The development of a larval feeding regimen for dusky kob, Argyrosomus japonicus, with a specific focus on the effect of weaning period on larval development and survival
- Authors: Keet, Thomas
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96897 , vital:31344
- Description: One of the biggest limiting factors in marine finfish aquaculture is the low survival rate of early-stage larvae. Most mortalities can be ascribed to the poor nutritional value of live feeds, sibling cannibalism, and various stressors that result in swim bladder hyperinflation and/or starvation during the larval stage. Research results vary on the best timing for the introduction of artificial feed for good survival and growth rate in dusky kob larvae. The main objective of this experiment was to improve survival and growth rate. The experiment focused on a new feeding regime that sought to wean larvae onto an artificial diet earlier than the current Argyrosomus japonicus standard (weaning commenced at 16 days after hatch (DAH) versus 20 days after hatch), based on findings and recommendations made by Musson & Kaiser (2014). Three trials were conducted, each with five replicates of the two treatments, namely the new feeding regime and the standard feeding regime in a fully randomised design. Samples from each tank were collected every two days for the duration of the trial. Morphometric measurements (standard length; body depth; eye diameter) obtained from these sample larvae were used to compare growth rates between treatments. The ratio of BD:SL was used to assess larval condition throughout each trial. Tank survival rates were calculated on the last day of each trial.The study indicated that in mean water temperatures ranging from 24.3 – 25.2 °C, dusky kob larvae can be weaned onto an artificial pellet diet from 16 - 21 DAH without any negative effects on growth, condition and survival. Results from the highest mean temperatures of Trial 2 show a better mean condition in the treatment group during the weaning period (p < 0.05). In Trial 3, with its lower mean water temperatures of 23.2 °C, larvae in both treatments showed stunted absolute growth rates of all biometrics when compared to results from the higher mean temperatures of Trials 1 and 2. During the first 6 days of Trial 3 larvae were in relatively poor condition, BD:SL ≤ 0.30. During this same period in Trials 1 and 2, mean BD:SL ≥ 0.31, suggesting that a BD:SL ratio of ≤ 0.30 in non-weaned dusky kob larvae is an indicator of a degree of starvation. A future study on the morphology and histology of the larval gastrointestinal tract, specifically the liver and intestines, and how this early weaning regime affects their ontogeny under differing temperature conditions this needed to investigate the validity of these initial data on dusky kob larvae condition.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Keet, Thomas
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96897 , vital:31344
- Description: One of the biggest limiting factors in marine finfish aquaculture is the low survival rate of early-stage larvae. Most mortalities can be ascribed to the poor nutritional value of live feeds, sibling cannibalism, and various stressors that result in swim bladder hyperinflation and/or starvation during the larval stage. Research results vary on the best timing for the introduction of artificial feed for good survival and growth rate in dusky kob larvae. The main objective of this experiment was to improve survival and growth rate. The experiment focused on a new feeding regime that sought to wean larvae onto an artificial diet earlier than the current Argyrosomus japonicus standard (weaning commenced at 16 days after hatch (DAH) versus 20 days after hatch), based on findings and recommendations made by Musson & Kaiser (2014). Three trials were conducted, each with five replicates of the two treatments, namely the new feeding regime and the standard feeding regime in a fully randomised design. Samples from each tank were collected every two days for the duration of the trial. Morphometric measurements (standard length; body depth; eye diameter) obtained from these sample larvae were used to compare growth rates between treatments. The ratio of BD:SL was used to assess larval condition throughout each trial. Tank survival rates were calculated on the last day of each trial.The study indicated that in mean water temperatures ranging from 24.3 – 25.2 °C, dusky kob larvae can be weaned onto an artificial pellet diet from 16 - 21 DAH without any negative effects on growth, condition and survival. Results from the highest mean temperatures of Trial 2 show a better mean condition in the treatment group during the weaning period (p < 0.05). In Trial 3, with its lower mean water temperatures of 23.2 °C, larvae in both treatments showed stunted absolute growth rates of all biometrics when compared to results from the higher mean temperatures of Trials 1 and 2. During the first 6 days of Trial 3 larvae were in relatively poor condition, BD:SL ≤ 0.30. During this same period in Trials 1 and 2, mean BD:SL ≥ 0.31, suggesting that a BD:SL ratio of ≤ 0.30 in non-weaned dusky kob larvae is an indicator of a degree of starvation. A future study on the morphology and histology of the larval gastrointestinal tract, specifically the liver and intestines, and how this early weaning regime affects their ontogeny under differing temperature conditions this needed to investigate the validity of these initial data on dusky kob larvae condition.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Characterisation of surfaces modified with phthalocyanines through click chemistry for applications in electrochemical sensing
