Increased urbanization has greatly contributed to huge demands for new buildings and infrastructure in growing economies. The United Nations human settlements programme UN Habitat in 2007 estimated that the number of slum dwellers worldwide would double by 2030.
But with the booming construction industry, the issue of water conservation has a burning issue.
A report by UN’s Environment Programme for Sustainable Buildings and Climate Initiatives reveals that the building industry accounts for 12% of potable water consumption. The UN estimates a 40% reduction in water use is possible.
South Africa is fast becoming aware of the water crisis with drought conditions predicted to persist for a period of seven to 30 years in the country.
Against this backdrop, the dry construction system in South Africa should be adopted. It is a construction process where no water is used.
Minha casa, minha vida (“My house, my life”), a recent project in Brazil shows an example from which the industry can learn. It involves an innovative dry-construction system that uses no water on site.
The first development was done in 2012 in Ponta Grossa, Parana state. The construction system was simple and innovative.
It was the pioneering development ever done in Brazil using the dry-construction method for low-cost housing and has been continuously used in many projects in the country including schools and institutions.
This method comes with advantages such as competitive cost and that construction takes about 75% less time for a house. It also limits waste production contributing to cleaner and safer work sites compared to traditional building methods.
The method is efficient as it is easy to manufacture, easy to maintain and has sound environmental credentials. It also offers improved thermal and acoustic comfort.
Quality is a priority for Brazil and with the stringent certification requirements for low-cost housing, the system went through thorough testing and passed all the certification requirements
South Africa should however come up with its own unique solutions since such cannot be imported wholesale from one market and cultural context to another and be expected to work.
The building industry will be required to make drastic changes in the preferred materials and the required skills.
