Solana Lifestyle and Residences’ master plan has applied careful consideration in mitigating the impact of the development on the environment.
By adhering to various green building design principles, they have not only managed to be truly sustainable, but have been awarded the First Green Mark District Neighbourhood Development in Africa and the First Green District Development in Uganda.
Conceptualised as a self-sustaining mixed-use development, Solana has incorporated the following green initiatives:
Environmental planning
By carrying out a microclimate study, including solar analysis and ambient temperature simulation, developers were able to put various measures and optimisations in place to offer outdoor thermal comfort.
They have achieved a cooling, comfortable outdoor environment by enhancing wind flow within plots and streets; including more trees to improve shading, incorporating a passive cooling building approach and using high solar-resistant materials on pavements to mitigate indirect radiation.
Site planning and orientation analysis was also done to ensure the use of natural ventilation and daylight – thereby minimising heat gain in buildings and houses.
Health and wellbeing
By incorporating well-placed walking and cycling tracks, as well as various parks, exercise and, thus, a healthy lifestyle is promoted. Wellbeing is further enhanced through lush greenery and unrestricted views.
Carbon Mitigation
To determine the energy demand of the district, an energy calculation was modelled. The detailed design considered pumps, MV, street facilities, sewerage treatment and more.
The energy efficient infrastructure design includes using free gravitational terrain to reduce consumption of energy, LED lighting with controls, LED landscape lighting, water efficient swimming pool pumps and energy efficient lifts, as well as an Infrastructure Management System (IMS) that controls energy consumption.
This estate’s infrastructure savings are 22% less in comparison to the typical infrastructure of a similar estate.
Water conservation
Piped irrigation links to the waste water treatment plant, replacing 100% of the irrigation water demand, while future bio-detention ponds will capture and store storm water for non-potable use.
Water efficient fittings of 3 ticks and more are used for residential units, public amenities and public taps for landscape irrigation. The use of these water efficient taps reduce the grid’s water demand. Private water meters with remote monitoring will also been installed.
Waste Management
Managing waste through the sorting of recyclables, horticultural and general waste assist in operating the estate in a responsible manner, while also promoting a green lifestyle and green bins located in central and public spaces further promote a clean environment.
Green Urban Design guidelines
Lastly, a green tenancy agreement has been drawn up to promote the adoption of sustainable practices and the seamless employment thereof throughout the development.
For more information on these and other initiatives, please contact:
T: +256 313 331 135 or +256 417 331 135
E: realestate@nssfug.org
