General

What they are, how do they work and what are they used for?

I am pretty sure most of us have driven past a construction site and wondered what the various machines are used for. Some are humongous!
Those are the ones that require those traffic-slowing “abnormal loads” that we pass now and then on the highway. I always look at the machines being transported, and try to imagine what they do.
To solve a bit of the mystery for some of us, I have gone on a research mission to determine the names and uses of five construction machines that I think could be of interest.

 

Articulated Haulers

This type of machine is also known as an articulated dump truck (ADT), and is capable of traversing tough terrain.
These dump trucks are used for the removal of earth or construction rubble, among other types of materials, and have also been effective for snow removal. In an extreme situation, Linco Construction in Texas used their articulated haulers to evacuate victims of a Hurricane

 

 

 

 

 

Dragline Excavators

Dragline excavators are often used in road and underwater excavation, and in surface mining.
The heavier types of dragline excavators usually have to be assembled on site. These machines use a bucket and rope system to gather materials and dump them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sheepsfoot Rollers

The purpose of a sheepsfoot roller, which is also known as a tamping roller or padfoot roller, is used for soil compaction.
A typical sheepsfoot roller is made up of a drum with stud-like protrusions covering the surface of the drum. These studs can be manufactured in different sizes, depending on the type of soil that is to be compacted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cold planers

Cold planers are used to remove the surface of paved areas – a process known as milling. These milling machines grind the surface of, for example, a road (asphalt), in order to lay new asphalt, or to smooth out the road surface.
Milling allows for the road surface to be recycled, making it a positive factor in ongoing efforts to curb negative impacts on the environment.
Cold planers use a milling drum to cut the paved surface. Tool holders, which are attached around the drum, hold cutting tools which cut the pavement.
The milled materials are held in the machine’s scrapper, and then transferred from the cold planer, using a conveyor belt, to another vehicle to be transported from the site.

 

 

 

 

 

Tower Cranes

 

Cranes are often the first construction machines that we see, even when the site is not in plain sight – see what I did there 😉 These are very tall machines, which are used to lift various types of materials, in order to place them where they are required.
A typical tower crane consists of a base, mast, slewing unit, machinery arm, counter weights and an operator’s cab. The base of the crane is secured to a concrete pad, which provides support. The tower section (or mast) gives the crane height, and is connected to the base. The slewing unit houses the motor which allows the crane to rotate, and also includes a working arm (longer horizontal section), machinery arm (shorter horizontal section) and counter weights. The crane operator manoeuvres the crane from the operator’s cab.

 

 

 

 

During my research into this topic, I have enjoyed learning more about some of the machines that I have seen, but knew nothing about.

I do hope that next time you pass a construction site, and you see some of the machines that I have mentioned, that you will have a better understanding of their purpose.

 

Sources:
Babcock
Google
Wikipedia
Engineering Intro

 

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Under water construction

So whilst many of us think of underwater construction we think of it as a more modern building technique and we think of all the construction in Dubai, however in fact underwater construction actually dates as far back as to 23 BCE where Roman builders constructed the largest artificial harbour ever built in the open sea to date. Caeserea Maritima, where the remains can still be found.

We then have more modern examples of underwater construction like Lake Kariba where construction started in 1955 and was completed in 1959 and cost around 480 million USD.
We also have the world’s first underwater hotel built of the coast of Key Largo Florida which was actually a research facility dating back to the 1970’s La Chalupa Research Laboratory which has been converted into a hotel, named Under The Sea Lodge which opened it’s doors to guests in 1986. This building is completely underwater and is only accessible by scuba diving more than 6 meters down and gaining access via a “moon pool” which is located under the building.
We then have the mega structures in Dubai where they have taken underwater construction to new depths constructing islands and underwater hotels and water theme parks like The Palms and Atlantis.

So how does one actually build underwater?
Well you have to firstly create a stable and dry environment in which to build in order to work in the environment and place concrete in it.

We have basically two different methods / techniques in which to build underwater.
Firstly we have Cofferdams, which are temporary structures normally used where the construction area is larger and the water depth less, you also get different types of cofferdams.

