+IMPACT MAGAZINE ISSUE 27

PROJECT
Of the 429 planned residential units,
92 have been built and are occupied.
all parties involved,” says Smith. “Of course, it is absolutely
worth it, but it is important to be aware of the level of
dedication and commitment required.”
Looking ahead, NCE has some exciting sustainability
initiatives in the pipeline, involving further development
and implementation of technology-driven tools and the use
of IoT (Internet of Things), which lends itself to various
community-aligned type projects. “These engagements
and processes will incorporate residents and will be kept
simple and straightforward, so that they are well received
by the local community and not seen as burdensome in
any way,” says Smith.
The boardwalk is built from a sustainable
wood composite decking product,
made from 95% recycled and
reclaimed materials.
“The innovation category is the credit likely to be further
considered and developed to achieve accreditation, but it
is a fine balance to achieve between benefits added and
the costs associated, so as to not create a long-term burden
on residents’ operational levies.”
Resin8 is one of the innovative processes that NCE
has undertaken in pursuing the Green Star Sustainable
Precinct rating, which has now been incorporated into
standard development and roll-out. Resin8 technology
takes all seven types of plastic waste and turns it into
a lightweight aggregate that adds strength, reduces weight
and increases thermal properties. The Resin8 technology
was utilised in the clubhouse parking bay kerbs. Another
innovation has been the construction of the conservation
area’s boardwalk, which is built from a sustainable wood
composite decking product, made from 95% recycled and
reclaimed materials.
There has never been a more appropriate
time for bold leadership in the property
sector to create a meaningful difference.
BOLD LEADERSHIP IN SUSTAINABILITY
Fabio Venturi, founder of Terramanzi Group, the sustainable
design consultants who achieved this ground-breaking
certification for the project in 2019, and who are progressing
with the recertification process, attributes what has been
accomplished to dedicated teamwork and collaboration.
“With pressing global climate change and resource
challenges, there has never been a more appropriate time for
bold leadership in the property sector to create a meaningful
and measured difference on this planet for now and for
generations to come. We applaud Garden Cities for their
radical goals, which they have been able to formalise and
implement with focus and drive.”
Further recognition for the project was achieved in June
2023 when Garden Cities won in the Sustainable City
Initiative category at the Big 5 Southern Africa Construction
Awards. NCE was applauded for having been designed to
incorporate all the essentials of sustainable development,
from preserving the local biodiversity and conserving
energy, water and materials to planning for climate
change, espousing smart city features and enhancing
community interaction.
“As we’ve progressed along this journey, we’ve
incorporated a number of mindset changes. This has resulted
in an overall greener approach with less wastage, and better
techniques considered. The team has been instrumental
in the success of this project – especially Danielle Cronje,
who has played a pivotal role in ensuring the wonderful
achievements at NCE,” says Smith. Given that the journey
is far from over, it seems that when it comes to this West
Coast sustainable precinct, the best is yet to come!
44 POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 27