V&A’s sustainability strategy leads to signing a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Etana Energy for 43 gigawatt hours (GWh) of renewable energy a year. The deal means electricity from wind and solar farms operated by independent power producers will meet up to 70% of the V&A’s energy needs, starting by early 2026.
André Theys, Executive Manager: Operations at the V&A, says 90% of the Waterfront’s emissions come from energy purchases, so the PPA with Etana will make a major contribution to reducing the neighbourhood’s carbon footprint.
In doing so, it will also benefit the wider community. “The V&A’s sustainability strategy is based on a shared value ecosystem in which everyone at the Waterfront – tenants, residents, staff and visitors – works together to make our precinct the best it can be,” says Theys.
“But we’re also keen to share the value we offer with the whole of Cape Town and even South Africa. By being proactively innovative, we can showcase what’s possible and provide proof points that make it easier for others to follow in our footsteps. The PPA with Etana Energy is a great example of this approach.”
An example pf proactive innovation is piloting the use of helix-shaped wind turbines over the next 12 months. The idea is to determine how much power they can produce, and hopefully complement solar PV installations. The wind turbines look like a “piece of art or sculpture,” says German Consul General Tanja Werheit. (See photo above)
“Shared value ecosystems are becoming increasingly important as businesses look for new ways to create value and give back to society. They offer a promising approach to solving some of the world’s most pressing problems.”
Energy efficiency is one of the key pillars of the V&A sustainability strategy, and with the addition of the Waterfront’s rooftop solar installations almost 80% of the neighbourhood’s electricity will come from renewable sources when the Etana agreement becomes operational.
The V&A, with 24 million visitors a year, has already reduced its carbon emissions by 47%, its water use by 61%, and all organic and recyclable waste – 62% of the total – is diverted from landfills. Single-use plastic will be phased out by 2025.
All positive news on the V&A’s sustainability strategy
WHAT: V&A’s sustainability strategy
WHERE: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town 8001
INFO: See also Cape Town Green Map
