7 Ways developers can reduce their environmental footprint

As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, every industry must contribute to sustainable practices.

We recently wrote about how estate managers can create more eco friendly estates but the developer industry plays a crucial role in shaping our built environment in South Africa too. 

With careful consideration, developers can significantly reduce the overall impact on the environment. Here are several ways the developer industry can embrace greener practices to build homes that are more sustainable and eco-friendly. 

1. Selecting sustainable sites

Choosing sites with minimal ecological value and existing infrastructure or amenities can minimise the need for additional development and resource consumption says Tarryn Solomon, co-founder and director of Infinity Environmental. ‘Sustainable sites often exist in inner-city urban areas, but developers can incorporate green spaces such as rooftop or vertical gardens to help improve air quality, provide wildlife habitats, and enhance the overall aesthetics,’ she says.  

2. Embracing the circular economy 

Developers should consider the entire lifecycle of a property when selecting materials and construction methods.  

‘Energy-efficient building designs, including high-performance windows, proper insulation, energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, and renewable energy systems like solar panels, should be prioritised,’ says Solomon. Using sustainable window blinds made from recycled ocean plastic, like Luxaflex Blinds for example, not only helps conserve energy but also contributes to cleaning our waters.

3. Conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)

Although not always mandatory, an EIA helps identify potential environmental risks and impacts associated with a proposed development explains Kirsten Barratt, legal environmental consultant at Infinity Environmental.  

By assessing these risks and impacts, developers can devise appropriate mitigation and management strategies and this proactive approach ensures that environmental considerations are incorporated into the project from the early stages.  

‘Developers should also consider completing an EMPr, which is mandated by the National Environmental Management Act, and acts as a living document that guides developers throughout the project’s lifecycle,’ she explains.   

Divided into design, construction, and operational phases, it incorporates findings from the EIA process and specialist studies. Compliant monitoring ensures adherence to environmental standards and mitigates negative impacts. 

4. Adopting low-carbon construction materials  

According to Alison Groves, Regional Director, WSP in Africa, replacing carbon-intensive materials with low-carbon alternatives is crucial in reducing the construction industry’s overall emissions.  

‘Steel, for example, can be substituted with fibre-reinforced plastic, polymers, carbon fibre, or graphene. Innovations like Pulverized Fuel Ash, Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag, and Silica Fume are already being used in cement replacement blends. Additionally, traditional asphalt can be replaced with environmentally friendly natural or synthetic polymers, recycled plastics, or rubber from recycled tires,’ says Groves.  

5. Striving for Green Star Accreditation

Green Star Accreditation assesses a building’s environmental impact in categories such as energy, water, and materials. Developers should aim for this accreditation or similar certifications to showcase their commitment to sustainability. ‘Green building standards inspire and guide developers to incorporate environmentally responsible practices throughout the construction process,’ adds Groves.  

6. Prioritising Safety and Good Labor Practices  

Mpendulo Ginindza, President of the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa urges developers to ensure that safety standards and regulations are upheld on construction sites, promoting good labour practices.  

‘By providing fair wages and adequate training, developers can motivate workers and contractors to prioritise environmental protection. This approach helps prevent injuries, dumping, and pollution caused by shortcuts taken due to demotivation or inadequate compensation,’ he says.

7. Incorporating ESG Principles

Developers should prioritise incorporating alternative and lower carbon power supplies, especially into retrofit and new build projects.  

‘Renewable energy sources like rooftop solar PV and hybrid power solutions contribute to sustainable building designs. By reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based electricity, developers can significantly decrease carbon emissions.  

‘Lenders and funders are increasingly demanding the incorporation of sustainability practices so developers should integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into their projects, which involve applying international best practices and risk assessment and mitigation standards,’ concludes Margo-Ann Werner Director (Environmental, Mining, Energy & ESG) at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr.