Dr Jeremy Gibberd
Jeremy Gibberd has research interests and expertise in sustainability, sustainable built environments, inclusive environments, education and community buildings, building performance assessment, facilities management and planning.
Dr Gibberd has developed a range of sustainability tools including the Sustainable Building Assessment Tool (SBAT) for buildings, the Built Environment Sustainability Tool (BEST) for urban areas, the Sustainable Facilities Management (SFM) framework for built environment management and the Sustainable Building Materials Index (SBMI) for building products and materials. He has published papers, journal articles and books, some of which are on this site.
Jeremy Gibberd regularly lectures and examines at universities within South Africa and internationally. He provides training and consultancy for Gauge, a multi-disciplinary practice. (www.gauge.co.za).
Posts on sustainable built environments and the BEST, SBAT, SBMI, and SFM tools by Jeremy Gibberd can be found at jeremygibberd.com. Jeremy Gibberd is based in Pretoria, South Africa and can be contacted at [email protected] or on 082 857 1318
Phone: 082 857 1318
Address: jeremygibberd.com
Dr Gibberd has developed a range of sustainability tools including the Sustainable Building Assessment Tool (SBAT) for buildings, the Built Environment Sustainability Tool (BEST) for urban areas, the Sustainable Facilities Management (SFM) framework for built environment management and the Sustainable Building Materials Index (SBMI) for building products and materials. He has published papers, journal articles and books, some of which are on this site.
Jeremy Gibberd regularly lectures and examines at universities within South Africa and internationally. He provides training and consultancy for Gauge, a multi-disciplinary practice. (www.gauge.co.za).
Posts on sustainable built environments and the BEST, SBAT, SBMI, and SFM tools by Jeremy Gibberd can be found at jeremygibberd.com. Jeremy Gibberd is based in Pretoria, South Africa and can be contacted at [email protected] or on 082 857 1318
Phone: 082 857 1318
Address: jeremygibberd.com
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of approaches that reduce negative environmental
impacts while creating beneficial social and economic
impacts (United Nations, 2020). The Sustainable
Development Goals developed by the UN define
desired impacts in terms of 17 goals and sub-targets
that countries should achieve by 2030 (United
Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs,
2021). Globally, progress has been mixed and current
trajectories indicate that many targets will not be
achieved (Sachs, et al., 2021). It is therefore important
to ramp up efforts and integrate the Goals more
effectively into industry practices (UNDP, 2021; United
Nations, 2020).
In the buildings and construction sector,
environmental impact is addressed by green building
rating tools such as BREEAM, LEED and CASBEE. These
tools are well established in countries such as the UK,
USA and Japan. However, reviews of these green
building rating tools indicate that they only partially
align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
and may not have a sufficient focus on social and
economic sustainability impacts (Udomsap and
Hallinger, 2020; Marzouk and Sabbah, 2021; Gibberd,
2022; Gibberd, 2022a).
In South Africa, like many developing countries,
social and economic issues such as unemployment,
health and education are important priorities (National
Planning Commission, 2013). Developing countries
also often have large infrastructure backlogs (United
Nations, 2018). This means that the construction of
new projects such as water infrastructure, housing,
education and health facilities is likely to continue
in the short to medium term (UN-Habitat and
IHS-Erasmus University Rotterdam, 2018). These
construction projects provide a valuable opportunity
not only to build much-needed social infrastructure
but also to create beneficial social and economic
impacts such as local employment which help achievethe Sustainable Development Goals (Department of
Public Works, 1998).
This chapter explores how construction processes
can be used to support the Sustainable Development
Goals and create beneficial social and economic
impacts. To do this, it addresses the following three
key questions (and sub-questions).
1. What are the Sustainable Development Goals?
What are their implications for buildings and
construction? What type of social and economic
beneficial impacts do these goals envisage from
construction?
2. What measures are currently taken to create
beneficial social and economic impacts through
construction?
3. What can be learnt from the Sustainable
Development Goals and current approaches
in construction to create beneficial and social
impacts?
Africa in 2020. It sets out the characteristics of the sector and explores how these could be
enhanced through circular economy approaches.
It shows that significant challenges face the African built environment and construction sector.
Rapid growth and limited capacity have meant that infrastructure and service backlogs are
increasing and significant proportions of urban populations have to turn to the informal sector
for their livelihoods and accommodation. Out-of-date and fragmented policy and regulatory
frameworks, as well as limited implementation and enforcement capacity, have resulted in
unregulated and sometimes dangerous and unhealthy living and working environments.