- O'Donoghue, Charles St John Nqwabuko
- Authors: O'Donoghue, Charles St John Nqwabuko
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Electrodes, Carbon , Phthalocyanines , X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy , Electrochemistry , Electrochemical sensors , Hydrazine , Click chemistry
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/58046 , vital:27038
- Description: One form of surface modification was primarily investigated in this work on glassy carbon electrodes. The form of modification is comprised of a series of steps in which electrografting is first applied to the glassy carbon surface, which is then followed up with click chemistry to ultimately immobilise a phthalocyanine onto the surface. The modified glassy carbon electrodes and surfaces were characterised with a combination of scanning electrochemical microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and various electrochemical methods. In this work, three alkyne substituted phthalocyanines were used. Two novel phthalocyanines, with nickel and cobalt metal centres, were studied alongside a manganese phthalocyanine reported in literature. Each of the three phthalocyanines was modified at the peripheral position with a 1-hexyne group, via a glycosidic bond, yielding the terminal alkyne groups that were used for subsequent click reactions. In situ diazotisation was used to graft 4-azidoaniline groups to the surface of the glassy carbon electrode. The azide bearing 4- azidoaniline groups were thus used to anchor the tetra substituted phthalocyanines to the surface of the electrodes. This method yielded successful modification of the electrodes and lead to their application in sensing studies. The modified electrodes were primarily used to catalyse the common agricultural oxidising agent hydrazine.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: O'Donoghue, Charles St John Nqwabuko
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Electrodes, Carbon , Phthalocyanines , X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy , Electrochemistry , Electrochemical sensors , Hydrazine , Click chemistry
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/58046 , vital:27038
- Description: One form of surface modification was primarily investigated in this work on glassy carbon electrodes. The form of modification is comprised of a series of steps in which electrografting is first applied to the glassy carbon surface, which is then followed up with click chemistry to ultimately immobilise a phthalocyanine onto the surface. The modified glassy carbon electrodes and surfaces were characterised with a combination of scanning electrochemical microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and various electrochemical methods. In this work, three alkyne substituted phthalocyanines were used. Two novel phthalocyanines, with nickel and cobalt metal centres, were studied alongside a manganese phthalocyanine reported in literature. Each of the three phthalocyanines was modified at the peripheral position with a 1-hexyne group, via a glycosidic bond, yielding the terminal alkyne groups that were used for subsequent click reactions. In situ diazotisation was used to graft 4-azidoaniline groups to the surface of the glassy carbon electrode. The azide bearing 4- azidoaniline groups were thus used to anchor the tetra substituted phthalocyanines to the surface of the electrodes. This method yielded successful modification of the electrodes and lead to their application in sensing studies. The modified electrodes were primarily used to catalyse the common agricultural oxidising agent hydrazine.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Regional and community food systems for rural households :|bthe case of maize in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Qangule, Mondli
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agricultural systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10232 , vital:35383
