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Archives for January 26, 2022

Redefine’s Flagship Alice Lane Development Supporting Johannesburg “Be Kind”

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Redefine’s popular Alice Lane development, which sets the benchmark for mixed use development, is embracing the Johannesburg-wide “Be Kind” artwork initiative.

“Be Kind” relates to a series of 18 art installations around the streets of Johannesburg, the brainchild of Rabbi David Masinter. The aim is to spread positive thinking and upliftment after a difficult two Covid-19 years.

Redefine’s National office asset manager, Pieter Strydom, says Alice Lane is giving new meaning to mixed use office space in the Sandton hub and sets the benchmark for developments in the future, which is why partnering on “Be Kind” is seen as an important and relevant partnership for Redefine.

“Alice Lane offers a safe, relaxing, and stunning business environment for those who expect only the best. It is therefore a perfect fit as a partner for the ‘Be Kind’’ initiative and we are proud to associate ourselves with a move to lift the spirits of people visiting Sandton and also more broadly, Johannesburg.”

Rabbi Masinter is a firm believer in humanity and compassion of people – especially South Africans. The “Be Kind” project aims to embrace the beauty around them and share positivity with everyone in the City of Gold.

Alice Lane lives up to these very ideals as it seamlessly integrates state-of-the-art building systems with easy accessibility and convenience. It’s also a sustainable, environmentally friendly development, created with non-toxic materials and built to a 4 Star Green Star status, the first Green Star-rated precinct in the area.

Redefine Picks Roodepoort For Its Latest Retail Venture Kwena Square

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Sandton, South Africa: The construction on Redefine Properties’ Kwena Square on the West Rand is progressing well and is expected to be completed on schedule during May 2022. The JSE listed diversified real estate investment trust intends to open the shopping centre to the public during mid-2022. Located centrally in Little Falls, Roodepoort, it features over 10 000m2 of convenience shopping space.

The centre gets its name from the Sotho meaning for crocodile, koena (kwena) which accentuates the abundant natural beauty within the Little Falls, Strubens Valley and surrounding areas. The Crocodile River also has its source in the Witwatersrand Mountain range, originating in Constantia Kloof, Roodepoort, which is near the current site.

Developed at a cost of R210 million, Kwena Square will house 23 stores anchored by national retailers like Checkers, Checkers Liquor, Clicks and boasts one of the country’s first drive-thru RocoMamas besides other restaurants and coffee shops. Parking bays to accommodate 407 cars at any time have been provided. Already over 60% of the centre has been pre-let to tenants who represent a diverse line of local and national brands.

An array of rooftop solar panels will generate as much as 25% of the electricity required by the centre, a key feature which will reduce the load on the main grid.

Redefine recently unveiled its Moonshot Strategy setting a target to deliver the smartest and most sustainable spaces by the end of this decade and has since been focusing on energy efficiency and renewable energy to help it to reach its goal. In 2022, Redefine will focus on executing its strategic priorities having introduced a climate resilience framework, striving for more sustainability interventions across its operating environment and investing strategically.

Leon Kok, COO, Redefine Properties says, “We are ready to put the efforts in towards meeting our commitment to convert all buildings in our portfolio to net zero carbon, water and waste by 2050. The process has begun with our newer projects and demonstrates our ongoing focus to reduce our carbon footprint. We have an overarching ambition to be a force for good.”

A new study by MSCI shows that some areas of retail like convenience shopping centres are seeing a rise in sales and visitors with trading densities exceeding pre-Covid levels. Thanks to time-pressed consumers juggling work-from-home and making quick stops for groceries to avoid crowds, the need for convenience became paramount during Covid-19.

“Kwena Square entrenches the trend we first identified on the re-emergence of convenience centres, a shopping format most favoured during the pandemic for its ease of use and open ventilation enhancing safety. The completion of the project during a pandemic reflects our commitment and our tenants’ confidence in the project and the neighbourhood,” adds Kok.

“A convenience centre like Kwena Square addresses changing shopping habits and is positioned to efficiently meet evolving demands of shoppers.”

‘Moonshot’ Strategy Will Accelerate Our ESG Momentum, Says Redefine

by

Sandton, South Africa: Redefine Properties says young innovators in the business are informing its perspective on how to solve complex issues facing the industry, while positively shaping the built environment. As part of its Moonshot strategy, Redefine, aims to build the smartest and most sustainable buildings the world has ever known in the regions in which it operates over the next decade.

Redefine recently presented the strategy and its impact as one of 32 companies selected globally to showcase their commitment to ESG at the UN Global Compact’s Young SDG Innovator Summit in September 2021.

Redefine is SA’s first REIT to become a signatory to the UN Global Compact, a voluntary initiative based on CEO commitments to implement universal sustainability principles and support UN goals. The compact is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative of its kind with 13 000 corporate participants.

The chasm between all strata of society was harshly exposed during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. The hard lockdown held the mirror to the archaic idea of pursuing profits at all costs, thus forcing many businesses to revaluate their core purpose. The link between ESG, business strategy and risks has never been clearer than during Covid-19.

Redefine’s ESG strategy is a step towards strengthening its long-term Moonshot strategy and has the full support of the board, who have sight of the company’s ESG frameworks and compliance.

The Moonshot strategy rests on five pathways, one of the critical ones “being a force for good”. Investors, tenants and increasingly communities, are beginning to see commercial properties through different lenses. It is no longer enough for the buildings to be sustainable and be efficient, they also need to contribute to promoting tenant and community health and well-being.

With two years already shaved off the decade long timeline for the fulfilment of the Moonshot strategy, Redefine has set itself targets across its portfolio to reduce reliance on grid energy, water consumption, waste-to-landfill as well as fast-tracking green energy projects, especially solar. In the new normal, Redefine sees opportunities in creating ‘liveable’ environments and contributing to better life experiences through sustainable building design principles.

“The age-old proverb – if you want to go fast, go alone and if you want to go far, go together, holds valuable lessons in the built environment. While Redefine has a good handle on how to design, build and operate sustainable buildings, the shell or infrastructure represents only a portion of the building’s energy profile. What happens in the tenant space also has a huge impact on the environment,” adds Keke.

“Green leases are catching on and we are keen for key tenants to work with us in this regard. These leases encourage tenants to identify and implement alternatives in their own spaces in areas such as energy efficiency, recycling and other environmental priorities etc. We are also walking the talk by digitising all tenant leases, saving as many as 250 pages per lease.”

Keke notes the guidance provided by the Green Building Council of South Africa to ensure the “E” in ESG remains front and centre in the built environment as well as the progressive work being done by South African Property Owners Association as well as SAREIT.

“Our long-term vision is to help coordinate actions with industry groupings and continue leading the industry by further embedding ESG across the company, in and through how we invest, operate and manage our assets.”

According to Bloomberg Green, the global sustainability bond market has performed exceedingly well. The first six months in 2021, saw more ESG-related bonds issued than during all of 2020. And while the sector still represents a fraction of the overall bond market, it is quickly gaining ground, with sovereign investors and others required to account for a certain percentage of their funds going into green bonds.

“SA needs more examples of successful sustainable bond issuances so that the sector can benefit from reduced cost of capital,” says Keke.

“Redefine’s Moonshot is to ensure that its ESG efforts benefit both the planet and people and encourages the use of its spaces in a way that changes lives. Our scale allows us to implement our innovative approach across a large number of our existing properties and new projects and believe that if we keep the momentum going, we will have a significant positive impact on spaces, people, communities and climate which all makes good business sense.”

Redefine’s flagship Alice Lane development supporting Johannesburg “Be Kind”

by

Redefine’s popular Alice Lane development, which sets the benchmark for mixed use development, is embracing the Johannesburg-wide “Be Kind” artwork initiative.

“Be Kind” relates to a series of 18 art installations around the streets of Johannesburg, the brainchild of Rabbi David Masinter. The aim is to spread positive thinking and upliftment after a difficult two Covid-19 years.

Redefine’s National office asset manager, Pieter Strydom, says Alice Lane is giving new meaning to mixed use office space in the Sandton hub and sets the benchmark for developments in the future, which is why partnering on “Be Kind” is seen as an important and relevant partnership for Redefine.

“Alice Lane offers a safe, relaxing, and stunning business environment for those who expect only the best. It is therefore a perfect fit as a partner for the ‘Be Kind’’ initiative and we are proud to associate ourselves with a move to lift the spirits of people visiting Sandton and also more broadly, Johannesburg.”

Rabbi Masinter is a firm believer in humanity and compassion of people – especially South Africans. The “Be Kind” project aims to embrace the beauty around them and share positivity with everyone in the City of Gold.

Alice Lane lives up to these very ideals as it seamlessly integrates state-of-the-art building systems with easy accessibility and convenience. It’s also a sustainable, environmentally friendly development, created with non-toxic materials and built to a 4 Star Green Star status, the first Green Star-rated precinct in the area.

Redefine picks Roodepoort for its latest retail venture Kwena Square

by

Sandton, South Africa: The construction on Redefine Properties’ Kwena Square on the West Rand is progressing well and is expected to be completed on schedule during May 2022. The JSE listed diversified real estate investment trust intends to open the shopping centre to the public during mid-2022. Located centrally in Little Falls, Roodepoort, it features over 10 000m2 of convenience shopping space.

The centre gets its name from the Sotho meaning for crocodile, koena (kwena) which accentuates the abundant natural beauty within the Little Falls, Strubens Valley and surrounding areas. The Crocodile River also has its source in the Witwatersrand Mountain range, originating in Constantia Kloof, Roodepoort, which is near the current site.

Developed at a cost of R210 million, Kwena Square will house 23 stores anchored by national retailers like Checkers, Checkers Liquor, Clicks and boasts one of the country’s first drive-thru RocoMamas besides other restaurants and coffee shops. Parking bays to accommodate 407 cars at any time have been provided. Already over 60% of the centre has been pre-let to tenants who represent a diverse line of local and national brands.

