We recognise water as a strategic sustainability priority and are committed to responsible water use and stewardship, consistent with our membership in the United Nations’ Global Compact “Moving Forward Faster – Water Resilience” initiative.

We assign responsibility at Executive and Board level for water-related risks through our ESG structures, ensuring that these risks are integrated into the company’s strategic and operational decision making.  

This is achieved by adopting a holistic approach beginning with IFC EDGE and BREEAM certification at the design phase, which ensures that water-efficiency measures are embedded from the outset of every development. At an operational level, regular water-risk assessments are conducted across the portfolio, covering municipal supply reliability, groundwater availability and mitigation strategies. 

These assessment outcomes are built into business strategy and capex planning, informing investment in smart metering technology, boreholes and onsite wastewater treatment plants. 

Based on these, we have set the following quantitative targets: 

• Reduce water use intensity expressed in Kl/m² 

• Reduce portfolio reliance on municipal water year on year 

• Expand treatment plants across logistics parks 

• Ensure 100% of new developments integrate water-efficiency measures beyond IFC EDGE thresholds 

We also actively participate in industry-led initiatives related to water-risk management and water re-use systems, which enhance the effectiveness and scalability of our objectives. 

  These include the Department of Water and Sanitation and SA Property Owners Association roundtable discussions and workshops on water-efficient sanitation and the Africa Water Security summit, amongst others.