"The increased use of concrete as the building material of choice, has necessitated the drive to implement and encourage the production of more technologically advanced composite cements that offer additional advantages in comparison to conventional cements and a reduced carbon footprint," says Stephan Olivier, CEO of AfriSam.
As a result of ongoing use of innovative technologies, AfriSam has reduced the CO2 content per ton of cement by more than 34% over the last 20 years. The building materials producer has reached a number of environmental milestones in this period, which include being the first in the industry to measure the carbon footprint of all its operations and having developed a range of products with the lowest carbon footprints in the industry. However, not content with these impressive achievements, AfriSam launched the biennial AfriSam-SAIA Award for Sustainable Architecture to promote sustainability and environmental issues in architecture and construction.
"Architects create designs which set the tone for future trends, making them an influential authority in shaping the future of design and consumer choices. It was therefore a natural fit to partner with the South African Institute of Architects (SAIA) as we support green, sustainable and restorative design and wanted to recognise those architects who are actively making a difference to the environment," says Olivier.
Says SAIA's president, Fanuel Motsepe: "Many people see design quality and sustainable design as two separate issues. One tackles aesthetics, the other technical solutions. However, they can and should be mutually reinforcing. It is not just how a building looks but how it functions and whether it meets the social, cultural, economic and environmental needs of the people it serves."
Entries for the AfriSam-SAIA Award for Sustainable Architecture close on 16 March this year and can be made in two categories - one for built work that has been beneficially occupied since 15 March 2011 and the other for works of social importance, including research.
The adjudication panel, chaired by Motsepe, is comprised of academic Daniel Irurah, architects Rodney Choromanski and Eric Noir, businesswoman and national president of South African Women in Construction (SAWIC) Dr Thandi Ndlovu and AfriSam's Mike McDonald.
