


A Green approach to healthcare
Cintocare is proud to be South Africa’s first Custom Healthcare Design-certified facility and the recipient of a prestigious 5-Star Green Star Design rating.
From conception through construction, the project integrates innovative sustainable design and management features. Our focus goes beyond creating an exceptional healing environment — we ensure the facility operates efficiently and responsibly, delivering wellness for both patients and the planet.

SITE AND LOCATION
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Cintocare is situated in the vibrant Menlyn Maine Precinct within the City of Tshwane—an innovative, connected green city where every building is designed to achieve a minimum 4-Star Green Star certification.
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The facility benefits from excellent public transport links, including proximity to a Gautrain station and municipal bus routes, significantly reducing dependence on private vehicles and lowering associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
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This project is a sustainable redevelopment of an existing site located within the approved urban edge, helping to minimize urban sprawl and preserve natural surroundings.
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A dedicated pedestrian link connects Cintocare directly to the Central Square centre, offering patients, visitors, and staff safe, walkable access to a wide range of amenities.
MANAGEMENT AND APPROPRIATE PROCEDURES
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A Green Star SA accredited professional provided expert sustainability guidance throughout the design and construction phases.
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An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) was strictly enforced during construction to minimise environmental impacts such as dust and noise pollution, water contamination, traffic congestion, and general construction-related pollution.
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The contractor implemented a Waste Management Plan that successfully diverted 70% of all construction waste from landfill, promoting responsible resource use.
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To raise awareness, educational displays showcasing at least three key sustainability initiatives—such as energy and water efficiency measures and operational waste recycling tracking—were integrated throughout the facility for both occupants and visitors.
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Early collaboration with the facilities management team ensured that preliminary design reviews informed necessary adjustments, resulting in a facility optimized for operational efficiency and sustainability.
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Additionally, a Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan was implemented to minimise indoor air quality issues during construction, safeguarding the health and comfort of both construction workers and future building occupants.
ENHANCED INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
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The façade features extensive glazing to maximize natural daylight, with over 92% of patient rooms offering external views, further enhanced by a centrally day-lit atrium throughout the facility.
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Adjustable blinds are installed to minimize glare and improve visual comfort.
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Fresh air ventilation exceeds the requirements of SANS 10400-O:2011, promoting occupant wellbeing and productivity.
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Acoustic design measures maintain internal noise levels between 40 and 45 dB, reducing distractions and supporting staff cognitive performance.
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Interior finishes were carefully selected for low or zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ensuring a healthy indoor environment.
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Two designated respite areas provide medical staff and visitors with calming connections to nature.
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Smoking is strictly prohibited within the building to protect indoor air quality and reduce health risks.
IMPROVED ENERGY EFFICIENCY
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The facility incorporates efficient building systems—including air conditioning, lighting, domestic hot water heating and lifts - resulting in an anticipated 63% reduction in energy consumption compared to a standard SANS 204-compliant building.
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Performance glazing optimizes natural light penetration while minimizing solar heat gain, enhancing comfort and reducing cooling loads.
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Over 40 energy meters are installed to continuously monitor and manage energy use throughout the building.
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A sophisticated Building Management System (BMS) enables precise commissioning and ongoing optimization of building services for maximum operational efficiency.
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Strategic lighting zoning combined with occupancy sensors ensures lights are automatically turned off in unoccupied areas, conserving energy.
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Energy-efficient heat pumps provide domestic hot water, further reducing the building’s energy footprint.
TRANSPORT
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Preferential parking for fuel-efficient vehicles and motorbikes/scooters, and a number of charging points for electric or hybrid vehicles.
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Bicycle parking for visitors and medical staff, with associated cyclist facilities including showers, ablutions and lockers are provided on site.
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A wide range of amenities is within walking distance, and there is also unimpeded access to the Central Square shopping centre through a physical link between the two facilities.
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Cintocare will promote the use of public transport by displaying information on transport modes and schedules on a display in the common area.
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Visitors are provided with cyclist facilities, access to a range of public transport options, or can make use of the dedicated visitors parking in the Cintocare facility. Alternatively, they can park in the adjacent Central Park retail car park, which is provided with an easy access link into the Cintocare building.
IMPROVED WATER EFFICIENCY
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The building’s overall water consumption is expected to be at least 30% lower than that of a comparable best-practice facility.
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Water-efficient sanitary fittings and fixtures with low flow rates are installed throughout the facility to minimise consumption.
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A 45 kL rainwater storage tank captures rainwater, which is treated and used for urinal flushing, in line with infection control protocols.
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A 204 kL storage tank is used to collect and store water from routine fire protection tests, allowing for the reuse of potable water and reducing unnecessary water waste.
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Fire test water is recirculated through the fire tank to further minimise water loss.
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61 water meters are installed to monitor usage, assist in leak detection, and ensure precise water management.
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Air-cooled chillers are used instead of water-cooled systems to reduce water consumption for heat rejection.
MATERIALS AND WASTE
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Cement substitution: At least 30% of ordinary Portland cement is replaced with fly ash, significantly lowering the carbon footprint of concrete used in the project.
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Recycled steel: All reinforcing steel contains over 90% post-consumer recycled content, supporting the circular economy.
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Locally sourced materials are prioritized to reduce emissions from long-distance transportation and support regional suppliers.
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The building was delivered as a fully integrated fit-out, eliminating the need for immediate tenant renovations and reducing unnecessary material use and construction waste.
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70% of construction waste was successfully diverted from landfill through reuse and recycling initiatives.
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A dedicated waste sorting and recycling area is provided within the building, supported by clearly marked bins throughout the facility to enable separation at source and ongoing operational recycling.
LAND-USE AND ECOLOGY
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Cintocare supports environmentally responsible land-use practices that reduce ecological impact and promote sustainability.
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This approach contributes to improved thermal comfort, energy efficiency, and ecological preservation in and around the facility.
EMISSION
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Sewage outflow is reduced by 29% compared to standard benchmark buildings, easing pressure on municipal systems and supporting responsible water management.
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The project uses no evaporative cooling towers, eliminating the associated risk of Legionella and reducing water usage.
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100% of insulation materials and qualifying HVAC refrigerants used in the facility have zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP), helping to protect the earth’s stratospheric ozone layer and minimize long-term environmental harm.