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Setting new sustainability standards Water shortages and rising energy bills are driving the nationwide demand for sustainable property. We look at how green intitiatives in this sector are setting up SA for a brighter future WORDS: MIRIAM MANNAK :: PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
Century Property Developments’ The Hills Game Reserve Estate in Garsfontein, Pretoria
The Yacht Club on the Cape Town Foreshore, by Amdec Property Development
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A’s property sector is becoming greener every year. According to the 2018 World Green Building Trends report, the number of developers belonging to the Green Building Council of SA (GBCSA) rose from 31% to 51% between 2015 and 2018. This will likely translate into more green developments, including residential projects. The report shows that by 2021, 48% of South African developers will dedicate 60% of their projects to
green endeavours – up from 28% in 2015. Various elements are driving the market, including the increasing cost of water and energy and their declining availability. “Water shortages and loadshedding make resourceefficient homes increasingly attractive,” says Anthony Stroebel, GBCSA board member and head of strategy for the Pam Golding Property Group. “Properties listed with green attributes such as recycling, energy efficiency and water-
“Water shortages and load shedding make resourceefficient homes increasingly attractive” Anthony Stroebel, head of strategy, Pam Golding Property Group