Redefine Properties’ modern logistics distribution centre, located at 62 Umlambo street, Zone 1, Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ), in the Eastern Cape province, has been awarded five-star Green Star certification by the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA). This award is the result of the centre’s sustained environmental performance over the 16 years since it was completed, in 2010. The centre is leased by Goodyear South Africa.

“This certification reflects our belief that sustainability must be practical, measurable and embedded in how our assets perform over the long term,” affirmed Redefine Properties head of environment, social and governance (ESG) Ursula Mpakanyane. “High-performing green buildings make commercial sense. They reduce operational risk, improve efficiency, lower long-term costs, and create enduring value for both tenants and property owners.”

The centre was designed to support large-scale industrial operations in the Eastern Cape, and incorporates sustainability into its everyday operations. It is fitted with water-smart infrastructure, energy-efficient systems and is designed so as to have reduced operational carbon intensity. It was also designed to provide improved efficiency in the handling of materials and also comfort for the occupier. Altogether, these features reduce operating costs. Indeed, independent research, such as the MSCI Global Green Building Index, shows that Green Star-certified buildings are more likely to result in both lower occupancy costs and higher returns than non-certified buildings.

The award of the five-star Green Star certification was celebrated on Monday by Redefine, Goodyear South Africa and the Coega Development Corporation, or CDC (the public sector agency responsible for developing the Coega SEZ), with the unveiling of a plaque at the centre.    

“We applaud and congratulate Redefine for being certified by the GBCSA as one of the first five-star green buildings in a special economic zone,” highlighted CDC chief sustainability officer Nomathemba Mhlanga. “At Coega, we are committed to supporting the green star standard they have set and the adoption of environmentally responsible practices to realise a more sustainable and eco-conscious future. Sustainable development is key to our business, and we champion environmental stewardship in our own operations and throughout the Coega SEZ.”

The achievement of Green Star certification by the logistics centre supports Redefine’s ESG strategy. It is also aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. “This alignment helps guide capital allocation and asset management decisions in a market where sustainability performance increasingly influences asset value, occupier demand, and long-term returns,” explained Redefine.