AGRÉMENT SOUTH AFRICA Briefing to the Portfolio Committee

Outline Background to Agrément Current mandate Organisational structure Outputs of innovative systems certificated Impact Achievements Relevance Opportunities Audited financial statements Governance Future plans

Background to “Agrément”? The word “Agrément” is French and means consent or approval. The Board of AGRÉMENT SOUTH AFRICA is an objective, independent agency. Agrément evaluates the fitness-for- purpose of non-standardised construction products. Agrément operates under a ministerial delegation of authority from the Minister of Public Works.

Current Mandate Agrément South Africa shall support and promote the process of integrated socio-economic development in South Africa as it relates to the construction industry by facilitating the introduction, application and utilisation of satisfactory innovation and technology development, in a manner which will add value to the process and by doing so enhance Agrément South Africa’s position as the internationally acknowledged, objective South African centre for the assessment and certification of non-standardised construction products.

Current Mandate Agrément South Africa shall do this inter alia by providing assurance of fitness-for-purpose of such technologies which optimise resource utilisation and realise cost savings in the industry. In assessing fitness-for-purpose, a holistic view must be taken which includes technical, commercial and social factors. Several catastrophic failures have been experienced worldwide with the introduction of new and untested technology. Failures of imported non-standard technology are prevented by comprehensive technical assessment by Agrément South Africa.

Roles of CSIR & SABS

Organizational structure

Transformation of staff compliment

OUTPUTS OF INNOVATIVE SYSTEMS CERTIFICATED 2005/6 Salutron Pan Gully Combination Trap Quick Sill Africote Plaster Technology Kolorcote-T Wall Coating Thyssenkrupp Affordable Comfort Homes Isotherm Thermal Insulation Isoboard® Over Purlin Roof Insulation Arma Tile Roofing System Duraline Khusela Emanzini Coating System

IMPACT 422 certificates have been issued since certificates are currently valid (2007). Agrément South Africa criteria are rigorous, hence products certified are fit for purpose. Widespread use of several Agrément certificated products e.g. –Hollow concrete blocks –Metal roof tiles –Lightweight internal partitions –Hard drawn copper tubing –Variety of waterproofing and wall coating materials –Plastic bath tub.

RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS Ongoing support of National Building Regulations and participation in the revision of SANS Ongoing support to policy-makers, government and other regulatory bodies. Establishment of new technical assessment criteria for thin bituminous surfacing systems. Ongoing staff training and development including the technical development of staff members and interns. Various interactions with national departments during the year in order to link the Agency with the various departments' and national priorities.

RELEVANCE Innovative building systems can offer an alternative with regard to the current shortage of conventional construction materials due to the upsurge in construction activities. Several innovative building systems have great socio-economic potential. Some innovative construction technologies have superior energy efficiency performance in comparison to conventional construction materials. Improved energy efficiency will contribute toward sustainable development.

OPPORTUNITIES Several of the innovative building systems target the affordable housing market, which is averse to the use of innovative building systems. An opportunity now exists to introduce these technologies to the greater majority of the South African population. Some of the certificate holders of innovative building systems lack the financial resources to market their products effectively. There is now an opportunity for greater publicity for innovative construction systems and products. Development of human resources and transformation. Enhancing the skill of technical assessors by offering mentorship by more experienced assessors.

OPPORTUNITIES Improving the turn-around time required to carry out technical assessments due the envisaged national re-investment in laboratory equipment. The identification of areas in the building and construction industry where Agrément’s particular expertise can best serve the country in terms of its mandate. The introduction of additional aspects to be covered by Agrément evaluations viz, economic viability, cost benefit and consumer acceptability.

AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENT

GOVERNANCE Agrément has eight Board members who are all appointed by the Minister of Public Works. The Technical Agency is managed by and reports to the Director of the CSIR Built Environment Unit. The Technical Agency uses the CSIR Financial and Project Management systems to manage its day-to- day activities. This ensures that all activities are executed in compliance with the PFMA. Board conducts an annual Strategic Planning Session and sets the strategic direction for the Technical Agency.

GOVERNANCE The Board of Agrément holds at least four meetings annually. The Technical Committee of the Board meets six times a year to approve certificates and to deliberate on technical issues. Since Agrément South Africa’s finances are managed by the CSIR, the Agency’s financial statements are audited as part and parcel of the CSIR’s finances. The Agency has received a clean bill of health from the previous year’s Audit Report.

FUTURE PLANS Agrément will continue to play an important role in assessing the fitness-for-purpose of innovative construction products and building systems. Substandard products will be prevented from getting to the market. Agrément reduces the risk involved in the use of untested innovations. Improved benefits from the CSIR Built Environment Unit’s return to cutting-edge research will enhance Agrément’s position. Agrément South Africa nominated to host the annual meeting of the World Federation of Technical Assessment Organisations in September 2008.

CONCLUSION Agrément will continue to play a critical role in the technical assessment of innovative construction materials and building systems as well as assessing the fitness for purpose of such products. THANK YOU