• Earthen cofferdams,
• Doubled Cofferdams
• Rockfill Cofferdams
• Single walled Cofferdams
• Crib cofferdams
• Cellular cofferdams

Cofferdams are normally used for constructing bridge piers and other supporting structures

Then you get Caissons which are more permanent large hollow watertight structures which are used for repairing bridge foundations and dams.

You also get different type of caissons, namely:

• Box Caissons
• Open Caisson
• Suction Caisson
• Pneumatic Caisson

A good example of construction using Caissons is the Port of Ngquru just outside Port Elizabeth, which used 5 Caissons anchoring the ends of the breakwaters which required 18 000m³ of reinforced concrete.

So whilst there are different types of underwater construction it remains quite a complex and challenging construction method testing the boundaries of construction in general.

 

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Demolition

Demolition is the destruction, knocking down, pulling down, tearing down, flattening, razing, levelling, bulldozing, clearance, obliteration and annihilation of buildings and other man-made structures, however, it has been known that when one is stricken with immense hunger, one can demolish a whole pizza in one sweep.

Demolition contrasts with deconstruction, which involves taking a building apart while carefully preserving valuable elements for re-use purposes.

Demolition Plan:
For small buildings, such as houses, that are only two or three stories high, demolition is a rather simple process.
The building is pulled down either manually or mechanically using large hydraulic equipment: Elevated work platforms, Cranes, Bulldozers, Backhoe Loaders & Hydraulic Excavators.

 

Backhoe Loaders Basic workhorse machine that allows for multiple attachments. Short reach machines. Can work in moderately small areas

Hydraulic Excavators They provide for longer reach and power. A step up from the backhoe.

 

Larger buildings may require the use of a wrecking ball, a heavy weight on a cable that is swung by a crane into the side of the buildings. Wrecking balls are especially effective against masonry but are less easily controlled and often less efficient than other methods. Newer methods may use rotational hydraulic shears…

Used for cutting steel, cable and rebar and silenced rock-breakers attached to excavators to cut or break through wood, steel, and concrete. The use of shears is especially common when flame cutting would be dangerous.

For larger buildings or structures, however, it is imperative to make sure there is a plan in place. One thing about construction projects is that just as they went up, someday they must come down.

When that day arrives and the building has become unsafe or just seen better days, it’s time to call in the demolition experts.

First they need to assess your needs as there are many different factors involved in a building demolition and several different ways to go about it. Once your needs are determined, a plan is created. The plan will include how the demolition is to be carried out as well as all the equipment that will be used to do it. The ultimate goal is to get the building demolished in the safest and most efficient way possible. These decisions will depend on the size of the building, the building materials, the reason for the demolition and the location of the building.

Some methods that will be considered include:

1. Implosion

Large buildings like the World Trade Centre, tall chimneys, smokestacks, bridges, and increasingly some smaller structures may be destroyed by building implosion using explosives or terrorist trained pilots. Imploding a structure is very fast—the collapse itself only takes seconds—and an expert can ensure that the structure falls into its own footprint so as not to damage neighbouring structures. This is essential for tall structures in dense urban areas.

Any error can be disastrous, however, and some demolitions have failed, severely damaging neighboring structures. One significant danger is from flying debris, which, when improperly prepared for, can kill onlookers.

Another dangerous scenario is the partial failure of an attempted implosion. When a building fails to collapse completely the structure may be unstable, tilting at a dangerous angle, and filled with un-detonated but still primed explosives, making it difficult for workers to approach safely. A third danger comes from air overpressure that occurs during the implosion. Stephanie Kegley described shock waves by saying, “The shock wave is like a water hose. If you put your hand in front of the water as it comes out, it fans to all sides.” When cloud coverage is below 1,200 feet, it reacts like the hand in front of the hose. The wave from the shock fans out, instead of up toward the sky. If the sky is clear, the shock wave, a wave of energy and sound, travels upwards and disperses, but if cloud coverage is low, the shock wave can travel outwards, breaking windows or causing other damage to surrounding buildings.