- Description: Smallholder farmers have been growing food in their communities, but some are still food insecure. Therefore, appropriate food systems are very important for smallholder farmers’ self-reliance as well as food and nutrition security. The study focuses only on community and regional maize food systems for rural households. The main aim of this study was to investigate the regional and community food systems for smallholder maize farmers in Mqanduli. The objectives of the study were to profile smallholder maize farmers, describing the existing maize food systems and patterns in Mqanduli and also to determine factors that influence farmers’ participation in local or regional markets. Availability or convenient sampling and random sampling techniques were used to collect primary data from smallholder maize farmers. Descriptive statistics was used to profile smallholder farmers, as well as, in describing the existing maize food systems at Mqanduli. The binary logistic regression model was used to analyse the variables that had influenced the smallholder famers’ participation in markets. Descriptive results revealed that, smallholder maize farmers in Mqanduli are characterised by high participation in both local and regional markets. Moreover, they utilized both community and regional food systems. Logistic regression results indicated that, out of 11 variables included in the analysis as factors influencing farmers’ participation, 6 of them (age, level of education, market information, distance, access to credit and extension visit) were found to be significant and 5 (gender, amount of land, transport availability etc) were not significant. However, access to credit and distance were found to be the most significant variables, showing a positive relationship to smallholder maize producer`s market participation. Therefore, it was recommended that, there must be more investment in research by government and policy makers when it comes to food systems especially in rural areas, to enhance smallholders’ livelihood. More access to credit is also needed by farmers in order to be able to market their produces.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Qangule, Mondli
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agricultural systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10232 , vital:35383
- Description: Smallholder farmers have been growing food in their communities, but some are still food insecure. Therefore, appropriate food systems are very important for smallholder farmers’ self-reliance as well as food and nutrition security. The study focuses only on community and regional maize food systems for rural households. The main aim of this study was to investigate the regional and community food systems for smallholder maize farmers in Mqanduli. The objectives of the study were to profile smallholder maize farmers, describing the existing maize food systems and patterns in Mqanduli and also to determine factors that influence farmers’ participation in local or regional markets. Availability or convenient sampling and random sampling techniques were used to collect primary data from smallholder maize farmers. Descriptive statistics was used to profile smallholder farmers, as well as, in describing the existing maize food systems at Mqanduli. The binary logistic regression model was used to analyse the variables that had influenced the smallholder famers’ participation in markets. Descriptive results revealed that, smallholder maize farmers in Mqanduli are characterised by high participation in both local and regional markets. Moreover, they utilized both community and regional food systems. Logistic regression results indicated that, out of 11 variables included in the analysis as factors influencing farmers’ participation, 6 of them (age, level of education, market information, distance, access to credit and extension visit) were found to be significant and 5 (gender, amount of land, transport availability etc) were not significant. However, access to credit and distance were found to be the most significant variables, showing a positive relationship to smallholder maize producer`s market participation. Therefore, it was recommended that, there must be more investment in research by government and policy makers when it comes to food systems especially in rural areas, to enhance smallholders’ livelihood. More access to credit is also needed by farmers in order to be able to market their produces.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Towards determining the dietary lysine requirement in the South African abalone, Haliotis midae
- Authors: Lloyd, Kyle Everett
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/1024 , vital:20014
- Description: Animals generally do not have a requirement for protein, but instead have a requirement for specific essential amino acids (EAAs) and non-essential amino acids (NEAAs). The NEAAs are those that can be synthesised by the animal, however, EAAs cannot be synthesised and must therefore be supplied as part of the diet. When these amino acids (AAs) are supplied in the correct ratios and with the correct level of digestible energy, nutritionists can maximise somatic growth from proteins. This has resulted in increased research into the use of crystalline AAs as a tool in feed formulation research in order to quantify the AA requirements in aquaculture species, and allow for alternative protein sources (other than fishmeal) to be utilised. In common with other water soluble nutrients, leaching of crystalline AAs from diets prior to ingestion is of concern in an aquatic environment. Microencapsulation techniques have been successfully employed to restrict micronutrient leaching, and improve ingestion rates. In this research, LysiPEARL™ (Kemin®) was used as a means to determine the lysine requirement in