Making an Impact
DEMYSTIFYING SUSTAINABLE FINANCE
Together with an international alliance of world leading green building rating system organisations, the Green Building Council of Australia has introduced the first practical guide as an essential tool to help kickstart the US$35 trillion investment needed by 2030 to achieve the global energy transition.
Financing Transformation: A Guide to Green Building for Green Bonds and Green Loans was launched on 27 June at an event hosted as part of London Climate Action Week, and details how various building verification and certification standards can be used to comply with global classifications and bond frameworks, in line with a sustainable 1.5°C climate threshold.
“Financing Transformation shows that any leading rating tool – whether it’s Green Star, LEED, BREEAM, Green Mark, HQE or NABERS – will ensure a better outcome for people, the planet and your balance sheet,” says GBCA CEO, Davina Rooney. For more, download the guide at https://shorturl.at/IY7Dk.
SAPOA NEWS
A RESILIENT RETAIL PROPERTY SECTOR
South Africa’s retail property sector continues to show resilience despite broader economic challenges, according to the latest South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) Retail Report for the quarter ended June 2024.
Despite ongoing structural challenges in the economy, such as high unemployment and elevated interest rates, the retail property sector continues to benefit from stabilised power supply, rising footfall and improved vacancy rates.
The trading performance of South Africa’s major institutionally owned malls maintained positive growth, outpacing inflation and highlighting the relative strength of this sector compared to the general retail market.
Taking the helm
At the SAPOA Annual Convention on 3-5 September this year, Itumeleng Mothibeli stepped into his role as the new president of SAPOA with a clear and ambitious vision: to steer the property sector towards inclusive growth, innovation and transformation.
As Managing Director for Southern Africa at Vukile Property Fund, Mothibeli brings a wealth of industry expertise and is determined to empower the property sector to drive solutions for some of South Africa’s most pressing socio-economic challenges: “Our industry is at a pivotal moment. We have the power to not only shape the skylines but also to shape the future of our country. By investing in education, embracing research and strengthening partnerships, we can ensure that our growth is both sustainable and inclusive.”
Not your average garden variety…
Leading sustainable residential estate developer Balwin Properties is redefining the idea of community by integrating wellness, sustainability and greener living. In an effort to create a healthier, eco-friendly lifestyle – at the same time helping residents connect with one another – Balwin is including community vegetable gardens across its estates.
Estate communities with gardens can reduce their carbon footprint by growing their own vegetables, minimising the need for transportation and packaging. The veggie gardens also promote sustainable practices such as composting, water conservation and the use of organic fertilisers. KwaZulu-Natal General Manager at Balwin Properties Kyle Gallagher says, “By incorporating community gardens into our estates, we encourage residents to actively engage with the environment, reduce their carbon footprint, and create a legacy of environmental stewardship that will benefit future generations.”
SA REIT Sustainability Guide
Aimed at establishing sustainability standards and best practice benchmarks for the real estate sector in South Africa is a new sustainability guide, introduced by the South African Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT) Association in partnership with Nedbank CIB. The Sustainability Disclosure Guide for South African REITs provides actionable strategies to enhance environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance in the sector. Joanne Solomon, Chief Executive Officer of SA REIT Association says, “The SA REIT Sustainability Guide will equip our members with the tools needed to implement sustainable practices, contributing to the long-term resilience and success of the real estate sector.”
Nedbank CIB is a leader in promoting sustainability within the financial and real estate sectors and consistently champions initiatives that integrate ESG considerations into business operations and investment decisions. The bank has an extensive portfolio of green finance solutions, including green bonds, sustainability-linked loans and renewable energy project financing. Says Genevieve Naidoo, Property Finance Divisional Executive at Nedbank CIB, “Our collaboration with SA REIT on the SA REIT Sustainability Guide reflects Nedbank CIB’s ongoing dedication to advancing sustainability across all sectors, particularly in real estate.”
Scheduled to launch before the end of 2024, the guide will be available to SA REIT members and the public. For more information, please email info@sareit.co.za.
SMART THINKING
Eskom’s proposal to raise electricity tariffs by 36% in 2026 is under review by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa). Local property owners face significant financial changes and, according to Francois Conradie, Technology Sales Engineer at Remote Metering Solutions (RMS), would do well to consider adopting energy-saving technologies like smart meters to mitigate these financial pressures.
Since their inception in 1972, smart meters have evolved significantly. These digital devices continue to replace traditional meters in response to growing concerns over energy consumption and efficiency, and now facilitate two-way communication and record data such as electric energy consumption, voltage levels, current and power factor between the meter and electricity suppliers. This capability provides real-time or near real-time data, improving effectiveness and accuracy in energy consumption monitoring, system management, and customer billing for residential and commercial properties.
Initiatives like the World Green Building Council’s Africa Manifesto For Sustainable Cities & The Built Environment advocate integrating smart grid technologies to enhance energy infrastructure efficiency, among other goals. With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Big Data, we’re in a new era for residential and commercial energy management.