Controlled implosion, being spectacular, is the method that the general public often thinks of when discussing demolition; however, it can be dangerous and is only used as a last resort when other methods are impractical or too costly

2. Deconstruction

A new approach to demolition is the deconstruction of a building with the goal of minimizing the amount of materials going to landfills. This “green” approach is applied by removing the materials by type material and segregating them for reuse or recycling. With proper planning this approach has resulted in landfill diversion rates that exceed 90% of an entire building and its contents in some cases. It also vastly reduces the CO2 emissions of the removing of a building in comparison to demolition.
Timber waste can be shredded using specialist timber shredders and composted, or used to form manufactured timber boards, such as MDF or chipboard.

3. Selective Demolition

This is used rather than flattening structures in one fell swoop which maximizes efficiency by reducing waste, repurposing reusable materials, and lessening environmental impact. This approach works hand in hand with Deconstruction.

Carrying out the plan
Once the plan is set, the demolition company will know the method, the equipment that’s necessary, the approximate cost, how much debris there will be, how it will be dispersed at the site and how long it will take to clean up. Back up plans and emergency plans will also be part of the overall demolition plan. After the plan has been finalised the company must get all necessary permits so they are safe when the demolition is carried out.

Like any job before the fun stuff begins there’s the preparation work that needs to be done and so site preparation is just as important as the demolition itself. The building must be completely cleaned out of the utilities like gas, water and electricity as well as the removal of hazardous materials.

After it’s all planned, legal aspects are covered and the site is ready, the demolition is scheduled and carried out. To some people seeing a building demolished is a thing of beauty.

The co-ordination and expertise that goes into pulling it off just right is truly staggering. In a lot of ways the building going down isn’t really an ending but a new beginning…

 

Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demolition

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backhoe_loader
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Excavator

 

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Safety when using heavy machinery

One of the main dangers on the site is the heavy machinery used for various projects. Safely operating these machines is of the utmost importance. Staying calm and alert throughout the day will allow for more productivity and will translate into a positive working environment for all those around you. If you work in construction, you know that working on a construction site can be one of the most dangerous and hazardous jobs out there. Proper safety starts and ends with your decisions and how you conduct yourself.

TRAINING
It is of paramount importance that all operators have identifiable and verifiable training on heavy equipment before operating. Accidents can occur to both the newly trained and seasoned veterans.
Workers should be trained on the proper procedures to safely operate all pieces of equipment they will be working on. Training should be conducted as a combination of classroom and practical hands-on instruction. Topics that should be covered include safety, hazard identifications, safety features of the equipment and safe manoeuvring of the heavy equipment.
Workers should be trained on how to safely mount and dismount and the proper start up procedure for each piece of equipment. They should have a clear understanding of lifting loads and load capacity for the equipment they will be working on. Retraining and refresher courses should be conducted as needed, especially if a worker is observed operating equipment unsafely or in a manner other than its intended purpose. Only trained workers should be allowed to operate equipment for any reason.
Working with or around heavy equipment should be part of your overall safety program. All workers should be trained on the dangers and hazards of working with heavy equipment. Staying knowledgeable and safe with your equipment is a sure-fire way to make sure you’re protecting yourself and your co-workers.
Conduct a visual inspection before use
Visually inspect heavy equipment before each use to ensure it’s in good operating condition. Equipment must be inspected at least once a day before operating. This must involve walking around with a checklist of components to check for good working order.

KEEP THE AREA CLEAN Ideally, you can cordon off the area with barriers to keep workers from accidentally getting in close proximity to operating equipment. If you are moving or operating equipment near workers use a spotter, using radio or hand signals to communicate, to keep your blind spots clear. This is especially important when backing up. Yes, the equipment will have backup alarms, but they often go unheeded on construction sites due to their prevalence. Blind spots Operators of heavy machinery have to be 100% sure that no one is behind them or in their blind spots when moving, even if this involves getting out of the machine and checking. If vision is limited, have a spotter stand in a safe, visible position to guide and direct you. Inform those working around you for the day of your blind spots and require them to make eye contact with you before coming in the equipment’s vicinity. High visibility vests are mandatory on all sites.

 

COMMUNICATION In all aspects of life, communication is perhaps the most important way to drive results and meet deadlines. When working with heavy machinery, communication is just as important. Creating safety policies and procedures for your machines and making sure you constantly communicate them can save lives and money in the long run. Stay on top of workers who are not working with safety procedures in mind, and make sure they know about all of your policies. Be in constant communication with those working around you. A two-way radio is the best form of communication, if that option is not available then use hand signals from a spotter who has been properly trained. Communication with operators should be touched upon at every safety meeting and reinforced by the foreman on site.