At the same time, there is a diverse and resilient tradition of indigenous construction in
Africa that creates comfortable, affordable buildings from local materials using local labour
without generating waste. The informal sector has found untapped economic trade and waste
opportunities which have resulted in increased access to affordable food, significant reductions
in waste and provided many with incomes.
A review of the strengths of and challenges facing existing and emerging practices can be
used to identify significant opportunities to integrate circular economy approaches within the
built environment and construction sectors in Africa. These opportunities include enhancing
standards of construction and maintenance; avoiding early obsolescence and ensuring the right
to repair; increasing upcycling and recycling of building materials and components; creating
simpler, locally sourced buildings; enhancing informal economy processes; developing waste
micro-grids; and supporting local organic waste recycling and soil fertility.
So how can this be done?
First, we know need to understand climate change projections and their implications at a local level as well as having large-scale global models. Detailed modelling shows that climate change impacts will be considerably different across a region, such as Southern Africa. Projections on a local scale mean that we can begin to develop practical, responsive solutions.
Second, we need to find built environment solutions that will work with projected climate changes and predicted urban change, such as growth. Many solutions already exist in traditional settlements and in passively designed buildings in adjacent climate zones. These are readily available valuable resources that can be learned from. Urban growth and change also must be understood and potential future demands, for water, for instance, modelled.
Third, lateral and innovative solutions are required. Valuable solutions will come from thinking at a larger scale and in a more integrated way; microclimates can be created and microgrids, sustainable urban drainage systems and integrated landscaping at a neighbourhood level can provide valuable 'climatic buffers' for buildings. Changing how we use buildings also offers solutions with activities and schedules being adapted to work with, rather than against, changing climates.
Fourth, new buildings need designs, and existing building require adaptations, which respond to projected climates over the next 50 to 100 years. Support for these designs and adaptations must be embedded in the way buildings are planned, designed and managed now to avoid redundant buildings and expensive retrofits later. Building regulations must be updated, design standards and guides revised, and manufacturers and suppliers need to make required technologies and materials available and affordable. Increased awareness and improved capacity within the built environment professionals and at local municipalities must also be developed.
These ideas are developed in a new book chapter on climate change projections and the implications for the built environment in South Africa. The reference for the chapter is:
Gibberd, J., 2018, Climate Change: Implications for South African Building Systems and Components, Green Building Handbook, Volume 11, The Essential Guide. ISBN Number: 0-62045-240-4
and studies indicate that 98% of
available water supplies are already
exploited. In addition, a number of South
African cities, such as Johannesburg,
are vulnerable to water shortages if a
severe drought occurs (Department of
Environmental Affairs, 2011).
Therefore, it is important to understand
how water can be used as efficiently as
possible and to explore alternatives to
municipal piped water supplies. Rainwater
harvesting provides a simple way of
capturing and storing water which can be
used to supplement, or replace, municipal
water supplies. It can be used to reduce
the pressure on municipal systems and
provides a valuable buffer for households
and businesses against drought and local
water shortages.
This chapter describes how rainwater
harvesting can play a valuable role in
increasing the resilience and sustainability
of water supply. The different types of
rainwater harvesting systems are described
and advantages and disadvantages of the
technology listed. Some of the key design
and operational principles are presented
to enable the practicality and applicability
of systems to be understood. Finally,
conclusions are drawn and policy, and other,
recommendations are made to support the
increased adoption of rainwater harvesting
systems in South Africa.
local urban sustainability. It argues that local facilities that enable communities to access sustainable goods
and services are a highly effective, but undervalued, way of improving quality of life and reducing
environment impacts in urban areas.
The paper uses the Built Environment Sustainability Tool (BEST) to compare the sustainability performance of
conventional greening interventions such as solar water heaters with neighborhood facilities. The paper finds
that in some contexts access to neighborhood facilities may be a more effective way of supporting
sustainability and further research should be carried out.
of approaches that reduce negative environmental
impacts while creating beneficial social and economic
impacts (United Nations, 2020). The Sustainable
Development Goals developed by the UN define
desired impacts in terms of 17 goals and sub-targets
that countries should achieve by 2030 (United
Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs,
2021). Globally, progress has been mixed and current
trajectories indicate that many targets will not be
achieved (Sachs, et al., 2021). It is therefore important
to ramp up efforts and integrate the Goals more
effectively into industry practices (UNDP, 2021; United
Nations, 2020).
