Sustainability Insights
As a leading advisory partner in sustainability projects, we pride ourselves on providing thought leadership on sustainable trends, latest developments on legislation, and industry guidelines. We keep our clients ahead of the curve in understanding the evolving sustainability regulatory landscape in our various markets of operation. The insights here assits our clients navigate the opportunities to integrate sustainability into their real estate operations and market value chains. With the growing emphasis on environmental responsibility, we are committed to supporting businesses in aligning with both local and global climate goals, ensuring not just compliance but also enhanced profitability through sustainable practices.
Greening Africa’s Special Economic Zones: A Case Study from Dube TradePort SEZ
Discover how GreenBDG Africa is leading the green transformation of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) through its work at Dube TradePort SEZ’s Block D Admin Office. Designed in line with Green Star SA certification requirements, this project sets a benchmark for sustainable, energy-efficient, technology-led climate-resilient infrastructure in South Africa.
Driving Sustainability Through Energy Performance Certificates in Real Estate: Insights from South Africa, the USA, the UK, Europe, and Asia
The real estate market accounts for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, making energy efficiency a top priority for climate action. Around the world, tools like Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and benchmarks such as ENERGY STAR and Green Mark are transforming how buildings are rated, valued, and managed. This article explores how markets in South Africa, the USA, the UK, Germany, and Singapore are leveraging energy performance frameworks to drive sustainability, unlock green finance, and align real estate with global ESG goals.
Turning Policy into Action: Beating Plastic Pollution Through Design, Data, and Dialogue
Discover how GreenBDG Africa is turning South Africa’s waste policies into action this World Environment Day 2025. From municipal IWMPs to green construction at Dube TradePort, Managing Director Songo Didiza reflects on how design, data, and dialogue—powered by the Green Café platform—are helping beat plastic pollution and build a circular economy.
12L Income Tax Allowance on Energy Efficiency Savings Extended till 2030
Discover how South Africa's Section 12L tax incentive allows businesses to claim deductions of 95c per verified kWh of energy savings, extended through 2030. This powerful tool supports energy efficiency in high-consumption sectors like manufacturing and mining, with verified savings certified by SANEDI and measured by accredited M&V professionals. Learn how GreenBDG Africa helps reduce M&V costs through its in-house body, making participation more accessible. Explore eligibility, project types, and ROI considerations for leveraging the 12L incentive in your sustainability strategy.
Mandatory Display and Submission of Energy Performance Certificates
In South Africa, Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are mandatory for certain non-residential buildings, specifically those with a net floor area of 2000 square meters or more in the private sector and 1000 square meters or more for buildings owned, occupied, or operated by an organ of the state.These certificates, which rate a building's energy efficiency on a scale of A to G, must be displayed publicly and submitted to SANEDI. The deadline for compliance, including display and submission, is December 8, 2025. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to R5 million, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
Carbon Credits in Africa: A Catalyst for Growth and Sustainability
Carbon credits are proving to be a game-changer for Africa, balancing environmental responsibility with economic growth. From South Africa’s clean energy investments to Kenya’s agricultural projects, African nations are pioneering innovative ways to tackle emissions while enhancing financial resilience.
The Benefits of Carbon Credits for the Real Estate Industry in South Africa
The real estate industry in South Africa stands to gain substantially from carbon credits, offering a sustainable revenue model while meeting regulatory requirements. By implementing renewable energy and energy-efficient measures, property owners can generate both financial returns through the sale of carbon credits.
The ability to claim retrospective carbon credits further enhances the value of past investments, making carbon credits an attractive tool for real estate companies looking to stay ahead of the curve in sustainability and regulatory compliance.
The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)
The European Union's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) introduces rigorous sustainability reporting requirements for companies operating within and exporting to the EU. Countries that trade in the EU will need to start gathering the supplier information and start mapping emission data as the regulations require Scope 3 data to be included in CSRD reporting.
Building Owners Must Register their Eligible Buildings by 2 August 2024
Building Owners and Accounting Officers are required to submit eligible building data, types and energy consumption by 2 August 2024.
ESG and ISO Standards
The synergy between ISO standards and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting frameworks is fundamental to advancing sustainable business practices and ensuring comprehensive transparency and accountability.