Redefine takes the lead in green building performance with 3 new Net Zero Carbon certifications
Redefine Properties (JSE: RDF), a leading South African Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), has reinforced its position as an environmental frontrunner with 3 new Net Zero Carbon Level 2: Building & Occupant Emissions (Measured) certifications awarded by the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA).
This milestone brings the number of Net Zero Carbon certified buildings in Redefine’s South African portfolio to nine, the most of any REIT in the country. The newly certified assets include Convention Tower in Cape Town, as well as Alice Lane Phases 1, 2 and 3 and Ballyoaks Office Park, both located in Gauteng.
“Each certification is a testament to our ongoing commitment to sustainability and performance-driven building operations,” says Ursula Mpakanyane, Head of ESG at Redefine. “Through advanced energy optimisation and strategic use of verified carbon offsets, we are demonstrating that meaningful climate action is both achievable and impactful within the property sector.”
These achievements are underpinned by a rigorous evaluation process governed by the GBCSA’s Net Zero Carbon framework.
The GBCSA’s Level 2 certification recognises buildings that maintain net zero operational carbon emissions over a 12-month period. This is achieved through a combination of high-performance energy management, on-site or off-site renewable energy, and, where necessary, verified carbon offset strategies. The process is rigorous, requiring at least 12 months of measured energy data, verified carbon offset plans, and professional assessment against GBCSA criteria.
Redefine’s achievement reflects years of work to embed ESG into every stage of the property lifecycle. Properties were assessed in collaboration with Solid Green Consulting, who developed and executed carbon offset strategies aligned with Redefine’s sustainability-linked goals.
These additional accreditations follow the 2024 certifications for The Old Warehouse and The Terraces at Black River Park, and Commerce Square which achieved the country’s first Net Zero Carbon Level 2 Precinct certification. Prior to that, 90 Rivonia, 2 Pybus, and Rosebank Link all achieved their respective Net Zero Carbon Level 2 (Measured) certifications in 2023. Each asset contributes to Redefine’s long-term vision of futureproofing its portfolio while delivering meaningful value for both tenants and investors.
“These buildings not only offer sustainability in design and operational performance, but they also stand as flagship assets within our portfolio, setting a benchmark for future developments,” Mpakanyane adds.
Redefine is committed to achieving full net zero carbon performance across all new developments by 2030 and across all existing buildings by 2050. The REIT’s latest certifications mark another step toward meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 13 (Climate Action).
With sustainability integrated into its business model and culture, Redefine continues to demonstrate that responsible environmental stewardship and commercial performance can go hand in hand.
