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Item Sustainability Handbook Volume 8(Alive2Green, 2024-01) De Jager, PetaGiven 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.Item The Sustainability Handbook. Volume 6(Alive2Green, 2023-03) De Jager, Peta; De Jager, PetaClimate 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.Item Sustainability Handbook. Volume 7(Alive2Green, 2023-09) De Jager, Peta; De Jager, PetaPolycrisis, 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.Item Net-positive water systems for schools in drought-stricken areas(2021-12) Gibberd, Jeremy TIn many areas of the world, climate change is leading to higher temperatures and water scarcity. At the same time, rapid urbanisation is increasing the demand for existing water resources. As a result in many drought-stricken areas, water costs have rapidly increased and supplies are becoming more unreliable. Schools in drought-stricken areas are particularly vulnerable. Limited resources mean that schools struggle to pay additional costs for water. Health risks also mean that schools have to close when there is no water. Closing schools significantly affects the quality of education as teaching is disrupted and learning time is lost. It is, therefore, important to find alternative affordable and reliable water solutions for schools in drought-stricken areas. Rainwater harvesting offers a potential solution but there is limited research and guidance on how these systems work at schools. This paper addresses this gap by investigating whether a rainwater harvesting system can be developed that would enable schools to become more resilient to water scarcity and outages. Modelling carried out indicates that a rainwater harvesting system has the potential of generating sufficient water to exceed the water needs of the school and therefore enables it to be water net-positive. The study shows that the business case for rainwater harvesting appears weak where there is a reliable local municipalwater supply. However, this changes when schools are faced with punitive drought tariffs and increasing water outages which force closures.Item Correlating the asphalt-binder MSCR test results to the HMA HWTT and field rutting performance(2022-09) Walubita, LF; Ling, M; Fuentes, L; Komba, Julius J; Mabrouk, GMAsphalt binder is one of the key constitutive components of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) that considerably affects its rutting performance. In particular, the high-temperature rheological properties measured from the multiple stress creep and recovery (MSCR) test are critical for correlating to the HMA rutting resistance. In this study, the Texas flexible pavements and overlays database was used as the data source to investigate the effect of asphalt-binder high-temperature rheological properties on the HMA rutting resistance. The study methodology was based on correlating the results of the MSCR test and the Hamburg wheel-tracking test (HWTT) to HMA field rutting performance. The data matrix for the study included asphalt binder (PG 64-22) from three different sources, three widely used Texas HMA mixes (fine gradation to coarse gradation), and five in-service highway test sections constructed using the same asphalt binders and HMA mixes. In general, the MSCR nonrecoverable creep compliance parameter, Jnrdiff, showed fairly strong correlations with the HMA rutting performance in the laboratory and field. The percent recovery parameter (R), on the other hand, exhibited the potential to ascertain and quantify the presence of modifiers in the asphalt binders. Furthermore, the test results indicated that material source/supplier has an impact on the rheological properties of the asphalt binders with the same performance grade (PG). Overall, the use of the MSCR test to quantify the asphalt-binder high-temperature rheological properties indicated the potential to compliment the laboratory HWTT test for correlating with the field HMA rutting performance in terms of the effects of asphalt binder.Item Enhanced methodology for visual bridge inspections in South Africa(2022-09) Kemp, Lana; Steyn, W; Roux, Michael PThis paper introduces the application of technology solutions into the realm of bridge inspection methodologies in South Africa, aiming to enhance the current visual bridge inspection methodology. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) can be used as an alternative to collect bridge image data, and point cloud models can be created from captured images by using photogrammetry software. For this study, accredited bridge inspectors were approached to complete TMH 19 inspection sheets of bridge structures using only the point cloud models and captured images, as a proposed new inspection methodology. This paper compares historic inspection ratings and the point cloud inspection ratings to investigate the effectiveness and practicality of the new proposed inspection methodology. The study concluded that bridge inspectors could identify and rate critical defects of bridge structures using the new inspection methodology, but there are limitations and specific use cases that need to be identified.Item The Circular Economy as Development Opportunity: Exploring Circular Economy Opportunities across South Africa’s Economic Sectors(CSIR, 2021-12) Godfrey, Linda K; Nahman, Anton; Oelofse, Suzanna HH; Trotter, Douglas; Khan, Sumaya; Nontso, Zintle; Magweregwede, Fleckson; Sereme, Busisiwe