As Africa’s industrialisation agenda gains momentum, Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are becoming powerful platforms for economic growth, export diversification, and infrastructure investment. Yet, the sustainability of these developments is critical to their long-term viability and global relevance. At the heart of KwaZulu-Natal’s premier business precinct, Dube TradePort Block D(Iziko@Dube)stands as a powerful example of how commercial developments can integrate sustainability at scale.

Commissioned by Dube TradePort Corporation (DTPC) and the green building strategy led by Green Building Design Group Africa (GreenBDG Africa), this flagship project has laid a robust foundation for sustainability integration—reinforcing environmental stewardship, operational efficiency, and long-term ESG value.

DTPC is uniquely recognised as the only facility in Africa, comprising an international airport, cargo terminal, warehousing, offices,and agricultural area. It is strategically located approximately 30 km north of Durban, positioned between Richards Bay and Durban Harbour, the two major seaports within South Africa with road and rail networks that connect DTPC to the rest of the continent.

The DTPC is characterised by several business areas, including

• Dube AgriZone which comprises greenhouses (for vegetables and cut flowers) and associated Packhouses, Tissue Culture Facility, Water Testing laboratory, Workshop, Hardening Facility, an indigenous plant nursery and a canteen;

• Dube Cargo Terminal;

• Dube City aims to be a green precinct with a business and trade environment directly connected to the airport.

• Dube iConnect, a provider of telecommunications and IT; and

• Dube TradeZone 1 is a freight-oriented trade zone.

As the Lead Green Building Consultant on the Block D development (Iziko@Dube), our sustainability team had the privilege of working with the design team and project stakeholders to embed sustainability principles from the outset. This wasn’t just about compliance or green certification—it was about co-creating a vision for how industrial and administrative spaces can contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s green economy transition.

Our team’s work centred around aligning the project with the Green Star SA rating system, the Green Building Council of South Africa’s benchmark for environmental sustainability.

Dube TradePort Block D (Iziko@Dube)

*The sustainability design team members were requested to guide the team in accordance to achieving green building design attributes for the project.*

A Green Star Preparedness Journey

Block D was envisioned not just as a premium office space—but as a catalyst for climate-smart infrastructure across Dube City. GreenBDG Africa guided the professional team through a full Green Star Preparedness Strategy, embedding sustainability across architectural design, engineering, procurement, and construction.

Through a structured six-phase methodology—from inception to handover—the project achieved:

Detailed Green Star technical specifications per discipline
Green Strategic workshops with architects, engineers, and contractors
Documentation aligned with Green Star Office v1.1 requirements
Ongoing ESG consultation and tracking across construction stages work was anchored in the Green Star SA rating system, administered by the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA). This internationally recognised framework assesses projects across nine key environmental categories:

Management: Embedding environmental best practices from project inception through to operation, including user engagement and performance monitoring.
Indoor Environmental Quality: Enhancing occupant health and comfort through clean air, thermal regulation, natural daylight, and adequate ventilation.
Energy: Driving efficiency with performance targets that surpass local standards, including SANS 10400-XA.
Water: Reducing consumption through water-wise technologies and conservation systems.
Materials: Prioritising locally sourced, low-impact, and non-toxic construction materials.
Land Use & Ecology: Minimising ecological disruption while enhancing biodiversity on site.
Emissions: Lowering building-related emissions, including refrigerant management and stormwater control.
Transport: Promoting access to low-emission transit, pedestrian networks, and cycling infrastructure.
Innovation: Rewarding original sustainability approaches that go beyond compliance.

Crucially, this development also forms the test bed for future environmentally friendly developments within Dube City, the planned urban core of the SEZ. As Dube City evolves into a smart, integrated regional hub, the lessons and innovations from this project will guide the broader implementation of green infrastructure and sustainable urban design across the precinct and potentially influence regional planning across Southern Africa.

✅ Sustainability Achievements

Upon commissioning, the building has delivered impactful green outcomes in as follows:

🌞 Environmental Design

Passive daylighting and external views
VOC control through smart material selection
40% improvement in greenhouse gas emissions vs. SANS baseline

💧 Resource Efficiency

Water-efficient fittings for toilets and urinals
Zero potable water for HVAC heat rejection
High recycled content in steel and reduced Portland cement mix

🚴 Mobility & Site Connectivity

Dedicated fuel-efficient vehicle bays
Cyclist facilities and sustainable parking ratios

🔧 Operational Preparedness

Environmental and Waste Management Plans
Online Green Star contractor training
Occupant health & comfort prioritised in ventilation design

🌍 Strategic Impact

Block D is more than a building—it’s a blueprint for Africa’s net-zero future. It:

Sets the benchmark for sustainable mixed-use development
Accelerates Dube TradePort’s circular economy and green finance goals
Informs a scalable ESG framework across the Dube City precinct
Enhances investor confidence through measurable performance metrics newly .

This project reflects a growing recognition among developers, investors, and government entities that green design is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for future-ready industrial ecosystems. The commissioned Block D office building posses not only green and sustainable building principles—it’s a model for what’s possible in Special Economic Zones across Africa. By aligning infrastructure development with climate-smart principles, we can deliver SEZs that are not only economically competitive, but also socially responsible and environmentally resilient.

Looking Ahead

As African nations continue to build and expand SEZs, the lessons from Dube TradePort’s Block D offer a valuable reference point. With the right vision, technical expertise, and stakeholder collaboration, green industrial development can become the new norm—driving job creation, climate action, and global competitiveness simultaneously.

At GreenBDG Africa, we remain committed to supporting this transition—one sustainable building at a time.

Learn more about this project here: GreenBDG Africa – Flagship Projects