Thought leadership: Imported carbon guidelines must consider local conditions when applied to construction in SA
Roelof van den Berg, CEO, Gap Infrastructure Corporation (GIC)
Can South Africa’s construction industry benefit from best practice frameworks developed overseas? And how well do international guidelines, such as the Hong Kong Construction Association’s Carbon Smart Construction Site Best Practice Guidelines, translate into local realities?
Simply put, South African industries are too different to apply them on a large scale.
Hong Kong’s guidelines are built around the “4M1E” model – people, machines, materials, methods and environment, and outline 36 measures to make sites cleaner and more sustainable. For South Africa, where the South African government has already shown leadership through climate change legislation, carbon budgets and sustainable procurement, this international standard represents an opportunity to accelerate progress if carefully adapted.
1. Consistency with local laws
South Africa’s legal framework is very different from Hong Kong. Although strong emissions controls already exist, it is not realistic to directly adopt Hong Kong’s measures. Instead, the guidelines serve as a template, allowing each measure to be mapped against national and local laws. Compliance becomes much easier with a practical checklist that marries global best practices with local requirements.
2. Dealing with cost discrepancies
Some carbon smart measures are much more expensive in South Africa due to import costs and limited local supply. Smaller projects such as informal housing renovations or municipal road works cannot easily absorb these costs. A step-by-step approach is needed that distinguishes between essential, affordable measures and advanced measures suitable for large-scale builds. A cost-benefit analysis should also highlight how upfront investments reduce long-term energy and maintenance costs.
3. Consider local technology availability
Electric machines, hybrid engines and low carbon steel are widely available in Hong Kong, but not yet on a large scale in South Africa. Universal adoption would be unrealistic. Imported guidelines should facilitate gradual implementation, encourage local material verification, and foster partnerships with domestic manufacturers.
4. Adaptation to climate and environmental conditions
Measures that work in Hong Kong’s subtropical climate may not be suitable for South Africa’s diverse conditions. In semi-arid regions, water-based dust suppression is not practical. Drainage is a priority in states with high rainfall. The key is flexibility. Use water-less dust suppression, shaded rest areas for workers, and stormwater management as needed.
5. Building resilience to logistics and fuel challenges
South Africa’s long shipping routes, fluctuating fuel costs and supply chain recovery pose unfamiliar risks to Hong Kong. Guidelines should include strategies to optimize deliveries, minimize idle time, and build contingencies for energy and fuel supplies.
After all, while international frameworks like the HKCA are valuable benchmarks, their real value lies in local adaptation. Government policies are already paving the way, and the challenge now is to translate these frameworks into practical, on-the-ground action to build an infrastructure that is sustainable and suited to South Africa’s unique realities.
