Mall of the North to get solar infusion
Construction of solar units at Mall of the North has commenced and the expectation is that the project will be completed by the end of this year. Co-owners of Mall of the North, Flanagan & Gerard said in a media release that the company has invested more than R16 million to install state-of-the-art solar plants …
Construction of solar units at Mall of the North has commenced and the expectation is that the project will be completed by the end of this year.
Co-owners of Mall of the North, Flanagan & Gerard said in a media release that the company has invested more than R16 million to install state-of-the-art solar plants at its malls in an effort to save energy and significantly reduce its carbon footprint.
“So far, over 3 MVA of solar energy generation capacity has been installed at three of our co-owned shopping centres outside of Limpopo and a further solar plant for Mall of the North, that is co-owned with Resilient REIT and Moolman Group, is expected to be live before the end of the year, and capable of generating an additional 1 MVA.
“Energy saving and going green are primary drivers for us, as we bring these shopping centres in line with the Flanagan & Gerard philosophy of making a positive environmental impact by using renewable resources,” Paul Gerard, Managing Director of Flanagan & Gerard is quoted to have said.
“Although South Africa is growing at a rapid rate in the alternative energy sector, we are not growing fast enough to relieve some of the pressure currently experienced by Eskom. There is uncertainty around Eskom and its ability to meet demand. We firmly believe that, as the private sector, we have a responsibility to continue to accelerate the expansion of renewable energy. The reduction of CO² emissions is a major benefit of using alternative energy sources, and having our own independent supply comes with the added benefit of having more control over that supply,” Gerard added.
“As a company, we are passionate about our world and looking after its limited natural resources. Reducing the carbon footprint of our shopping centres and future developments even further, we will start right from the initial design and planning phase, from the efficient orientation of buildings to maximise on natural light and to allow for the most efficient solar return,” Gerard concluded.
Mall of the North General Manager, Sumari de Ridder said that she is very excited about the initiative.
“It will assist us in times of load shedding and also make a contribution towards a cleaner environment and reducing the carbon footprint,” De Ridder said.
Story: BARRY VILJOEN
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