Haliotis. midae. This encapsulated lysine product is used in the dairy cattle industry as an effective source of rumen bypass for intestinal release of lysine. It has previously been proposed that crystalline AAs are not suitable for AA studies in H. midae due to the slow feeding rates of the species as well as the solubility of these AAs. However, 90.00 % of supplemented lysine was maintained in this study after a six hour period of leaching, showing that if effective microencapsulation techniques are used, it is possible to use crystalline amino acids to supplement protein bound lysine in abalone feeds. Six isoenergetic (15.90 MJ/kg), isolipidic (6.00 %) and isonitrogenous (29.00 %) diets enriched with 5.52, 6.40, 7.28, 8.14, 9.00 and 9.86 % lysine (as a % of protein) were fed to triplicate groups of 20 H. midae (20.41 ± 1.95 mm SL 1.51 ± 0.44 g w.wt) for 90 days. Wet weight and shell length measurements were taken every 30 days and specific growth rate (SGR) (% body weight.day-1), feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), feed consumption (% body weight.day-1) and condition factor were calculated for each dietary treatment. Linear regression showed that FCR increased as dietary lysine increased (Regression analysis, p=0.031), and that PER reduced as dietary lysine increased (Regression analysis, p=0.026). Feed consumption also increased as dietary lysine increased (Regression analysis, p<0.001). The inclusion of lysine at 7.28 % of the total protein in the diet resulted in significantly superior SGR (0.57±0.01 % body weight.day-1) to that of 5.52 % (0.42±0.05 % body weight.day-1), FCR (1.51±0.05) to that of 8.14 % (1.99±0.21) and PER (2.45±0.07) to that of 8.14 % (1.99±0.18; ANOVA, p<0.05). There was a significant difference found in feed consumption (% body wt.d-1), with consumption increasing significantly between the first three dietary treatments and the last three dietary treatments (ANOVA, p<0.001). There was no significant improvement in SGR when dietary lysine increased above 7.28 % of the dietary protein in the diet, indicating that dietary lysine requirement was being met at 7.28 %, after which excess lysine promoted no growth response. The diet producing the best SGR, PER and FCR in this study was diet 3 which had a measured lysine content of 6.90 %. The results of the present study suggest that the lysine requirement in H. midae is in the range of 6.00 - 7.00 % of dietary protein. From these data amino acid ratios were used to estimate optimum inclusion levels of other essential amino acids. However, lysine availability in LysiPEARL™ may have resulted in over estimations due to the lipid encapsulation technique used, and haliotids limited ability to efficiently digest lipids. For this reason EAA requirements were suggested based on three different hypothetical scenarios of lysine availability from LysiPEARL™.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Lloyd, Kyle Everett
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/1024 , vital:20014
- Description: Animals generally do not have a requirement for protein, but instead have a requirement for specific essential amino acids (EAAs) and non-essential amino acids (NEAAs). The NEAAs are those that can be synthesised by the animal, however, EAAs cannot be synthesised and must therefore be supplied as part of the diet. When these amino acids (AAs) are supplied in the correct ratios and with the correct level of digestible energy, nutritionists can maximise somatic growth from proteins. This has resulted in increased research into the use of crystalline AAs as a tool in feed formulation research in order to quantify the AA requirements in aquaculture species, and allow for alternative protein sources (other than fishmeal) to be utilised. In common with other water soluble nutrients, leaching of crystalline AAs from diets prior to ingestion is of concern in an aquatic environment. Microencapsulation techniques have been successfully employed to restrict micronutrient leaching, and improve ingestion rates. In this research, LysiPEARL™ (Kemin®) was used as a means to determine the lysine requirement in Haliotis. midae. This encapsulated lysine product is used in the dairy cattle industry as an effective source of rumen bypass for intestinal release of lysine. It has previously been proposed that crystalline AAs are not suitable for AA studies in H. midae due to the slow feeding rates of the species as well as the solubility of these AAs. However, 90.00 % of supplemented lysine was maintained in this study after a six hour period of leaching, showing that if effective microencapsulation techniques are used, it is possible to use crystalline amino acids to supplement protein bound lysine in abalone feeds. Six isoenergetic (15.90 MJ/kg), isolipidic (6.00 %) and isonitrogenous (29.00 %) diets enriched with 5.52, 6.40, 7.28, 8.14, 9.00 and 9.86 % lysine (as a % of protein) were fed to triplicate groups of 20 H. midae (20.41 ± 1.95 mm SL 1.51 ± 0.44 g w.wt) for 90 days. Wet weight and shell length measurements were taken every 30 days and specific growth rate (SGR) (% body weight.day-1), feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), feed