KSB Pumps and Valves has shown its commitment to sustainable development with the official opening of its newly renovated Green Star compliant head office building in Activia Park, Germiston

Rather than relocate or construct a new corporate office the company chose to reinvest and repurpose existing infrastructure instead of bulldozing and rebuilding the historically significant property. In doing so it was able to retain much of its old heritage in a modern building that meets the company’s business needs and complies with the latest Green Star building practices.

According to KSB Pumps and Valves facilities development manager, Terence Barkhuizen, the original property footprint dates back to 1959 when the German pump manufacturer established a local sales company that led to the development of its own manufacturing facility in Germiston a short while later. Over the following decades the Activia Park site expanded and expanded again each time through the acquisition of adjacent properties which led to operations spreading across multiple buildings.

“As time went by our manufacturing shifted into newer facilities and parts of the original site became underused. Simultaneously the original four-storey administration building no longer met the operational demands of our growing organisation and we were faced with the choice to relocate or redevelop the property to our exact needs.

“We chose history and decided on the latter option. Our old multi-storey stores building was earmarked for conversion into additional administrative space as it was still structurally sound but had become outdated. As can be imagined this presented challenges as it had no passenger lift, no compliant stair access, no ablutions and no physical connection to the existing offices. Floor levels varied and window proportions were industrial rather than corporate,” says Terence.

He explains that the team committed to redevelopment aligned with Green Star principles. The project targeted a 5-Star Green Star SA rating through the Green Building Council of South Africa which is the benchmark for South African excellence in sustainable building performance. “For a brownfields industrial conversion this was a demanding target”.

New beginning

After much planning and careful design we started with a new shared core to introduce a link with the old administration building and the refurbished structure. This core houses a passenger lift and compliant staircases and resolves the challenges of integrating the buildings into a single administrative complex. Simultaneously the external envelope was redesigned with performance glass and a double-glazed façade. This reduces heat gain and loss and improves the internal comfort of occupants. Being right next to the N12 highway it also serves to limit noise intrusion.

“By retaining the original structural frame we reduced the need for new steel and concrete which also reduced the need for demolition waste to landfill. This saved significant costs and assisted us along the path to achieving our Green Star rating. On the exterior we created new open areas by removing redundant factory floors and replacing them with landscaped garden areas. We also retained some structures like old test bed plinths and other structures that played a big part in the development of the company through the ages.

“Apart from those historic elements we also landscaped the area with the intention to minimise hard surfacing, improve stormwater attenuation and allow natural ground infiltration. Being a water scarce country we also decided to harvest our rainwater and have installed harvesting tanks to capture roof runoff for irrigation and landscape features,” says Terence.

Sustainable practices

With water being central to KSB Pumps and Valves, the focus was also on water efficiency which is addressed internally through low-flow sanitary fittings and heat pump-based water heating systems with continuous circulation to minimise wastage. Each floor is individually metered for electricity and water with smart monitoring systems providing real-time performance data to occupants with the intention of promoting responsible usage of these resources.

Lighting incorporates individual motion sensors which limit energy use to occupied spaces. HVAC systems also comply with current global efficiency standards and all finishes were specified as low VOC to enhance indoor air quality. Even the timber products used in the renovation of the buildings is certified to ensure responsible sourcing. Landscaping uses indigenous species to support a waterwise and more natural environment. Environmental compliance was monitored through monthly external audits during construction where high audit scores were consistently achieved.

According to Terence the real test was when staff and customers finally got to experience the new facility. “They now have a very comfortable area for working and can enjoy access to the outside with open areas to relax. These include a beautiful water feature and a permanent stage where people can gather and the landscaped courtyard and stage area are also used for internal meetings and company gatherings wherever events are hosted. Being digitally connected the companies branches across South Africa and the sub-region can also join these gatherings via live digital links.

“The new ground-floor meeting rooms are also receiving good reviews. They were designed with customers in mind and the revised configuration provides more modern and accessible meeting spaces that allow clients to meet in a professional and comfortable environment,” says Terence.

Thus far the building is exceeding expectations and all that remains is for the final Green Star accreditation to be allocated. Once this has been completed we can look forward to the next phases of redevelopment including rooftop solar installations on both the reception and administration buildings, additional greening initiatives and cyclist facilities.

Terence concludes that the ongoing development of the site shows the company’s commitment to the South African and African market. As a manufacturer of pumps, valves and related systems for the water, wastewater, energy and industrial sectors it continues to invest in local production capacity and skills in South Africa. The decision to upgrade and modernise its Germiston facility rather than relocate also shows a longer-term commitment to manufacturing locally and remaining technically capable in a time when many other OEMs are outsourcing services and importing products.