Carbon guidelines in context - aligning global practice for local construction

Could South Africa’s construction industry benefit from best-practice frameworks developed halfway around the world? And how well do international guidelines - such as the recently released Best Practice Guideline for Carbon Smart Construction Site[1] by the Hong Kong Construction Association - translate into local realities?

- Roelof van den Berg | CEO | Gap Infrastructure Corporation (GIC) | [e-mail] |

The short answer is that while global best practice provides valuable insight, South Africa’s construction environment differs too significantly to apply such frameworks wholesale. Effective adaptation requires careful alignment with local regulatory, economic and environmental realities.

Built around the “4M1E” model - man, machinery, materials, methods and environment - the Hong Kong guideline outlines 36 measures for cleaner, more efficient and more sustainable construction. In South Africa, where government has already demonstrated leadership through the Climate Change Act,[2] carbon budgeting frameworks, and sustainable procurement policies, the introduction of such international standards presents an opportunity to accelerate progress - if thoughtfully localised.

Five key adaptations are essential for local application:

Aligning guidelines with local legal frameworks

South Africa’s regulatory and legal environment differs sharply from Hong Kong's. While government has put in place strong instruments to regulate emissions, applying Hong Kong’s measures requires translation into our own laws.

So, instead of direct adoption, the guideline could serve as a template, with each measure mapped against national and provincial legislation. A practical tool or checklist that allows contractors to cross-reference international best practice with local requirements would significantly simplify compliance.