The V&A Waterfront is taking steps to promote sustainability with its Our Better Nature campaign aimed at making the area the world’s most inspiring waterfront neighbourhood.
The destination’s sustainability journey is the cornerstone of the waterfront neighbourhood, aimed at shaping a greener, healthier world for all. Let’s take a closer look:
V&A’s Sustainable Journey
With the aim to create the world’s most inspiring waterfront neighbourhood, sustainability guides their approach to construction, energy and water use, and interactions with people and businesses.
“Our assessment of how we can improve is ongoing and collaborative, continually seeking ways to empower our community and better our world,” they revealed on their website.
Here’s how they are making a difference:
Water
There are many measures to conserve water, including the installation of water meters throughout the neighbourhood, water-efficient toilets and urinals, sensor-operated taps in all bathrooms, and the use of boreholes and grey water. Wastage is prevented with measures such as automated leak detection systems, which have significantly contributed to a 62% reduction in water consumption.
A desalination plant, managed by Proxa, will soon be up and running at the waterfront. The plant can produce 3.3 million litres of fresh water daily, bolstering the city’s water supply.
Waste
Their mission to manage waste and reduce pollution has yielded success, diverting 37% of all waste collected annually. All tenants are encouraged to recycle and manage waste responsibly, and this is monitored through regular inspections.
V&A Waterfront has signed the Plastics Pact, a global initiative to change how plastic products and packaging are designed, used, and reused to lessen their environmental impact. As part of this pact, the aim is to reduce the use of single-use plastics by 50% by 2025 and eliminate plastic straws from the neighbourhood.
There are ongoing collaborations with restaurants to research alternatives to harmful plastics and find sustainable solutions.
These initiatives contribute to a cleaner environment and inspire others to take similar actions towards a more sustainable future.
Energy
Energy-saving initiatives include the installation of electricity meters on the premises, aimed at monitoring usage and promoting eco-consciousness. Certain areas around the neighbourhood also use seawater cooling for air conditioning and generate their own energy through solar panels.
The Sustainable Art Route
Visitors can immerse themselves in thought-provoking art that explores litter, waste, and the perils of overconsumption. Please see the map below:
Want to find out how you can make an impact? Download V&A Waterfront’s Do-Good Guide here: bit.ly/3Wy0S2c
Visit: explore.waterfront.co.za/our-better-nature/
