11 Sep 2012

Building & Construction

 


Climate change will hit food prices

Perhaps while we have an agricultural sector that allows us to feed ourselves, we should look after it. According to the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), climate change is set to affect food prices severely. And while we complain about high food prices as it is, if we end up having to import most of our food, prices will go through the roof and that Sunday roast - and even a staple like bread - will cost a great deal more.

They're non-lethal, apparently... teargas and the like - but some critics are still concerned that SA sold weapons to Zimbabwe.

On the green front, it seems more and more South Africans are looking to live in 'green' homes. Hence, such homes are scarce as demand rises. The question is: do those seeking to live in such homes know much about what 'green' is, and do they understand the subject adequately. It seems not, on both counts, apparently.

On the back of the furore surrounding Woolworths and its recruitment policy, a lawyer in the field says employers should exercise caution when banning non-designated racial groups. Johan Botes reckons that in certain cases, such exclusions could amount to unfair discrimination.

Rod Baker, content director

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Engineering


SA power sector's decades-old roller coaster ride is 'a challenge'
Dr Steve Lennon, power utility Eskom's group executive for sustainability, believes that there are huge opportunities for investment and innovation in South Africa's power sector, ESI-Africa reports. Read more >>

Grid power reduces mine development project by R1.01B
According to ESI-Africa, Australian resource development group Resource Generation Limited (Resgen), which is developing the Boikarabelo coal project in South Africa's Limpopo province, has seen the capital cost of the venture's planned 45MW power station reduced by R1.01B due to the availability of grid power. The project's estimated capital cost has been reduced to R53.4B. Read more >>

Orders abound for earthing specialists Pontins
According to ESI-Africa, while many commercial and industrial enterprises are feeling the economic pinch, earthing and lightning protection specialists Pontins, a JSE Alt-X listed B&W Instrumentation and Electrical company's order books are overflowing. Read more >>

French naval defence giant pitches Gowind OPVs to SA Navy
According to Defence Professionals website, the Gowind ocean patrol vessel (OPV) L'Adroit visits Cape Town from 5 to 9 September during a long deployment off Africa. Read more >>

Architecture and Planning


Various architecture related events during festival
The Architecture ZA Biennial Festival is a veritable think-tank of international and local speakers, debates, master classes, exhibitions, a film festival and city tours, to be held at Cape Town City Hall from Thursday, 13 September to Sunday, 16 September. Read more >>

Alexander Forbes' head office receives Greenstar rating
115 West Street in Sandton, Johannesburg is the new head office for Alexander Forbes and has recently received its 4 Star Greenstar Design rating. The decision to pursue a Greenstar rating was decided prior to construction in order to evolve a building which is energy efficient, resource efficient and environmentally responsible. Read more >>

Property companies use the capital market instead of banks
According to Fin24, property developments worth billions will spring up countrywide over the next couple of years, thanks to favourable funding conditions. These days listed property companies are less dependent on bank finance and can use alternative sources, such as the capital market, to obtain finance for expanding and overhauling their portfolio. In the current economic climate the issuing of corporate bonds is certainly cheaper than bank finance. Read more >>

Building Materials


GBCSA announces Green Star Leadership Awards
To celebrate its fifth birthday, the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) has launched the Green Star Leadership Awards, which will acknowledge green building champions who have demonstrated their commitment to the green building movement. Read more >>

Civil Engineering


HHO wins design excellence award
Cape Town was an important host city for the 2010 Soccer World Cup, and ensuring the smooth flow of traffic was a priority. Read more >>

N1 upgrade outside Pretoria inspected
A 14km stretch of the N1 highway between Pretoria and Johannesburg has deteriorated and is a safety risk, Gauteng transport MEC Ismail Vadi says. Read more >>


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