IT’s clear that the building industry still has a lot of potential to reduce greenhouse gases while creating grand designs.

But what makes a green building? The Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) defines it as: “a building which is energy efficient, resource efficient and environmentally responsible - it incorporates design, construction and operational practices that significantly reduce or eliminate the negative impact of development on the environment and occupants”.

Green construction costs will soon come down in South Africa as well because of better technology and increasing competition among materials providers and construction companies.

The GBCSA’s Green Star SA certification framework, notes that when considering the total costs over the life of a building, including capital and operational costs, green and energy efficient buildings are typically more economical than conventional buildings. Energy consumption in both new and existing buildings can be cut by an estimated 30% to 50% without significantly increasing investment costs with proven and commercially available technologies.

But while we are still catching up on greener resources and methods to reduce the impact of the built environment on human health and the natural environment, other products can serve greatly as containment on construction sites to control building dust, debris, spray painting and other harmful dusts like asbestos removal when renovating older buildings.

Industrial Shrink-Wrap Solutions perfected the process to shrink-wrap scaffolding which serves as one of the strongest temporary containments available. Properly engineered and installed shrink-wrap is able to withstand huge wind gusts and gives a seamless, drum-tight containment which allows natural light in and stops contaminates from leaking into the environment.

Scaffolds may also be covered to protect the workers and construction site from poor weather, keeping you on schedule, keeping the noise level down and improves the appearance of the construction site whilst the work is taking place. The plastic shrink foil is quick to install and remove and is 100% recyclable after use.