Setting new standards for sustainability, the Liberty Midlands Mall in Pietermaritzburg is the first mall in KwaZulu-Natal to achieve a “net-zero – level 2 operational waste” certification. 

This environmental achievement marks a first in the province, building on the five-star Green Star Existing Building Performance (EBP) rating that the centre was awarded by the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) in 2021.  

Jewel of the Midlands 

Measuring an impressive 78 249m² gross leasable area (GLA), the Liberty Midlands Mall is the largest and most popular retail destination in the Pietermaritzburg area.  

Home to over 165 local and global retail stores, it offers a unique retail experience by fusing indigenous inspiration with international style through its assorted mix of fashion, food and leisure, attracting millions of shoppers each year.  

Evaluation results 

From the left: Sorting of waste by Samkelisiwe Dladla (sorter at Wasteplan) and Mbalenhle Vilakazi (sorter at Wasteplan).

The evaluation process entails an independent audit of the entire centre’s waste management system, to achieve a waste diversion rate of 90% for a period of twelve consecutive months.  

The following “pathways” are evaluated: Efficiencies, on-site recovery (including “separation at source” by the tenants) and off-site solutions for the recycling and recovery of materials. 

The Midlands Mall has achieved an impressive average waste diversion rate of 92% during the past year, which has had the following beneficial impacts on the environment: 

• 4 260m³ of waste was diverted from landfill. 
• 7 190 trees conserved and 11 203 760 litres of water saved. 
• 2 425 171kWh of energy saved. 

Multifaceted approach 

The centre employs a multifaceted approach to waste management, combining:  

• Waste minimisation. 
• Recycling. 
• Recovery strategies. 
• Comprehensive tenant education programmes. 
• Intensive on-site sorting and separation facilities. 
• Innovative composting systems for organic waste. 

Market response 

From the left: Rakash Sukunun (managing director in KZN of Wasteplan), Brian Unsted (lead specialist for sustainability of Liberty Two Degrees), Lawrence Joubert (general manager of the Liberty Midlands Mall), Anja Thompson (events project manager of the Green Building Council of South Africa), Tasmia Dayaram (operations manager of the Liberty Midlands Mall) and Gareth Rees (asset manager of Liberty Two Degrees).

Georgina Smit, technical head of the GBCSA, says: “The dedication of more retail industry leaders like this can help South Africa reshape its waste management trajectory, reducing reliance on landfills and fostering a truly circular economy.” 

Brian Unsted, lead specialist for sustainability of Liberty Two Degrees, expressed his appreciation to the entire team involved in this landmark achievement, who together made this accomplishment possible.  

“This accomplishment not only showcases our commitment to sustainability, but also demonstrates Liberty Two Degrees’ dedication to driving positive change within the communities served by our retail properties,” shared Unsted. 

Additional initiatives are currently being implemented to further improve the centre’s waste diversion rate in the future. 

The Midlands Mall forms part of the Liberty Two Degrees Retail property portfolio, which is currently the only portfolio of shopping malls in South Africa to have achieved “net-zero – level 2” waste certification in South Africa.  

Acknowledgement and thanks go to www.liberty2degrees.co.za for the information in this article. For more information, visit www.midlandsmall.co.za.