Eastgate Shopping Centre: Leading the Way with Africa’s Largest Rooftop Solar Installation

Eastgate Shopping Centre in Johannesburg has made a remarkable leap in sustainability by completing the largest registered rooftop solar installation in Africa. Owned by Liberty Two Degrees (L2D), this achievement highlights the centre’s commitment to environmentally friendly energy solutions as it nears the completion of its giant solar project.

A Strategic Shift Towards Renewable Energy

The journey towards becoming an environmental leader at Eastgate began in 2020 with the commissioning of phase 1 of the solar installation. This initial phase saw the installation of 1MW (1.2MWp) of solar power, contributing to an impressive energy savings of 1.9GWh in 2023. Building on this success, Eastgate embarked on phase 2, which expanded its renewable energy capacity by an additional 5MW (6MWp) of solar power.

In total, the shopping centre now boasts almost 13,675 solar panels, covering an extensive 28,100m² of rooftop space. This substantial installation accounts for 35% of the energy required to power Eastgate’s daily operations, making a significant dent in the mall’s reliance on the national grid.

Engineering Innovation: A Feat of Structural and Environmental Design

To maximize the available rooftop space without compromising on customer convenience, new structural steel subframes were constructed to support the solar panels. These subframes were designed to preserve the existing rooftop parking, ensuring no loss of parking space for shoppers. The panels are mounted directly on steel purlins, allowing water to pass through the roof without disrupting the mall’s stormwater and drainage systems.

This innovative approach not only supports the mall’s sustainability goals but also enhances customer experience by providing additional shaded parking, which is a welcome relief in Johannesburg’s sunny climate.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability Commitment

Eastgate’s solar project is a testament to L2D’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The reduction in reliance on the grid has led to an estimated decrease of 10.9 tons of CO² emissions annually. This significant reduction contributes to L2D’s broader Net Zero Carbon journey, positioning Eastgate as a pioneer in renewable energy within the retail sector.

A Collective Effort Towards a Greener Future

The success of this project is attributed to the collaboration between L2D’s property team, professional consultants, service providers, and the unwavering support from Eastgate’s tenants. The project was executed with the help of industry-leading partners including SOLINK, Solareff, Concor Construction, Origin Project Managers, Zutari, Batley Partners Architects, Acost Quantity Surveyors, MNS Engineering, and Comprac.

As Eastgate Shopping Centre continues to operate with a focus on sustainability, this project serves as an inspiring example of how businesses can contribute to a greener future. By integrating renewable energy solutions, Eastgate not only reduces its carbon footprint but also paves the way for other commercial properties to follow suit in embracing sustainable energy practices.

This milestone achievement is more than just a technological feat; it is a step forward in creating sustainable spaces that will benefit generations to come. L2D’s proactive approach underscores its dedication to growing a sustainable business, ensuring that Eastgate Shopping Centre remains a leader in environmental innovation and a model for responsible corporate citizenship.