 

SEATBELTS / PPE Wearing your seatbelt in heavy equipment is just as important as wearing one in a moving motor vehicle. There is no excuse for not wearing it at all times. Not only can it save your life, it will keep you firmly in your seat. Always wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses, sturdy boots and hard hats.

 

LOADING / UNLOADING EQUIPMENT Always be sure to be on level ground when loading or unloading your equipment. It greatly reduces the risk of rollovers or sliding off the low-bed ramps. If unloading on a busy jobsite or high traffic area, make sure people are clear of the unloading area and use a spotter to guide you. Overhead and Underground Hazards Before work begins on any jobsite, over-head obstructions such as power lines and low clearance should be identified and flagged. Underground utilities like water, sewer, gas, and electrical need to be located by the appropriate department and marked with colour coded paint. Play it safe when getting close to the underground utility and hand dig to uncover. When leaving dugout holes that workers or the public can fall in to, be sure to set up barriers and snow fencing.

 

LOCK-OUT / TAG-OUT
According to OSHA, employers must train and have procedures in place to ensure that before any employee performs servicing or maintenance on a machine where unexpected start-up or release of stored energy could occur and cause injury, the machine or energy source must be rendered inoperative. This includes hazards such as pinch points, attachments, and raised loads. Picture warnings, locks, and tags must be utilised to prevent any incidents.

LOAD LIMITS
Always be aware of the load limits of varying equipment when operating different machines throughout the day. Depending on the equipment set-up and size the load limits can change. When lifting objects with a machine make sure loads are secure with the proper rigging attachments, and always inspect to ensure they are in good working condition. As with most equipment operations, confirm that all workers are at a safe distance when lifting and moving loads. When loading and unloading equipment at the site, make sure you do it on level ground to avoid rollovers when getting it on or off the truck or trailer.

WALK-AROUND INSPECTION
Equipment must be inspected at least once a day before operating. This must involve walking around with a checklist of components to check for good working order. Hydraulic hoses, undercarriage, oil levels, stress points, etc. are all areas that need to be inspected and reported to the maintenance/safety department before machine start-up. Using a cloud-based mobile device to complete a task such as this can greatly improve communication and response time between operator and mechanic.

BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS
When operating heavy equipment, you need to mindful of the area you are working in and any obstacles you may encounter. Overhead power lines should be deenergized, or if that’s not possible, establish barriers to avoid making contact with them. If digging, make sure that all underground utilities, such as sewer, water, gas and electrical, have been identified and clearly marked to avoid damaging them and creating delays and more work.
Whenever possible, workers should be kept out of areas where heavy equipment is in operating. Operators should be aware of their swing radius, especially when working in tighter spaces, to avoid hitting other workers, bystanders, or other vehicles or equipment in the vicinity.

ENTERING AND EXITING EQUIPMENT
This one should go without saying, but based on the number of injuries workers suffer each year, but there is a right and a wrong way to mount and dismount from heavy equipment. When climbing onto equipment, always maintain three points of contact just like you do when climbing a ladder. Never carry anything with you as you enter or exit.
Never enter or exit equipment that is moving or in operation. Make sure you completely shut off the equipment, engage the parking brake and release any pressure from hydraulic controls. Make sure to take the keys with you to avoid any unauthorized use.
Only use equipment for its intended purpose
Each piece of equipment was designed to perform a specific task. Excavators aren’t cranes and wheel loaders weren’t made to carry workers in the bucket and used as an aerial lift. Pick the right piece of equipment for the task at hand and use it as the manufacturer intended.
Don’t overload or overwork equipment. Be mindful of the payload or lift capacity of the equipment. This may require getting a bigger piece of equipment if what you have isn’t enough to get the job done. If lifting material, make sure all riggings are properly secured. Don’t try to go too fast when operating equipment, especially on slopes.

SLOW IT DOWN
There always are deadlines on any project, which is why you experience stress to get the project done. Unfortunately, one of the largest causes of accidents on construction sites is due to people moving too quickly. Avoiding an injury or accident is as easy as taking your time, and making sure you’re being safe and smart about the machines you’re using.

