Epilepsy SA goes green
JOBURG - The Epilepsy South Africa Gauteng Branch has saved substantially from going green.
The Epilepsy South Africa Gauteng branch is reaping the rewards of going green.
The branch has saved up to 50 percent and 30 percent on its electricity and water bills respectively.
Heat pumps were installed at the Geduld and Daggafontein centres to save electricity costs. “A heat pump is a highly efficient and cost effective method of heating water. It utilises the sun’s energy by extracting heat from the sun-warmed air and transfers it efficiently to the water,” the Gauteng branch’s public relations officer Saney Muller said.
A heat pump moves the heat from the outside air to the water, rather than create heat as a fossil fuel or electric resistance heater does. It can heat geyser water for up to 70 percent less cost than other less efficient methods.
The branch has also gone green by collecting rain water in tanks for gardening purposes.
“The borehole water at the Geduld centre is connected to our hydroponic watering system, therefore we also save costs on our water bill every month,” said Muller. “Now we can grow vegetables without the worry of the cost of water.”
The borehole water at the Daggafontein centre is used for laundry and watering the gardens.
For sustainability, the first Epilepsy South Africa charity shop was opened at the Geduld residential care centre in Springs. The shop accepts donations of anything from toys and clothes to furniture.
“We decided to open the charity shop to generate a sustainable income for the Gauteng branch. All funds generated from the shop will be used to provide integrated services for people with epilepsy and other disabilities that are placed in our care.”
Epilepsy South Africa, Gauteng branch wishes to express its sincere gratitude towards everyone involved in the installation of the boreholes.
Details: Gauteng Branch 011 816 2040, www.epilepsy.org.za
