SA first: Liberty Two Degrees' retail portfolio achieves Net Zero waste certification

Source: Supplied.

L2D is therefore pleased to announce its Level 2 Net Zero waste status and subsequent certification by the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) on several of its retail outlets, making the L2D retail portfolio the first in South Africa to achieve this.

According to the GBCSA, Net Zero Waste Level 2 is achieved when, through measured data, it is demonstrated that a 90% diversion from landfill of all operational waste is achieved over 12 consecutive months. L2D achieved an impressive 90% diversion rate over the full duration of 2023 as an average of the nominated retail outlets.

L2D chief executive, Amelia Beattie comments, "This is an extraordinary achievement for L2D, aligning with our broader strategic objectives and contributing to our commitment to sustainable practices.

"Responsible business is at the heart of our purpose; we aim to champion sustainable environments to benefit generations. We remain bold in our commitments to achieve sustainability and reduce our environmental footprint, which has positioned our portfolio as an environmental leader in the industry."

The bold commitment to achieve Net Zero waste readiness by 2023 saw the company make concerted efforts to its waste-management initiatives.

The initiatives that have led to this achievement include the minimisation of the use of problematic plastics within L2D retail malls, while fostering meaningful behavioural change among tenants and customers through its #BeTheChange campaign.

At its superregional mall, Sandton City, L2D has reverse vending machines (RVMs), which are an interactive and educational solution that allows customers to actively contribute to recycling and waste diversion from landfills, while being incentivised with vouchers that can be spent within the shopping centre when they deposit recyclable packaging waste.

Furthermore, L2D also became the first landlord to join the SA Plastics Pact, which seeks to drive a circular economy for plastics.

Celebrating environmental leadership

Commenting on this achievement GBCSA chief executive officer Lisa Reynolds, says "The objective of Net Zero Waste is to reward building owners who actively seek to reduce waste generated throughout the life cycle of a building and set ambitious waste targets, aligning those pathways with global best practice.

"L2D has been intentional since inception in setting bold targets and driving its agenda towards their Net Zero journey.

#GBCSA2023: Driving residential green certification in 2024

Katja Hamilton  21 Nov 2023

"Showing environmental leadership, L2D's achievement of Net Zero waste is clear that sustainability should not be seen as aspirational but achievable through the implementation of a clear and consistent approach that provides a strong framework and direction for waste management and resource-recovery policies at all levels.

"This is a significant industry from the GBCSA’s perspective – these are the first buildings to achieve net zero waste since this tool was piloted in 2017. Additionally, these buildings demonstrate a net zero status at scale and in a retail environment, which is a considerable achievement when one considers the level of control a landlord has over shoppers and tenants' waste habits," adds Reynolds.

Sustainability success: L2D's achievement

L2D's sustainability lead specialist, Brian Unsted comments, "This achievement underscores our dedication to sustainable waste-management practices. This achievement is attributable to a collective effort from our property management team, waste-management partners and through tenants' support and co-operation. Driving diversion rates from landfill is achievable through recycling initiatives and optimising composting opportunities."

In achieving its Net Zero waste status, L2D took a collective approach of working with strategic partners as a vital component to achieving its targets.

Following an extensive collaboration between Vodacom and @wsp Africa, the GBCSA has awarded Vodacom’s Business and Corporate Parks at its HQ campus in Midrand 5-Star Existing Building Performance (EPB) certifications. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/Lvidl4fbtG

— PropertyWheel (@PropertyWheel) March 14, 2024

This has also enabled L2D to continue to innovate, advance new frontiers of environmental leadership and maintain agility for the transitions required ahead.

L2D partnered with WastePlan to maximise waste reduction, promote recycling, and comply with robust waste-management legislation while delivering reliable and innovative solutions. L2D also appointed an independent consulting company, Solid Green to assist with the GBCSA Net Zero waste submission.

Regulatory compliance: WastePlan insights

Mike Pienaar, sustainability manager at WastePlan comments; "An ongoing raft of legislative and regulatory policies, legislation, strategies, and programmes are being developed and promulgated by the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) through the Waste Act 59.

Compliance with these instruments are actively reinforced by them through the banning of certain waste streams from disposal at landfill, as well as carbon tax, increases in landfill disposal rates, fees, taxes, as well as the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility legislation.

"As keen proponents of “Eco-ethical Consumerism”, L2D required that its commitment to the goals of responsible consumption be evidenced through the attainment of zero waste certification, a significant milestone which WastePlan is extremely pleased to have contributed to.

The impact of the attainment of this goal may be recognised by the fact that the beneficiation of waste generated at its facilities comprises an essential contribution to the circular economy."

Zero-waste initiatives

L2D has implemented the principles of zero-waste management at Sandton City, Nelson Mandela Square, Eastgate Shopping Centre, Liberty Midlands Mall, Liberty Promenade and Botshabelo Mall. These initiatives collectively reflect L2D's dedication to advancing sustainable waste practices and reducing its environmental footprint.

L2D has implemented waste separation at source initiatives at Sandton City, Nelson Mandela Square, Eastgate Shopping Centre, Liberty Midlands Mall, Liberty Promenade and Botshabelo Mall. These initiatives collectively reflect L2D's dedication to advancing sustainable waste practices and reducing its environmental footprint.

Solid Green and Sow and Reap guided L2D on the GBCSA Net Zero waste certification submission process.

Marloes Reinink director of Solid Green Consulting comments, “It was a great experience to work with a committed client and a waste contractor that is meticulously tracking the vast volume of waste generated at the different malls.

"Net Zero waste is a massive achievement in a retail environment with huge quantities and a large diversity of waste types. We look forward to work together to further optimise the waste streams at the retail properties in the years to come."

L2D is committed to growing a sustainable business that continues to create shared value today and into the future.