Appropriate renewable energy for education infrastructure in rural South Africa: The Cofimvaba science centre model

Abstract

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has embarked on an innovation investigation through a ministerial initiative brought by the Department of Science and Technology Innovation (DSI). The Cofimvaba Science Centre was envisioned, planned and is currently in construction to build and test theory with regard to the efficacy of multiple innovations in the supply and delivery of building construction projects in South Africa. This is in response to the target set by the National Development Plan (NDP 2011:288) of 2030 for energy efficiency in building standard SANS 204 to achieve ‘zero carbon’ buildings. There is a need for alternative teaching platforms for maths, science and technology. At the same time, there is a need for rapid construction of infrastructure with sustainable ongoing power supply in rural areas in South Africa. The innovations could lead to improved teaching outcomes and quality of instruction, as well as improvement in the rate of construction and service delivery, with the added benefit of future economy creation downstream. The building has been constructed by alternative construction methods and materials, with five different energy sources regulated through a microgrid system delivering a planned net zero carbon building. A multiyear building performance analysis will be conducted to gather evidence for future application and appropriateness. A pre-construction investigation of available building technologies was done, and during construction assessments of renewable energy sources and the financial viability of the project continued. Post-construction assessment of the building’s performance will be conducted covering materiality, thermal performance, indoor air and sound quality, energy, water and waste use. The alternative building construction method has yielded rapid construction time. However, a slow administrative process has delayed the completion date. Nevertheless, the project suggests that net zero energy can be achieved for Government and private buildings in rural South Africa.