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PROJECT

NETCARE ALBERTON

The hospital includes systems and design features aimed at reducing reliance on the national power grid and conserving and recycling water, amongst other
environmentally conscious aspects. Photo supplied by MNA.
Environmental sustainability is the focal point of

Project Team the design at Netcare’s new hospital in Alberton,
Client/Developer: Rejem-Linton Gauteng. Solar power, advanced energy, water and
(Nedbank)-Netcare Property Holdings JV
Landscape Architects: Insite Landscape waste management systems as well as building design
Architects
Landscape Contractor: Greenacres elements are some of the green initiatives. In addition,
Landscapes the exterior landscaping is also water efficient. The new
Environmental Consultants: Sivest
Main Contractor: Trencon Construction hospital merges and expands the facilities and services
of Netcare Clinton and Netcare Union hospitals.

n terms of solar energy and natural light, the new hospital is system will regulate air temperature as needed and use this excess
equipped with a photovoltaic solar energy generating system heat from all areas to supply the hospital’s hot water needs.
Ithat will contribute two gigawatt hours – the equivalent of
seven million energy efficient light bulbs – of electricity each The layout and orientation of the building, together with the use
year. This renewable solar energy will considerably lighten the of windows and low-emissivity fenestration, means that natural
hospital’s use of fossil fuel-based energy resources, while also light can enter the building while heat, infrared and ultraviolet
reducing greenhouse gas emissions. light are blocked. This helps to maintain internal temperature
stability and minimises energy expended on heating and cooling
The need for artificial lighting has also been reduced by the all year round. The air conditioning systems incorporate economy
inclusion of large atriums and windows throughout the building; cycles which use free cooling from the atmosphere to cool the
this allows maximum natural light to enter, creating a bright yet building under moderate conditions.
calming atmosphere which is conducive to healing.
Water saving, on-site treatment and recycling facility
The layout and orientation of the building offer optimal As a result of global warming and pollution, the availability of
temperature exchange, including from mechanical systems potable water supplies in South Africa is becoming more and more
incorporated into the facility’s operations. A high efficiency HVAC constrained. The design of the hospital’s systems has taken into
n

4 Landscape SA • Issue 113 2022