An array of rooftop solar panels will generate as much as 25% of the electricity required by the centre, a key feature which will reduce the load on the main grid.

Redefine recently unveiled its Moonshot Strategy setting a target to deliver the smartest and most sustainable spaces by the end of this decade and has since been focusing on energy efficiency and renewable energy to help it to reach its goal. In 2022, Redefine will focus on executing its strategic priorities having introduced a climate resilience framework, striving for more sustainability interventions across its operating environment and investing strategically.

Leon Kok, COO, Redefine Properties says, “We are ready to put the efforts in towards meeting our commitment to convert all buildings in our portfolio to net zero carbon, water and waste by 2050. The process has begun with our newer projects and demonstrates our ongoing focus to reduce our carbon footprint. We have an overarching ambition to be a force for good.”

A new study by MSCI shows that some areas of retail like convenience shopping centres are seeing a rise in sales and visitors with trading densities exceeding pre-Covid levels. Thanks to time-pressed consumers juggling work-from-home and making quick stops for groceries to avoid crowds, the need for convenience became paramount during Covid-19.

“Kwena Square entrenches the trend we first identified on the re-emergence of convenience centres, a shopping format most favoured during the pandemic for its ease of use and open ventilation enhancing safety. The completion of the project during a pandemic reflects our commitment and our tenants’ confidence in the project and the neighbourhood,” adds Kok.

“A convenience centre like Kwena Square addresses changing shopping habits and is positioned to efficiently meet evolving demands of shoppers.”

‘Moonshot’ strategy will accelerate our ESG momentum, says Redefine

by

Sandton, South Africa: Redefine Properties says young innovators in the business are informing its perspective on how to solve complex issues facing the industry, while positively shaping the built environment. As part of its Moonshot strategy, Redefine, aims to build the smartest and most sustainable buildings the world has ever known in the regions in which it operates over the next decade.

Redefine recently presented the strategy and its impact as one of 32 companies selected globally to showcase their commitment to ESG at the UN Global Compact’s Young SDG Innovator Summit in September 2021.

Redefine is SA’s first REIT to become a signatory to the UN Global Compact, a voluntary initiative based on CEO commitments to implement universal sustainability principles and support UN goals. The compact is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative of its kind with 13 000 corporate participants.

The chasm between all strata of society was harshly exposed during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. The hard lockdown held the mirror to the archaic idea of pursuing profits at all costs, thus forcing many businesses to revaluate their core purpose. The link between ESG, business strategy and risks has never been clearer than during Covid-19.

Redefine’s ESG strategy is a step towards strengthening its long-term Moonshot strategy and has the full support of the board, who have sight of the company’s ESG frameworks and compliance.

The Moonshot strategy rests on five pathways, one of the critical ones “being a force for good”. Investors, tenants and increasingly communities, are beginning to see commercial properties through different lenses. It is no longer enough for the buildings to be sustainable and be efficient, they also need to contribute to promoting tenant and community health and well-being.

With two years already shaved off the decade long timeline for the fulfilment of the Moonshot strategy, Redefine has set itself targets across its portfolio to reduce reliance on grid energy, water consumption, waste-to-landfill as well as fast-tracking green energy projects, especially solar. In the new normal, Redefine sees opportunities in creating ‘liveable’ environments and contributing to better life experiences through sustainable building design principles.

“The age-old proverb – if you want to go fast, go alone and if you want to go far, go together, holds valuable lessons in the built environment. While Redefine has a good handle on how to design, build and operate sustainable buildings, the shell or infrastructure represents only a portion of the building’s energy profile. What happens in the tenant space also has a huge impact on the environment,” adds Keke.

“Green leases are catching on and we are keen for key tenants to work with us in this regard. These leases encourage tenants to identify and implement alternatives in their own spaces in areas such as energy efficiency, recycling and other environmental priorities etc. We are also walking the talk by digitising all tenant leases, saving as many as 250 pages per lease.”

Keke notes the guidance provided by the Green Building Council of South Africa to ensure the “E” in ESG remains front and centre in the built environment as well as the progressive work being done by South African Property Owners Association as well as SAREIT.

“Our long-term vision is to help coordinate actions with industry groupings and continue leading the industry by further embedding ESG across the company, in and through how we invest, operate and manage our assets.”

According to Bloomberg Green, the global sustainability bond market has performed exceedingly well. The first six months in 2021, saw more ESG-related bonds issued than during all of 2020. And while the sector still represents a fraction of the overall bond market, it is quickly gaining ground, with sovereign investors and others required to account for a certain percentage of their funds going into green bonds.

“SA needs more examples of successful sustainable bond issuances so that the sector can benefit from reduced cost of capital,” says Keke.

“Redefine’s Moonshot is to ensure that its ESG efforts benefit both the planet and people and encourages the use of its spaces in a way that changes lives. Our scale allows us to implement our innovative approach across a large number of our existing properties and new projects and believe that if we keep the momentum going, we will have a significant positive impact on spaces, people, communities and climate which all makes good business sense.”