In a groundbreaking initiative to promote sustainable and affordable housing, representatives from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) recently embarked on a visit to innovative housing projects in Johannesburg, South Africa. These projects, certified by Edge, the green building certification developed by the IFC, offer valuable insights and inspiration for other African countries seeking to ensure green housing solutions for their growing populations.
Two standout projects, Inkanyezi Village in Katlehong and Wisani Heights in Soweto, are the brainchildren of Alleyroads Holdings. This award-winning, national-scale property developer and landlord is dedicated to the creation of sustainable, green affordable housing. The visit to these sites showcased their commitment to environmentally responsible housing solutions.
The tour also included a stop at Jewel City, nestled in the heart of historic Johannesburg, where Divercity is transforming former office buildings into affordable urban housing. These new green homes are designed to reduce energy and water consumption, as well as the embodied carbon in building materials, by a minimum of 20%—in line with the Edge certification standards.
Diep Nguyen-van Houtte, senior manager for climate business at IFC, expressed her enthusiasm for the affordable housing developments, highlighting their green and socially inclusive design. She emphasized Edge’s mission to encourage developers to retrofit existing buildings to enhance resource efficiency and accessibility—a message that resonates for both new and existing developments, even in settings with tighter budgets.
Alleyroads made history in 2022 by becoming an Edge champion, committing over 200,000 square meters for Edge certification. They also became the first property developer in South Africa to certify a project through Edge version 3, known for its more stringent benchmarks compared to the previous version 2. Ivan Pretorius, the chief operating officer of Alleyroads, shared his ambition to lead the way as the first residential developer in Africa with a zero-carbon certified property development. The company is in the process of certifying 21 projects, including existing buildings, showcasing their dedication to environmentally conscious construction practices and substantial water and energy savings.
Divercity, on the other hand, is revitalizing Jewel City, a location renowned for its use in advertisements and Hollywood movies. Their investment not only addresses the need for affordable and energy-efficient housing but also seeks to enhance the entire neighborhood, creating safe spaces for children and fostering a walkable community spirit.
With approximately 70% of new building in South Africa occurring in the residential sector, the need for sustainable housing is evident. Edge, certified by GBCSA (Green Building Council South Africa), dominates the residential green-building certification market, with more than 90% of certifications. This serves as a testament to the success and relevance of green housing initiatives in South Africa.
The journey through these innovative green housing projects in South Africa serves as an inspiring model for other African nations. It underscores the feasibility of environmentally responsible housing development, whether through new constructions or retrofitting existing buildings. By embracing green housing, African countries can address pressing housing needs while reducing their environmental footprint, ultimately creating more sustainable and resilient communities for the future.