Canal Walk Shopping Centre has earned top honours with a 5-Star Green Star rating for its outstanding environmental performance. 

This accolade by the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) affirms Canal Walk’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and positions it as a leader in the property industry for sustainable practices. 

Achieving green 

The property industry holds a unique capacity to drive significant long-term environmental advancements through a variety of strategies, which can drive behavioural changes across all levels of the supply chain, essential for building a sustainable future. 

Canal Walk’s commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through a variety of initiatives that contribute to its high environmental performance. Key achievements include: 

• Energy efficiency: Canal Walk has reduced its energy consumption by 34% compared to a 2009 baseline, setting a benchmark for energy efficiency in the industry. 
• Water conservation: The shopping centre’s water usage is 44% more efficient than the industry average, thanks to a series of innovative water-saving measures. 
• Waste management: Canal Walk has significantly reduced its waste sent to landfill by implementing sustainable waste management practices, including the installation of a 40-ton in-vessel composter to handle food waste. 
• Sustainable operations: The replacement of hazardous cleaning chemicals with environmentally friendly products ensures that the shopping centre not only protects the environment but also enhances the health and well-being of its visitors and staff. 

The shopping centre’s water usage is 44% more efficient than the industry average, thanks to a series of innovative water-saving measures

Culture of sustainability 

Gavin Wood, general manager of Canal Walk Shopping Centre, recognised this achievement, stating: “This 5-Star Green Star rating is a significant milestone for Canal Walk and a reflection of the dedication and hard work of our entire team. We are extremely proud to be recognised for our ongoing efforts in creating a safe, green space where people can connect and be part of a community.” 

Canal Walk, which is co-owned by Hyprop Investments Limited and Ellerine Bros., continues to lead by example in the transformation of the built environment. The centre is reducing its environmental impact and entrenching a culture of sustainability within the community it serves. 

Canal Walk has achieved a 5-Star Green Star rating, demonstrating environmental leadership in the retail sector through energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor environment quality and resource management. 

Full acknowledgement and thanks go to Canal Walk for the information in this article.