 

Sources:
http://www.ehstoday.com/construction/5-tips-safely-operate-heavy-machinery
https://nektardata.com/top-ten-heav y-equipment-safety-tips-for-incident-prevention/
https://www.constructconnect.com/blog/construction-safety/heavy-equipment-construction-safety-tips/

 

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The importance of dry and wet hire.

Did you know that you get what is called “wet and dry hire” when hiring equipment?

I knew none of this and this topic had me stumped for a good couple of hours.

Did you know that wet hire is when you hire your equipment with an operator and all you would need to keep the equipment fully operational, this also includes the diesel you would need throughout your project?

Where dry hire is when you just hire the equipment and not the operator and added benefits.
This also means that the diesel is not included: however you do get the machine with a full tank of diesel but when you return the machine you need to return it with the same amount of diesel as it arrived with.

After some reading I do see that both wet and dry hire are good to have in their own way depending on what type of project you are busy with and how big your project is.

The advantages of wet hire:

• Cost effective (bigger projects).
• Operator has knowledge of equipment.
• The diesel that you would use is included in the hire of the machine.
• No added cost when equipment needs repairs keeping cost down and your project on track.
• Removes the stress of hiring other people to operate the equipment.
• One quote – one price.

The advantages of dry hire:

• Save money by keeping your labour within the company.
• Not many people on site.
• When you use someone that works for you they have an understanding of how you work and what you are wanting done on site.

Wet and Dry hire both have benefits depending on the given situation. When planning your next project make sure to take all aspects in to account when hiring machinery.

Sit down and think of what you need done – Will it be better to get wet or dry hire?.

 

Sources:
• https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/wet-hire-vs-dry-whats-best-general-hire-group/
• https://blog.plantminer.com.au/pros-and-cons-of-wet-and-dry-hire
• https://www.humehire.com.au/wet-hire-dry-hire/

 

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A school in drought-stricken Cape Town has reduced its water use by more than 90% and will continue working with JG Afrika to further mitigate its reliance on a strained municipal water-supply system.
The leading firm of consulting engineers and environmental scientists commenced work on the first phase of the school’s water-management project in November 2017 and completed it in December that year.
Initial measurements of the success of the water-saving interventions were undertaken between January and March 2018.
Already exceeding initial expectations, a further decision was taken by the school board to work with JG Afrika in rolling out similar programmes at its two other learning institutions in Cape Town.
Benjamin Biggs, a civil engineer and urban water-management specialist at JG Afrika, has been involved in the project since the baseline assessments were undertaken at the school. He will also participate in the larger rollout of water-saving interventions at the other institutions.
Biggs says that it is important to first focus on reducing water use before looking to supplement municipal supply with alternative sources.
“We were able to implement immediate measures at the school that would yield outstanding results early on. Our experience in several other projects has demonstrated that this upfront work can play an important role in mitigating, or even eliminating the need for more costly and longer-term measures,” he says.
Importantly, this step also helps drive changes in water-use behaviour in a water-scarce country, and Biggs compliments the client for the proactive efforts already taken to use water efficiently before it implemented a larger demand-side management programme.
About 400 people, including educators, administrative staff and students participated in the initiative, starting with basics such as flushing toilets sparingly and reporting water leakages.
JG Afrika saved an additional 80% to the already low drought use by focusing on reducing high-use applications at the school.

