en.Wedoany.com Reported - Growthpoint Properties (JSE: GRT) has achieved 12 net zero carbon certified projects across its office, logistics, and industrial portfolios in South Africa, marking a significant milestone in the company's sustainability journey.
This achievement is part of Growthpoint's broader strategy to complete net zero carbon certification for 20 buildings by 2028, supporting its goal of achieving carbon neutrality across its entire portfolio by 2050. These projects align with the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) Net Zero Carbon certification framework, which recognizes buildings where operational carbon emissions are measured, minimized to the greatest extent possible, and balanced through renewable energy and verified offsets.
The certified portfolio includes premium office developments as well as high-performance logistics and industrial facilities, many of which integrate rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, energy-efficient building systems, and detailed energy monitoring technologies designed to reduce reliance on grid electricity and enhance operational performance.
Engelbert Binedell, Chief Operating Officer of Growthpoint Properties, stated that reducing operational carbon emissions across the entire portfolio is a crucial component of future-proofing the business, supporting clients, and transitioning to a low-carbon built environment. He added that these projects demonstrate that meaningful decarbonization in the real estate sector requires a combination of energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, data-driven operational management, and long-term planning, while also forming part of a broader strategy to gradually reduce reliance on carbon offsets as cleaner energy becomes more accessible and scalable.
The logistics and industrial portfolio is a strong contributor to Growthpoint's net zero carbon progress, with certified assets including Monteer in Isando, Ebony in Meadowdale, Growthpoint Industrial Estate in Germiston, GIE Portions 1 & 2 of Erf 308 in Meadowdale, Meadowbrook Estate in Germiston, Trade Park in Mount Edgecombe, and 20 Rustic Close in Durban North. Compared to typical industrial buildings, most of these projects have achieved significant improvements in energy performance through large-scale rooftop solar PV installations and operational efficiency interventions, with Monteer achieving a 79% improvement, Ebony 73%, and Growthpoint Industrial Estate 69%.
Meadowbrook Estate achieved net zero carbon certification with 0% offsets, demonstrating how efficient buildings combined with on-site renewable energy can significantly reduce operational carbon dependence. Jason Reeves, Head of Asset Management for Growthpoint's Logistics and Industrial Portfolio, noted that the logistics and industrial sector offers significant opportunities to improve energy performance at scale, particularly through solar PV deployment, operational optimization, and better energy visibility. As client expectations evolve and energy resilience becomes increasingly important, these certifications show that industrial buildings can achieve meaningful operational carbon reductions while supporting efficient logistics and distribution operations.
To support these certifications, Growthpoint's industrial portfolio also purchased carbon credits from the Verra-registered Orizon CarbonCrop program, marking the first procurement of carbon credits from this program. Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) were also used in some projects to address emissions associated with electricity purchased from the national grid.
In the office portfolio, certified buildings include 144 Oxford in Rosebank, Exxaro Lakeside 2 in Centurion, Inanda Greens Business Park in Sandton, 33 Bree & 30 Waterkant in Cape Town, and the Longkloof offices within a mixed-use precinct in Cape Town. These buildings typically feature high-performance facades, efficient HVAC systems, daylight harvesting technologies, and rooftop solar PV systems designed to improve energy efficiency and occupant comfort while reducing operational emissions. At Exxaro Lakeside 2, strategic interventions resulted in a 50% improvement in energy performance compared to a typical office building, while Inanda Greens Business Park achieved a 71% improvement.
Timothy Irvine, Head of Asset Management for Growthpoint's Office Portfolio, pointed out that tenants' growing focus on sustainability is progressively shaping the future of premium office spaces. Clients are increasingly seeking cost-effective workspaces that support their operations and sustainability goals. Net zero carbon certification is becoming an important part of demonstrating building resource efficiency and associated cost savings, while creating resilient, future-proof office environments that balance energy performance, tenant well-being, and long-term operational efficiency.
Growthpoint's decarbonization strategy also includes a greater focus on energy efficiency, rooftop solar expansion, direct renewable energy supply, and long-term renewable energy power purchase agreements, aimed at gradually reducing dependence on carbon-intensive electricity supply. In 2023, Growthpoint signed a long-term power purchase agreement with Etana Energy, which, when fully implemented, will directly supply approximately 195 GWh of renewable electricity annually to selected properties in South Africa. This initiative is expected to support an increasing number of Growthpoint properties in qualifying for future net zero carbon certification, while progressively reducing reliance on offsets.
Currently, Growthpoint holds 141 green building certifications across its portfolio, reflecting the scale of its ongoing investment in sustainable property performance and operational resilience. Binedell concluded that as the South African real estate sector continues to navigate energy insecurity, climate risks, and evolving tenant expectations, Growthpoint's expanding net zero carbon project portfolio reinforces its leading position in the development and operation of sustainable commercial real estate in the country.
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