green cleaning products can Within the Century City precinct there is
of 2127 mono crystalline panels spanning make a contribution to both improving a 16 hectare wetland and bird sanctuary
3600 square metres. It is able to deliver 542 the indoor environment in buildings and with over 200 species of indigenous fynbos
KWP and the average annual yield provides lowering the impact of air, water and plants and 120 bird species. There are
for about 34% of the building’s energy ecosystems. eight kilometres of navigable canals that
consumption. The building is also linked link the different elements of Century City
to an advanced Building Management Groundskeeping practices and the CCPOA has an indigenous plant
System (BMS) which, among other things, list to which Vodacom adheres. Integrated
hosts an array of sub-metres providing Vodacom encourages environmentally pest management encourages operations
insight into how energy is consumed sensitive landscapes, hard surface and that are environmentally friendly in order
in the building. The information from exterior maintenance practices which to reduce adverse impacts on this delicate
the sub-metres and inputs from various reduce environmental impact and ecology and habitat. LSA
sensors throughout the building support improve the ecological value of the site
Vodacom’s strategy of performance by means of an operational landscape Information and photos supplied by
excellence and continuous improvement. management plan. Vodacom is aware we-worldwide.com

Landscape SA • Issue 94 2020 11