consumption (% body weight.day-1) and condition factor were calculated for each dietary treatment. Linear regression showed that FCR increased as dietary lysine increased (Regression analysis, p=0.031), and that PER reduced as dietary lysine increased (Regression analysis, p=0.026). Feed consumption also increased as dietary lysine increased (Regression analysis, p<0.001). The inclusion of lysine at 7.28 % of the total protein in the diet resulted in significantly superior SGR (0.57±0.01 % body weight.day-1) to that of 5.52 % (0.42±0.05 % body weight.day-1), FCR (1.51±0.05) to that of 8.14 % (1.99±0.21) and PER (2.45±0.07) to that of 8.14 % (1.99±0.18; ANOVA, p<0.05). There was a significant difference found in feed consumption (% body wt.d-1), with consumption increasing significantly between the first three dietary treatments and the last three dietary treatments (ANOVA, p<0.001). There was no significant improvement in SGR when dietary lysine increased above 7.28 % of the dietary protein in the diet, indicating that dietary lysine requirement was being met at 7.28 %, after which excess lysine promoted no growth response. The diet producing the best SGR, PER and FCR in this study was diet 3 which had a measured lysine content of 6.90 %. The results of the present study suggest that the lysine requirement in H. midae is in the range of 6.00 - 7.00 % of dietary protein. From these data amino acid ratios were used to estimate optimum inclusion levels of other essential amino acids. However, lysine availability in LysiPEARL™ may have resulted in over estimations due to the lipid encapsulation technique used, and haliotids limited ability to efficiently digest lipids. For this reason EAA requirements were suggested based on three different hypothetical scenarios of lysine availability from LysiPEARL™.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Finite element analysis of a composite sandwich beam subjected to a four point bend
- Authors: Hove, Darlington
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Sandwich construction -- Mathematical models , Composite materials -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10503 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1465 , Sandwich construction -- Mathematical models , Composite materials -- Research
- Description: The work in this dissertation deals with the global structural response and local damage effects of a simply supported natural fibre composite sandwich beam subjected to a four-point bend. For the global structural response, we are investigating the flexural behaviour of the composite sandwich beam. We begin by using the principle of virtual work to derive the linear and nonlinear Timoshenko beam theory. Based on these theories, we then proceed to develop the respective finite element models and then implement the numerical algorithm in MATLAB. Comparing the numerical results with experimental results from the CSIR, the numerical model correctly and qualitatively recovers the underlying mechanics with some noted deviances which are explained at the end. The local damage effect of interest is delamination and we begin by reviewing delamination theory with more emphasis on the cohesive zone model. The cohesive zone model relates the traction at the interface to the relative displacement of the interface thereby creating a material model of the interface. We then carry out a cohesive zone model delamination case study in MSC.Marc and MSC.Mentat software packages. The delamination modelling is carried out purely as a numerical study as there are no experimental results to validate the numerical results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Hove, Darlington
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Sandwich construction -- Mathematical models , Composite materials -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10503 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1465 , Sandwich construction -- Mathematical models , Composite materials -- Research
- Description: The work in this dissertation deals with the global structural response and local damage effects of a simply supported natural fibre composite sandwich beam subjected to a four-point bend. For the global structural response, we are investigating the flexural behaviour of the composite sandwich beam. We begin by using the principle of virtual work to derive the linear and nonlinear Timoshenko beam theory. Based on these theories, we then proceed to develop the respective finite element models and then implement the numerical algorithm in MATLAB. Comparing the numerical results with experimental results from the CSIR, the numerical model correctly and qualitatively recovers the underlying mechanics with some noted deviances which are explained at the end. The local damage effect of interest is delamination and we begin by reviewing delamination theory with more emphasis on the cohesive zone model. The cohesive zone model relates the traction at the interface to the relative displacement of the interface thereby creating a material model of the interface. We then carry out a cohesive zone model delamination case study in MSC.Marc and MSC.Mentat software packages. The delamination modelling is carried out purely as a numerical study as there are no experimental results to validate the numerical results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Sustainable construction (development) in the city of Cape Town