In the buildings and construction sector,
environmental impact is addressed by green building
rating tools such as BREEAM, LEED and CASBEE. These
tools are well established in countries such as the UK,
USA and Japan. However, reviews of these green
building rating tools indicate that they only partially
align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
and may not have a sufficient focus on social and
economic sustainability impacts (Udomsap and
Hallinger, 2020; Marzouk and Sabbah, 2021; Gibberd,
2022; Gibberd, 2022a).
In South Africa, like many developing countries,
social and economic issues such as unemployment,
health and education are important priorities (National
Planning Commission, 2013). Developing countries
also often have large infrastructure backlogs (United
Nations, 2018). This means that the construction of
new projects such as water infrastructure, housing,
education and health facilities is likely to continue
in the short to medium term (UN-Habitat and
IHS-Erasmus University Rotterdam, 2018). These
construction projects provide a valuable opportunity
not only to build much-needed social infrastructure
but also to create beneficial social and economic
impacts such as local employment which help achievethe Sustainable Development Goals (Department of
Public Works, 1998).
This chapter explores how construction processes
can be used to support the Sustainable Development
Goals and create beneficial social and economic
impacts. To do this, it addresses the following three
key questions (and sub-questions).
1. What are the Sustainable Development Goals?
What are their implications for buildings and
construction? What type of social and economic
beneficial impacts do these goals envisage from
construction?
2. What measures are currently taken to create
beneficial social and economic impacts through
construction?
3. What can be learnt from the Sustainable
Development Goals and current approaches
in construction to create beneficial and social
impacts?
Africa in 2020. It sets out the characteristics of the sector and explores how these could be
enhanced through circular economy approaches.
It shows that significant challenges face the African built environment and construction sector.
Rapid growth and limited capacity have meant that infrastructure and service backlogs are
increasing and significant proportions of urban populations have to turn to the informal sector
for their livelihoods and accommodation. Out-of-date and fragmented policy and regulatory
frameworks, as well as limited implementation and enforcement capacity, have resulted in
unregulated and sometimes dangerous and unhealthy living and working environments.
At the same time, there is a diverse and resilient tradition of indigenous construction in
Africa that creates comfortable, affordable buildings from local materials using local labour
without generating waste. The informal sector has found untapped economic trade and waste
opportunities which have resulted in increased access to affordable food, significant reductions
in waste and provided many with incomes.
A review of the strengths of and challenges facing existing and emerging practices can be
used to identify significant opportunities to integrate circular economy approaches within the
built environment and construction sectors in Africa. These opportunities include enhancing
standards of construction and maintenance; avoiding early obsolescence and ensuring the right
to repair; increasing upcycling and recycling of building materials and components; creating
simpler, locally sourced buildings; enhancing informal economy processes; developing waste
micro-grids; and supporting local organic waste recycling and soil fertility.
So how can this be done?
First, we know need to understand climate change projections and their implications at a local level as well as having large-scale global models. Detailed modelling shows that climate change impacts will be considerably different across a region, such as Southern Africa. Projections on a local scale mean that we can begin to develop practical, responsive solutions.
Second, we need to find built environment solutions that will work with projected climate changes and predicted urban change, such as growth. Many solutions already exist in traditional settlements and in passively designed buildings in adjacent climate zones. These are readily available valuable resources that can be learned from. Urban growth and change also must be understood and potential future demands, for water, for instance, modelled.
Third, lateral and innovative solutions are required. Valuable solutions will come from thinking at a larger scale and in a more integrated way; microclimates can be created and microgrids, sustainable urban drainage systems and integrated landscaping at a neighbourhood level can provide valuable 'climatic buffers' for buildings. Changing how we use buildings also offers solutions with activities and schedules being adapted to work with, rather than against, changing climates.
Fourth, new buildings need designs, and existing building require adaptations, which respond to projected climates over the next 50 to 100 years. Support for these designs and adaptations must be embedded in the way buildings are planned, designed and managed now to avoid redundant buildings and expensive retrofits later. Building regulations must be updated, design standards and guides revised, and manufacturers and suppliers need to make required technologies and materials available and affordable. Increased awareness and improved capacity within the built environment professionals and at local municipalities must also be developed.