V; Okole, Blessed N; Gordon, Gregory ER; Brown, Bernadette; Pillay, Boyse; Schoeman, Chanel; Fazluddin, Shahed; Ojijo, Vincent O; Cooper, Antony K; Kruger, Daniel M; Napier, Mark; Mokoena, Refiloe; Steenkamp, Anton J; Msimanga, Xolile P; North, Brian C; Seetal, Ashwin R; Mathye, Salamina M; Godfrey, Linda KThe intention of this book is to present the CSIR’s position and interpretation of the circular economy, and to use it to drive discussions on where immediate circular economy opportunities are achievable in South Africa. Opportunities that can be harnessed by business, government and civil society. These circular economy opportunities are framed in this book within the context of the current challenges facing various economic sectors. The CSIR has selected seven, resource intensive sectors – mining, agriculture, manufacturing, human settlements, mobility, energy and water – for further assessment. Many of these economic sectors have seen significant declines over the past years, with agriculture, manufacturing, transport and construction all showing negative growth pre-COVID. These are all sectors under economic stress and in need of regeneration. South Africa stands on the threshold of profound choices regarding its future development path. Transitioning to a more circular economy provides the country with the opportunity to address many national priorities including manufacturing competitiveness, food security; sustainable, resilient and liveable cities; efficient transport and logistics systems; and energy and water security, while at the same time decarbonising the economy. The transition to a circular economy provides the country with an opportunity for green and inclusive development to be the cornerstone of a post-COVID economic recovery. The titles of this book chapters are the following: Chapter 1: Driving economic growth in South Africa through a low carbon, sustainable and inclusive circular economy. Chapter 2: Placing the South African mining sector in the context of a circular economy transition. Chapter 3: Supporting food security and economic development through circular agriculture. Chapter 4: Supporting the development of a globally competitive manufacturing sector through a more circular economy. Chapter 5: Creating resilient, inclusive, thriving human settlements through a more circular economy. Chapter 6: Facilitating sustainable economic development through circular mobility. Chapter 7: Decoupling South Africa’s development from energy demand through a more circular economy. Chapter 8: Decoupling South Africa’s development from water demand through a circular economy.Item Approaches to Building a Smart Community: An Exploration Through the Concept of the Digital Village(Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2021-09) Phahlamohlaka, Letlibe J; Phahlamohlaka, Letlibe JThe unique approaches proposed in this book are ‘glocal’ in character, as they draw on the experiences of South Africans to address the global issue of ‘smart communities’. The book blends together social and technical aspects, and presents the experiences from a range of community practitioners, academics, architects and engineers.Item A brief history of platinum mining with a focus on the Rustenburg region(Nova Science Publishers, Inc: Hauppauge, New York, United States, 2021-06) Oranje, M; Nel, V; Van Huyssteen, Elsona; Marais, Lochner; e Campbell, MaleneA brief history of platinum mining traces the history of Rustenburg and its connection with platinum mining. Using secondary data from academic and media sources, it identifies the origin of many of the region’s conflicts and complexities. It describes the relations between the mining companies, their employees and the surrounding communities, and the intricate institutional relations between government tiers in the region. It shows how interregional dependencies and economic value chains strongly influence Rustenburg and suggests how the future could be shaped by role players such as multinational companies and national organs of government.Item Planning for a post-mining future in the Rustenburg region and the transition towards it?(Nova Science Publishers, Inc, 2021-06) Maritz, Johan; Oranje, Mark; Van Huyssteen, Elsona; Nel, Verna; Marais, Lochner; Campbell, MaleneOver the past 150 years, mining has been one of the most influential shapers of economic activities, social relations, spatial development patterns, power tussles and structures, political questions and debates, institutional structures, and legal and policy frameworks in South Africa. Even though the sector's influence has waned significantly over the last three to four decades, and personal, community and financial services, as well as retail activities, have become more prominent economic players, it is still a major contributor to the national economy and fiscus (Minerals Council South Africa (MCSA) 2019; South Africa, Department of Rural Development and Land Reform 2019).Item Ocean colour and detecting phytoplankton biomass and community dynamics(International Ocean Colour Coordinating Group, 2021-01) Robertson, Lain, L; Bernard, S; Smith, Marie EHarmful algal blooms (HABs) occur in virtually all coastal regions of the world as well as many lakes, and are typically associated with a rapid proliferation of phytoplankton cells, but even low cell numbers of high toxic species may cause harmful effects in the ecosystem and/or the surrounding environment.Item