Durban based, Equator – the Belt Factory TM has become the first member of the local fashion supply industry to achieve a Five Star Green Star Certification for Existing Building Performance from the Green Building Council of South Africa. The company, which has completely transformed a former textile mill located in New Germany, one of Durban’s oldest and industrial areas, is also only the fourth company to obtain a rating for an existing industrial building in South Africa. Africa.
Ecolution Consulting were appointed as sustainability consultants on the project, and assisted the factory in implementing sustainability strategy and implementation, as well as through the green star certification process.
Some of the sustainability initiatives include rainwater harvesting and water saving fittings, energy efficient fittings and systems, waste management systems (including reduction, recycling and composting), improved indoor environmental quality through the use of double-glazing, non-toxic paints and finishes, the use of second hand and upcycled furniture, employee training and operational initiatives to improve efficiency, material offcut donations, and small business and employee development.
For Equator – the Belt Factory TM , the sustainability journey and intent to pioneer responsible manufacturing processes in South Africa goes far beyond a green building certification and box ticking exercise. As such, Ecolution has been honoured and excited to work with a company who is on a very sincere journey to enact change within their industry.
The company, which makes belts for retail and brand partners like Polo, Woolworths, Markham, Levi’s®, Mr Price, Old Khaki, Jonsson and Foschini as well as for export and sale via its own online shop www.thebeltshop.co.za, has positioned itself as “a place of craft and a place of science” and seeks to set new standards in a fashion sector where consumers are becoming increasingly aware of a company’s purpose, sustainability and environmental issues.