Archive for July, 2012
Posted by Zeke on 20 Jul 2012 | Tagged as: Eco General
Friday, July 20th, 2012
It was all about “walking the green talk” in Pretoria yesterday, at the ground-breaking ceremony that marked the start of construction on our country’s first-ever Government-owned sustainable building. The building, situated in Arcadia, will serve as a head office for the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), and it’s estimated that construction will be completed within the next two years.
The idea of a major sustainable building project, funded by the National Treasury and designed to fit Climate Change Policy specifications, is certainly an uplifting one – but after taking a closer look, one is forced to ask the uncomfortable question: is this R8-billion building really as green as it could be, or should be? (more…)
Tags: DEA, green building, green construction, green Government, Separtment of Environmental Affairs
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Posted by Zeke on 02 Jul 2012 | Tagged as: Eco General
Monday, July 2nd, 2012
Eskom has initiated the application for the third multi-year price determination (MYPD 3) with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), which will determine nationwide electricity prices for the period starting 1st April 2013. The current MYDP 2 for the period April 2011 end March 2013 denotes a massive increase of 25% per annum; fortunately the electricity increase was reduced by 25% to 16% in 2012, approved by Nersa. The proposed MYPD 3, which will span a period of five years as opposed to three, has put forward an electricity tariff increase of 16% per annum. This rate is far above inflation and will continue to make electricity an unaffordable necessity for many South Africans. With all these figures in the pipeline, how will these electricity hikes affect our household energy bills?
(more…)
Tags: electricity tarrifs, eskom, MYPD 3, NERSA, PV systems
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Posted by Zeke on 02 Jul 2012 | Tagged as: Eco General
Monday, July 2nd, 2012
Keeping the cold at bay remains the mandate of most South Africans now that we’ve reached winter’s peak. With electricity price hikes on the rise and Eskom’s plea that individuals cut down at least 10% of their power consumption, sustainable.co.za has put together 4 simple energy-saving tips for the conscious-minded consumer.
Top 4 Eco-Friendly Winter Tips
- Break Out the Hot Water Bottles: At the first signs of a cold breeze or rain, our natural inclination is to pull out our electric blankets. But did you know that there are energy-efficient alternatives to this unnecessary bed-warmer? Not a necessity, there’s no need for an electric blanket when you can snuggle up under your duvet with a hot water bottle and a warm cup of cocoa.
- Utilise Gas Appliances: Gas heaters, gas ovens, gas solar kits – gas is a great substitute for electricity. If you can’t afford to purchase a gas stove, our range of eco cookers are based on the principle of insulated cooking and are suitable for a wide range of recipes and ingredients. For individuals looking to fire-proof their homes this winter, our bio-powered two plate stove is a safer alternative to traditional Paraffin stoves (which are favoured by a large number of South Africans).
- Choose Solar Power: Geysers are usually a home-owners biggest source of energy consumption. Using power to maintain your hot water temperature throughout the day, these electricity guzzlers can easily be replaced with solar geyser systems that will drastically reduce your household’s power usage. Many South Africans are reluctant to convert to solar power in winter because of the shorter days and minimal sunshine, which is why sustainable.co.za also offers solar heating kits that come with gas water heaters. These kits ensure that your geyser will not run out of hot water at any time of the day, and are still a great substitute for geysers that solely rely on electricity.
- Light Up with LED: A simple way to reduce your home’s electricity bill, LED lighting is one of the most cost-effective energy saving products – using only 6 watts of electricity per bulb. Some locals have come to associate LED bulbs with a garish, stark lighting affect. Here at sustainable.co.za, we offer a range of bulbs that provide a variety of hues for every preference.
The Bottom Line?
Cutting down on your power consumption is really simple. Keep in mind that there’s always a sustainable alternative to your electrical appliances – and at minimal costs. Implementing any of the above tips will guarantee that you lower your electricity bill, keep warm, and make a valuable investment in green initiatives.
Tags: energy conservation, winter tips
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