Measuring progress: Environment and the SDGs(United Nations, 2021-01) Alva, IL; Brooks, T; Campbell, J; Comte, A; Coppens, L; Ekins, P; Elayouty, A; Fairbrass, A; Gemayel, TEI; Haywood, Lorren KThis Measuring Progress report serves two purposes. It explores the potential and limitations of using a statistical correlation analysis between indicator pairs (“state of the environment” and “drivers of change” indicators; “state of the environment” and “state of society” indicators) to improve the understanding of the interlinkages between SDG indicators. It also informs on progress being made for those SDG indicators UNEP identified as environment-related since December 2018, based on data from the SDG Global Indicators Database.Item Strengthening Governance in the Gauteng City-Region through a Spatial Data Infrastructure: The Case of Address Data(South Africa: GCRO, WITS and SALGA, 2020-05) Coetzee, S; Cooper, Antony K; Katumba, SGeospatial data, such as administrative boundaries, property information, addresses, streets and utility networks, provide the backbone for city governance. Availability, accessibility and usability of such data and related services are typically facilitated through a spatial data infrastructure (SDI), which requires careful stakeholder coordination and an information-driven approach that can unlock the value of geospatial data. This Provocation reviews the current state of affairs regarding address data in the Gauteng City-Region (GCR) and explores prospects for coordinating a GCR address dataset in an SDI context. The focus is on addresses because of their important role in service delivery, the socio-economic well-being of residents and the recognition of civic and human rights. For example, good quality addresses are vital in the current COVID-19 crisis, as government strives to map COVID-19 cases in order to identify emerging local clusters of infections and spatially target responses. Currently, address data in the GCR are maintained in silos at different provincial departments and municipalities, without any coordination and without adherence to international standards and good practices for addressing and information management. This results in duplication, inconsistencies and even fraud, which not only costs the municipalities, national and provincial governments billions but also damages their reputations. To rectify this, this Provocation identifies various entities for taking the responsibility to methodically coordinate GCR address data into a single reference dataset. Since many entities have a legal accountability related to address data, a decision and strong political leadership are required to lead multiple interventions and initiatives in parallel with the aim of reaping benefits for governance and society in the long run.Item Carbon nanomaterial-based adsorbents for water purification: Fundamentals and applications(Elsevier, 2020-06) Ray, Suprakas S; Gusain, Rashi; Kumar, NeerajThe deterioration of water quality and unavailability of drinkable water are pressing challenges worldwide. The removal of toxic organic and inorganic pollutants from water is vital for a clean environment, as a response to water scarcity. Adsorption-based water technologies are among the most widely used because of their high efficiency and low cost, without relying on a complex infrastructure. In recent years, carbon nanomaterials (CNMs), such as graphene and derivatives, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, nanoporous carbon, fullerenes, graphitic carbon nitride, and nanodiamonds have been extensively exploited as adsorbents due to their extraordinary surface properties, ease of modification, large surface area, controlled structural varieties, high chemical stability, porosity, low density, ease of regeneration, and reusability. This book provides a thorough overview of the state of the art in carbon nanomaterials as they are used for adsorption applications in water purifications, as well as addressing their toxicological challenges. This volume primarily explores the fundamentals of adsorption, its mechanical aspects, synthesis and properties of CNMs, and adsorption performances of CNMs and their nanocomposites with organic and inorganic materials. Structural engineering and activation processes produce materials with enhanced adsorptive properties and separation efficiencies. Furthermore, the formation of CNMs with 2D and 3D macro-and microstructures and high porosities is a potential approach to improve adsorption performances and extend CNM use at the industrial level. The book also addresses important issues regarding these adsorbents that potentially affect future research and industrial applications of carbon-based nanoadsorbents in water security.Item Emerging nanostructured materials for energy and environmental science(Springer International Publishing, 2019) Rajendran, S; Naushad, M; Raju, Kumar; Boukherroub, RThis book provides the fundamental aspects of the diverse ranges of nanostructured materials (0D, 1D, 2D and 3D) for energy and environmental applications in a comprehensive manner written by specialists who are at the forefront of research in the field of energy and environmental science. Experimental studies of nanomaterials for aforementioned applications are discussed along with their design, fabrication and their applications, with a specific focus on catalysis, energy storage and conversion systems. This work