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    Sustainability Handbook Volume 8
    (Alive2Green, 2024-01) De Jager, Peta
    Given that cement is the third most utilized material following sand and water and its manufacture contributes an estimated 6% of global anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions, there is a need to consider recyclability, life cycle environmental impact, and economic feasibility. Materials science takes front stage in this volume with research and industry investigating technologies which can reduce its negative impacts. Amongst contemporary challenges faced by concrete, is the durability of the material in infrastructure. Geopolymers represent a valuable addition to the expanding array of cementitious materials, which serve as primary inputs in concrete production. UCT joins hands with the CSIR to build on international research in this field, testing mineral acid resistance in both static and dynamic conditions, for - amongst others - sewer applications. Dumani and Mapiravana report on their cradle-to-gate environmental life cycle assessment of limestone calcined clay cement (LC3), which shows it to be a very promising alternative to Ordinary Portland Cement. In other work, in quantifying the environmental impacts of a sustainable concrete mix for a block paving system, researchers find that replacing cement with fly ash, beyond 35%, as stipulated in the national cement specification for common cements, presents a significant opportunity to reduce environmental impacts without (necessarily) compromising strength.
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    The Sustainability Handbook. Volume 6
    (Alive2Green, 2023-03) De Jager, Peta; De Jager, Peta
    Climate change mitigation and adaptation is at the forefront of the reasons why cities need to refocus environmental sustainability to cater for the foreseeable impacts. With the need to move towards sustainable cities, the world is shifting towards the space of digitisation. The aim of this transition in the built environment is to collect sufficient data to measure, track and improve performance of the built environment, be it existing or new developments. Without the measurement and tracking of building performance, there is no basis for improvement in terms of the sustainability of the built environment. Performance can be measured in terms of efficiency in energy usage, water consumption, materials and their embodied energy, waste minimization, transportation and it's marked carbon footprint, etc. The World Bank Group defines sustainable cities as cities that are resilient, with a level of adaptability, mitigation, and promotion of social, economic, and environmental change. These aspects define the health of a city and should be measured and monitored. The agenda of sustainable development has been around since the seventies. South Africa adopted the National Framework for Sustainable Development in 2008, followed by the National Strategy for Sustainable Development (NSSD) in 2011. Many cities are working towards addressing the issues of climate change in accordance with 2030 and 2050 net-zero carbon commitments. Five South African cities have joined the global community of C40 Cities to work towards these targets. Amongst other initiatives, this is being achieved through the promotion of green buildings standards and adoption of best practices in the built environment.
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    Sustainability Handbook. Volume 7
    (Alive2Green, 2023-09) De Jager, Peta; De Jager, Peta
    Polycrisis, a term initially coined by the French philosopher Edgar Morin and later popularised by historian Adam Tooze, haracterises a situation where multiple crises converge and interact, creating a complex and interconnected challenge. The daily news reminds us of a palpable, seemingly ever-present polycrisis. It manifests itself as economic woes, social disparities, environmental strains, and political dilemmas, all interwoven into a multifaceted tapestry that tests our resilience. An analysis underscores the depth of our local challenges. The energy crisis, primarily due to the struggles of Eskom, our state-owned power utility, disrupts daily life. Load-shedding, water shortages, and service delivery disruptions are stark examples of its impact. The food insecurity crisis, worsened by droughts and floods induced by climate change, leads to hunger and malnutrition. The far-reaching effects of corruption and state capture have eroded trust in government institutions. Infrastructure (and pride) crumbles under neglect, as exemplified by the Lilian Ngoyi Street belch. Discontent bubbles in the ugly face of inequality and unemployment.