Inspired by our commitment to making quality, modern lifestyles accessible and affordable for all, Balwin Properties is also establishing itself as a leader in the global green market.
According to the 2021 Multi-family Housing Green Buildings Global Market Report: COVID-19 Growth and Change to 2030, customers in the housing market are more informed and acknowledge the long-term benefits and cost savings sustainable homes deliver.
So, while the globe faces imminent climate change threats and South Africans battle rising utility costs and erratic service delivery, Balwin is planning ahead by building sustainable developments and creating better, greener futures for all. Here are three vital ways we have built up our solid green track record thus far.
1. The Green Mortgage
Balwin was a key role player in the creation of Green Mortgages in South Africa. Industry firsts like the ABSA Eco Home Loan and the Nedbank Green Bond help current and future homeowners save money through reduced interest rates and lower utility costs.
2. Efficient & Sustainable Design
Our efficient, sustainable designs, and being awarded and globally recognised for our work, have been vital steps in building our solid green track record. Balwin Properties has the most apartments registered for Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiency (EDGE) certification in the world. This means that these apartments operate efficiently with a 20% reduction in energy consumption, water usage and embodied energy in materials. Additionally, 9 of our Lifestyle Centres are developed with 70% recycled content and received 6-Star Green Star and Net Zero Carbon ratings from the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA). For the past 2 years, Balwin Properties has also measured our Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in the form of a voluntary carbon footprint report. You can find the results here.
3. Building Communities
Our community work through the Balwin Foundation has been impactful and includes donations to essential charities and developing skills in local communities. We have also consolidated our plan to build better futures into four detailed rollouts. This includes an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) policy that is aligned with six of the 17 United Nations’ Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Building Wealth for first-time home buyers, Building Inclusion for local development, and Building Smart for a low carbon future.
Balwin is committed to delivering better, greener futures to homeowners, shareholders, employees, the property industry, and the communities we touch.
