Cape Town - The V&A Waterfront, as one of the three top consumers of water and electricity in Cape Town, has embarked on a R20-million solar power initiative that will significantly reduce its dependence on the electrical grid.
More than 7 000m2 of solar panels will be installed on the roofs of eight buildings throughout the Waterfront precinct.
Phase one of this project is expected to be ready by the end of December, and work is already under way on the investigation of phase two that will include the roof of the Victoria Wharf shopping centre.
The project will conserve an estimated 1 721 956 kWh annually – equivalent to the power used to keep the lights on in 574 four-person households.
V&A Waterfront chief executive David Green announced the energy initiative at Wednesday’s presentation of two sustainability awards.
Heritage South Africa was awarded the precinct Platinum status for its environmental performance and community involvement. It is one of only four sites or establishments in the province to receive this certification.
The Green Building Council of South Africa also presented Green with a four-star “existing building” ratings for the Victoria Wharf shopping centre and the BP Building, now also home to the Waterfront’s head office.
“Our vision is to be the best waterfront in the world and integral to that is our approach to sustainability,” said Green.
With the Waterfront’s rapid rate of development, its demands for resources such as water and electricity were also increasing.
“Our target is to consume less each year, despite this growth.”
The solar panels, which will be installed on the roofs of the Watershed, the Breakwater, the Clock Tower, Granger Bay, the Two Oceans Aquarium, Ports Edge, West Quay and Portswood House in the first phase, will alleviate some of the Waterfront’s electricity consumption.
“This translates into a tangible benefit for residents of Cape Town as there will be more power available for them, and it makes good business sense for us too,” said Green.
Colin Devenish, executive manager of operations at the Waterfront, said the sustainability projects paid for themselves within four years.
The solar panel project was not deemed financially viable when first mooted six years ago.
But Devenish said load shedding and rising electricity costs meant that sustainable energy options were now needed.
Cape Argus