- Authors: Mgudlwa, Nosiyabonga Portia
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Biodiversity -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Cape Town
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9700 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015042
- Description: Considering the challenges faced by the City of Cape Town such as loss of biodiversity, limited supply of energy and unsustainable land use, it is argued that it is imperative for the construction industry to promote sustainable development. The objective of the research was to understand the contributions of the construction industry to over exploitation of resources such as biodiversity, energy and land. Secondly, the study considers initiatives to be undertaken by the construction industry to enhance the environment so as to promote sustainable development. The research mixed methods was used as the form of collecting required data. The collection of data comprised of the design and administration of open-ended and closed-ended questionnaires among a non-random selected population of building contractor, public works officials and practising Architectural firms within the City of Cape Town. The data obtained from open-ended questionnaire on building contractors and public works officials was analysed qualitatively and data from the closed-ended questionnaires through practising Architectural firms was analysed quantitatively. Research results showed that biodiversity in the City of Cape Town is under threat. Passive design has a significant role in protecting the biodiversity and should be encouraged by the construction industry and the City of Cape Town. The City of Cape Town should strongly enforce polices that support the conservation of biodiversity. This will have a positive impact through encouraging the construction industry to adhere to these polices. The City of Cape Town is faced with energy shortage. The construction industry needs to reduce its energy usage as a dominant energy user. This will be achieved through energy efficient designs and retrofitting the existing buildings. The City of Cape Town has a responsibility to promote sustainable land use. Land prices are highly priced in the City of Cape Town as a result the poor cannot enter the market without external assistance. The construction industry has a role to encourage sustainable land use in the city.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mgudlwa, Nosiyabonga Portia
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Biodiversity -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Cape Town
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9700 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015042
- Description: Considering the challenges faced by the City of Cape Town such as loss of biodiversity, limited supply of energy and unsustainable land use, it is argued that it is imperative for the construction industry to promote sustainable development. The objective of the research was to understand the contributions of the construction industry to over exploitation of resources such as biodiversity, energy and land. Secondly, the study considers initiatives to be undertaken by the construction industry to enhance the environment so as to promote sustainable development. The research mixed methods was used as the form of collecting required data. The collection of data comprised of the design and administration of open-ended and closed-ended questionnaires among a non-random selected population of building contractor, public works officials and practising Architectural firms within the City of Cape Town. The data obtained from open-ended questionnaire on building contractors and public works officials was analysed qualitatively and data from the closed-ended questionnaires through practising Architectural firms was analysed quantitatively. Research results showed that biodiversity in the City of Cape Town is under threat. Passive design has a significant role in protecting the biodiversity and should be encouraged by the construction industry and the City of Cape Town. The City of Cape Town should strongly enforce polices that support the conservation of biodiversity. This will have a positive impact through encouraging the construction industry to adhere to these polices. The City of Cape Town is faced with energy shortage. The construction industry needs to reduce its energy usage as a dominant energy user. This will be achieved through energy efficient designs and retrofitting the existing buildings. The City of Cape Town has a responsibility to promote sustainable land use. Land prices are highly priced in the City of Cape Town as a result the poor cannot enter the market without external assistance. The construction industry has a role to encourage sustainable land use in the city.
- Full Text:
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