These ideas are developed in a new book chapter on climate change projections and the implications for the built environment in South Africa. The reference for the chapter is:
Gibberd, J., 2018, Climate Change: Implications for South African Building Systems and Components, Green Building Handbook, Volume 11, The Essential Guide. ISBN Number: 0-62045-240-4
and studies indicate that 98% of
available water supplies are already
exploited. In addition, a number of South
African cities, such as Johannesburg,
are vulnerable to water shortages if a
severe drought occurs (Department of
Environmental Affairs, 2011).
Therefore, it is important to understand
how water can be used as efficiently as
possible and to explore alternatives to
municipal piped water supplies. Rainwater
harvesting provides a simple way of
capturing and storing water which can be
used to supplement, or replace, municipal
water supplies. It can be used to reduce
the pressure on municipal systems and
provides a valuable buffer for households
and businesses against drought and local
water shortages.
This chapter describes how rainwater
harvesting can play a valuable role in
increasing the resilience and sustainability
of water supply. The different types of
rainwater harvesting systems are described
and advantages and disadvantages of the
technology listed. Some of the key design
and operational principles are presented
to enable the practicality and applicability
of systems to be understood. Finally,
conclusions are drawn and policy, and other,
recommendations are made to support the
increased adoption of rainwater harvesting
systems in South Africa.
local urban sustainability. It argues that local facilities that enable communities to access sustainable goods
and services are a highly effective, but undervalued, way of improving quality of life and reducing
environment impacts in urban areas.
The paper uses the Built Environment Sustainability Tool (BEST) to compare the sustainability performance of
conventional greening interventions such as solar water heaters with neighborhood facilities. The paper finds
that in some contexts access to neighborhood facilities may be a more effective way of supporting
sustainability and further research should be carried out.
shortages. This can affect the health of students and teachers, disrupt education and in the worst case, lead to school
closures. Rainwater harvesting can help address water shortages by providing a safe alternative source of water.
However, there is limited guidance on how rainwater harvesting systems can be applied to schools resulting in schools
not being aware of the potential of rainwater harvesting systems. There is a need, therefore, for a simple tool that can
be used by schools to understand rainwater harvesting systems. This study aims to address this gap by developing and
testing a simple modelling tool called the School Water and Rainwater Use Modeller (SWARUM). The tool is presented
and applied to case study schools in water-scarce areas of Southern Africa and the findings are critically evaluated. The
study finds that the modeller can be used to support decision-making about rainwater harvesting systems at schools and
makes recommendations for the improvement of the tool.
The scale and nature of social, economic and environmental pressures, climate change and the limited resources to address these challenges mean that new built environment development models need to be developed. This paper describes, and reviews, a sustainable development model for the built environment that addresses these issues. The model aims to ensure that sustainability is not just a consideration in the development of built environments, but is integrated in way that defines and directs building development trajectories.
The theoretical basis of the model is described and a tool and methodology for application presented. The review and discussion of the model and tool is undertaken and recommendations for further research and development are made.
The SBMI methodology appears to have potential as a way of providing an indication of the sustainability impacts of building materials and products for developing countries. The SBMI methodology is innovative as it provides a way of capturing simple socio-economic sustainability aspects related to building products, which has not been included in many other building product assessment methodologies.
This chapter investigates informal trading in order to understand its relationship with cities better. In particular, it focuses on the association between informal trade, infrastructure and city planning and management to establish whether, and how, informal trade may be supported and integrated in cities.
Through a survey of informal trade in Pretoria's Central Business District (CBD), a simple classification of informal trade is developed. Key characteristics are identified and the main informal trading types are defined. This forms the basis for infrastructure and city planning interventions that could be instituted to support the improved integration of informal trade in cities. Proposals are critically reviewed and recommendations for further research and development, made.
Local content is also seen a way of improving national sustainability performance and developing greener buildings (Olivier et al, 2016; van Reneen, 2014; Gibberd, 2002). As a result, an increasing number of developed and developing countries are developed procurement policies that promote local content and it is estimated that about 11% of world trade has been affected (Stephenson, 2013).
This chapter defines local content and provides examples of this in buildings and construction. It shows how local content targets or local content requirements (LCRs) are being formalised in government policy and pursued in procurement regimes. The relationship between local content and sustainability is also delineated in order to demonstrate the implications of local content on building design, construction and operation. The advantages and disadvantages of local content approaches are discussed and illustrated through examples. Finally, broad recommendations are provided to enable the concept of local content to be more effectively integrated in to buildings and construction.