Liberty Two Degrees (L2D) made a strategic decision to invest in solar power, which provides a cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly means of generating electricity. L2D’s sustainability strategy includes reducing its reliance on the grid, which has improved operating efficiencies.
L2D has significantly invested in renewable energy in its Net Zero Carbon journey. It 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 when the first phase of the solar system was commissioned, a significant step in the centre’s commitment to sustainable energy practices. This first phase consisted of a 1 MW [AC] or 1.219MWp solar power installation, which resulted in an energy saving of 1 910 MWh in 2023. Since then, as part of its second phase, the mall has expanded its renewable energy capacity by adding a 5 MW [AC] or 5.997MWp solar power installation. 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. When considering both phases combined, this is the largest registered rooftop installation, generating 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 a 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 and the creation of more shaded parking.
New structural steel subframes must 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 continues 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 phases one and two combined. We are proud to have achieved this milestone towards L2D’s Net Zero Carbon journey.”
