In the evolving South African built environment, the debate on the future of office spaces is intensifying, particularly in light of a growing number of South African companies requiring their workforce to either return to the office or be in the office for a minimum of three days a week. This local hybrid trend echoes a global shift to a hybrid work model, spotlighting the need to adapt office spaces to these new working patterns.

Despite a post-pandemic rise in office space utilisation, the numbers tell a stark story; current office occupancy is hovering around 32%. This means that more than two-thirds of your expensive commercial real estate is sitting empty, raising questions about sustainability and robbing your office of the vibrant energy needed to foster collaboration, creativity, and culture.

Emira has planted some 80 senecio Barbertonicus succulents, also known as bush senecio, across 20 of its Gauteng-based properties as part of Emira’s biodiversity focus for its 2025 financial year. The planting builds on other initiatives that the REIT has championed over the years to make a more positive impact on the environment.

Eris Property Group is developing two new A-Grade offices in Accra, Ghana, setting a new benchmark for development in the country. These two properties, namely 335 Place and SU Tower, offering first-of-its-kind office buildings for Ghana, are being developed at a combined cost of $83,2mn.

Growthpoint Properties (JSE: GRT), the country’s largest real estate investment trust (REIT), is introducing a green energy benefit scheme called e-CO2 at 10 of its properties in Sandton, Johannesburg. This is the next step in the rollout of its innovative renewable energy transition, a first for South Africa.