Investing in solar power was a strategic decision taken by Liberty Two Degrees (L2D), as it provides a cost-effective, efficient and environmentally friendly means of generating electricity. L2D's sustainability strategy includes the reduction of its reliance on the grid, which has improved operating efficiencies. L2D has made significant investments in renewable energy as part of its Net Zero Carbon journey and is therefore pleased to announce South Africa’s largest registered rooftop solar installation at its superregional asset, Eastgate Shopping Centre. The project is set to be completed in Q3 2024.

Eastgate’s journey to becoming an environmental leader began in 2020, where the first phase of the solar system was commissioned, a significant step in the centres commitment to sustainable energy practices. This first phase consisted of a 1 MW [AC] or 1.219MWp solar power installation, which has resulted in an energy saving of 1 910 MWh in 2023. Since then, as part of its second phase, the mall has actively expanded its renewable energy capacity, with the addition of a 5 MW [AC] or 5.997MWp solar power installation. In total the mall has almost 13,675 solar panels, which equates to 35.04% of the energy required to run Eastgate’s daily load, generated through solar energy. This is the largest registered rooftop installation, when considering both phases combined generate a total of 6MW [AC] or 7.216MWp in solar power.

The solar installation covers most of the available mall roof space, an area of approximately 28,100m². The energy generated will be used to power the mall’s daily operations. Brian Unsted, L2D Sustainability Lead comments “This innovation in renewable energy generation at Eastgate is testament to L2D’s position in environmental leadership. L2D is proud to lead many firsts in this space.”

This development has yielded various benefits to the mall and its customers, the main benefit being the reduction of Eastgate’s reliance on the grid with an additional benefit of the creation of more shaded parking. New structural steel subframes had to be constructed on the existing rooftop to retain the current rooftop parking. The new roof structure has no sheeting or launder system, and panels sit directly on steel purlins, allowing water to pass through the roof. The current stormwater and drainage system continue to function with the waterproofing barrier on the existing roof level.

Melinda Isaacs, L2D’s Developments Executive adds “This is a significant achievement attributable to a collective effort from our property team, professional consultants, service providers as well as through our tenants’ support and co-operation. L2D prides itself on collaborating with the best in the industry to achieve its Net Zero Carbon targets. What also makes this achievement noteworthy is the fact that due to the reduced reliance on the grid, Eastgate will see an estimated reduction of 10,9 tons of CO² emissions per year, for both phase one and two combined. We are very proud to have achieved this milestone towards L2D’s Net Zero Carbon journey.”

Ensuring customers and tenants were taken on this journey was very important for Eastgate. The marketing campaign on this initiative aimed to educate while maintaining convenience. Through this initiative at Eastgate, L2D’s proactive step underscores its dedication to grow a sustainable business that continues to create shared value today and into the future, while championing sustainable spaces to benefit generations.

The Professional Consultant and Contract partners on this project included:
SOLINK, Solareff, Concor Construction, Origin Project Managers, Zutari, Batley Partners Architects,
Acost Quantity Surveyors, MNS Engineering, Comprac.