V&A Waterfront rewarded with Heritage Platinum status

Waterfront management also announced a plan to introduce a R20m solar project that will significantly reduce reliance on the national grid.

To recognise businesses that have achieved full compliance with the heritage standards of Heritage South Africa, Heritage Platinum status is awarded through the combined scoring of a business's environmental performance and community involvement, and must achieve an overall score of at least 94% in these areas. The V&A Waterfront received its first heritage status rating in 2012 and has steadily progressed to Platinum status this year, becoming one of only four establishments in the Western Cape to have Platinum Heritage status.

Solar panels

In addition to this, the V&A Waterfront also announced that more than 7,000m² of solar panels will soon be installed on the roofs of buildings across the V&A Waterfront, significantly reducing the property's dependence on the electrical grid. The solar photovoltaic (PV) project will conserve an estimated 1,721,956kWh annually, or the equivalent of the energy needed to power 574 four-person households.

"Our environment is a fragile one and we owe it to future generations to adopt renewable energy resources. Our new solar infrastructure means we can significantly reduce our environmental footprint and draw less power from the grid. This translates into a tangible benefit for residents of Cape Town as there will be more power available for them, and it makes good business sense for us too," says David Green, CEO of the V&A Waterfront.

Beginning in August 2015 and scheduled for completion by end 2015 or early 2016, PV panels will be installed by Sustainable Power Solutions on the roofs of the Watershed, the Breakwater, the Clock Tower, Granger Bay, Two Oceans Aquarium, Ports Edge, West Quay and Portswood House.