also emphasizes the challenges of past developments and directions for further research. It also looks at details pertaining to the current ground – breaking of nanotechnology and future perspectives with a multidisciplinary approach to energy and environmental science and informs readers about an efficient utilization of nanomaterials to deliver solutions for the public.Item Interest groups, water politics and governance: The case of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project(Springer International Publishing, 2015-11) Meissner, RichardInterest groups are pervasive phenomena of modern society. Although this is so, water governance researchers generally do not include them in their research endeavours. This is especially the case regarding research on transboundary rivers. Interest groups have been an opposing force to large dams the world over. The southern African region is no exception. In the region, and South Africa in particular, water is made available through water engineering projects. One of which is the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). In this book, I investigate the transnational role and involvement of interest groups in the LHWP.Item Nanomaterials for Sustainable Energy and Environmental Remediation(Elsevier, 2020-03) Naushad, Mu; Saravanan, R; Kumar, RajuNanostructured materials, especially, 1D, 2D and 3D nanostructures, and their engineered architectures are being increasingly used due to their potential to achieve sustainable development in energy and environmental sectors, providing a solution to a range of global challenges. A huge amount of research has been devoted in the recent past on the fine-tuning of nano-architecutres to accomplish innovations in energy storage and conversions, i.e., batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells, solar cells, and electrochromic devices, bifunctional catalysts for ORR and OER, gas to fuels, liquid to fuels, and photocatalysts, corrosion, electrochemical sensors, and pollution and contaminants removal. Nanomaterials for Sustainable Energy and Environmental Remediation describes the fundamental aspects of a diverse range of nanomaterials for the sustainable development in energy and environmental remediation in a comprehensive manner. Experimental studies of varies nanomaterials will be discussed along with their design and applications, with specific attention to various chemical reactions involving and their challenges for catalysis, energy storage and conversion systems, and removal of pollutants are addressed. This book will also emphasise the challenges with past developments and direction for further research, details pertaining to the current groundbreaking technology and future perspective with multidisciplinary approach on energy, nanobiotechnology and environmental science.Item Halogen-free flame-retardant polymers and their nanocomposites(Springer, 2019-12) Ray, Suprakas S; Kuruma, MalkappaThis book presents an overview of recent academic and industrial research efforts concerning halogen-free flame-retardant (FR) polymers and their nanocomposites. It summarizes the synthesis methods for various types of halogen-free FR polymers and their nanocomposites, and critically reviews their flame-retardant behavior, toxic-gas evolution during combustion, and inhibition methods. In turn, the book discusses the importance of metal oxide nanoparticles, nanoclay, and graphene in flame inhibition and addresses the FR properties of various FR compounds containing polymers, their FR mechanisms, and fire toxicant releasing and inhibition methods in detail. It systematically covers the synergetic effects between different FR compounds, and explains the significance of thermal stability and melt dripping for polymers’ FR properties. The fundamental concepts described here are essential to understanding the FR behaviors of various polymers and their nanocomposites, and to developing efficient, environmentally friendly FR polymers and nanocomposites for a wide range of applications. This book is ideally suited for researchers in the fields of polymer science and engineering, and for graduate students in chemistry and materials science.Item Electrochemical Devices for Energy Storage Applications(CRC Press, 2019-11) Kebede, Mesfin A; Ezema, FIThis book explores a wide range of energy storage devices, such as a lithium ion battery, sodium ion battery, magnesium ion battery and supercapacitors. Providing a comprehensive review of the current field, it also discusses the history of these technologies and introduces next-generation rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors. This book will serve as a valuable reference for researchers working with energy storage technologies across the fields of physics, chemistry, and engineering.Item Land restoration for achieving the sustainable development goals: An international resource panel think piece(United Nations Environment Programme, 2019-09) Herrick, JE; Abrahamse, T; Abhilash, PC; Ali, SH; Alvarez-Torres, P; Barau, AS; Branquinho, C; Chhatre, A; Chotte, JL; Von Maltitz, Graham PLand restoration has tremendous potential to help the world limit climate change and achieve its aims for sustainable development. In its latest study, the International Resource Panel finds positive spin-offs to support all 17 Sustainable Development Goals agreed to by the world’s nations as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.