FUCHS Lubricants South Africa has clinched an accolade from the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) Leadership Awards for 2021/22 for its net-zero submission. In addition, the company’s sustainability director, Esther Seabi, reports that the new Fuchs Isando head office has been certified as net-zero carbon, valid from July 2022 until June 2025.
Not only has the head office been designed to be as energy efficient as possible, but it also generates renewable energy in excess of its requirements. This translates into net-zero carbon emissions from energy usage every year.
The process started at building design phase, where the focus was alignment with natural climatic elements to minimise the need for artificial illumination, heating and cooling required for a comfortable indoor environment. For example, the use of shading and glazing was specified.
The next phase was the use of energy-efficient equipment and systems such as automated LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances and HVAC system. Lastly, the solar PV system generates renewable energy equal to or exceeding the energy requirements of the building.
The current certification is based on design and is valid for three years. To maintain the rating following this, Fuchs has to submit data on actual usage to demonstrate whether or not it is net-zero. “We have online metering for various energy consumers. This also helps us with management, for instance, we can see if aircons are left on when the building is unoccupied,” explains Seabi.