These interventions were selected based on the findings of the baseline assessment, which combined historical information including utility bills, as well as physical inspections of the plumbing fixtures and equipment.
The outcome was used to model water flows to understand end-use quantities for various applications and determine the site water balance, which is the flow of water in and out of a system. This allowed JG Afrika to identify high impact areas to address and assess possible solutions to reduce municipal water use on campus.
Prior to the programme, the school sourced as much as 1 064 kl/month from the municipality, with up to 70% of this water used to flush toilets in the ablution blocks.
As part of the first phase of the programme, all toilet flushing devices were replaced with water-saving mechanisms, and similar interventions were taken at other existing plumbing fixtures, including leaking washbasin taps.
As part of this full turnkey service, JG Afrika works closely with select installers and plumbers, which were placed on standby during the baseline studies to ensure swift turnaround times.
Moreover, all of the water-saving technologies deployed in the programme have been tried and tested by the team of water experts at the JG Afrika office.
These include the mechanisms that facilitate a quick and cost-effective means of retrofitting existing toilets to provide immediate water savings of up to 60%. This is in addition to the aerators that are used to limit flows through the taps, reducing water use from 10-15 l/min to only 1 l/min in bathrooms.
Another technology implemented in many of the initial phases of JG Afrika’s other projects is low-flow showerheads that provide as much as a 50% reduction in water use without forgoing the comfort of conventional fittings.
“We first ensure that we have identified all of the available so-called ‘low-hanging fruits’ available to us. Importantly, many of these technologies can be installed without having to make any major refurbishments to an existing building and can therefore be installed at a minimal cost to the client. This is a major consideration for JG Afrika on all of its water-management projects,” Biggs says.
The next phase of the programme will entail installing a rainwater-harvesting system with treatment at the school. Water tanks are used to store harvested rainwater where after is it treated and pumped for use in applications, such as toilet flushing, irrigation and topping up the swimming pool.

Combined with those actions undertaken during the first phase, the system will reduce the school’s reliance on municipal water supplies by up to 95%.
This strategy is in line with JG Afrika’s approach of first reusing all available water on site before abstracting from the groundwater aquifers.
The entire system can be installed in less than a month and therefore, can be operational ahead of the wet winter period in the Western Cape.
Depending on rainfall levels and irrigation requirements in summer, the school may pursue a third phase that will allow for water savings in excess of 95%. This entails installing a borehole on site to replenish stores of harvested water in the tanks.
The combined three phases will result in cost-savings of R150 000 per year under drought water restrictions and R450 000 per year under pre-drought conditions, while the school will be able to recuperate its investment in three years.
While cost savings have provided a major incentive for pursuing sustainable practices in the past, the severe arid conditions in many parts of the country have played a large part in motivating the importance of water management.
Biggs says that demand-side management (DSM) projects are now being viewed as a necessity, similar to those energy-efficiency programmes that were implemented during previous periods of load-shedding in South Africa.
Moreover, it has elevated the importance of water in sustainability programmes. In the past, water, energy and waste management were often undertaken in isolation of one another.
“Water is now being treated as a resource, as opposed to only a right by responsible South Africans. At the same time, policymakers have realised the need to explore solutions that provide the resilience they need for drought periods such as these. This is demonstrated by new policies and legislation in Cape Town that promote decentralised alterative supply systems to augment centralised infrastructure that do not have the flexibility to cater to increases in demand, or arid climates,” he says.
Biggs reports to both the municipal infrastructure and sustainability divisions of JG Afrika’s Cape Town operations. Headed by Chris Wise and Sally-Anne Käsner, these divisions continue to experience a high demand for their combined skills and capabilities.
JG Afrika’s key differentiator is its multi-disciplinary skills and capabilities that has allowed for a multi-disciplinary approach to water-management. This is applied on all of the company’s projects that span single buildings through to large university campuses and towns.

Each site is unique, and the experts’ water-sensitive designs consider all of the various components of the urban-water cycle, as opposed to the isolated approach taken on so many water-management programmes in the past.
This is also in line with the firm’s focus on providing a diverse source of supply and, in so doing, increasing resilience.
Emphasis is also placed on matching the quality of the water to suitable applications. Biggs says that this is also a significant departure from traditional thinking in South Africa where high-quality drinking water is still being used to flush toilets and for irrigation purposes.
In addition to working closely with academic institutions to apply the latest theoretical studies in practice, JG Afrika’s team of experts applies extensive experience and learning as well as using insights from international best practice, in its designs. This includes experience from countries, such as the United Kingdom, United States, Australia and Singapore, which all have policies and regulations in place that guide the efficient use of their water resources.
Biggs says that he is also proud of the part that JG Afrika has played in its own DSM programme at its office in Pinelands.
“We practice what we preach,” says Biggs. “As early as 2011, JG Afrika implemented in its own DSM programme at its office in Pinelands, and weekly readings confirm that we have reduced our water consumption by nearly 70% simply by installing low-flow taps and showers, waterless urinals and efficient toilets and irrigation. We will be taking further steps in the short-term to enhance this performance.”