As we wrap up 2025, we’ve collected our team’s thoughts to look at our year in review – working through the good, the challenging, and the beautiful. This year has been one of fantastic growth for Ecolution, filled with projects that motivated us creatively and clients who inspired us.
Across South Africa and Eswatini, our team completed 28 projects, with several more continuing into 2026, all of which contribute to more resilient, efficient, and future-fit places. Every project brought something unique, but a few stood out as truly special for our team.
Here are the projects that stood out most to the people who shaped them.
James’ highlight of the year was returning to his alma mater, Stellenbosch University, for their Net Zero Roadmap. “I really enjoyed the project because it was at my old university, and it felt nice to go back there and try to make a difference. And then also the nature of the work itself. We assessed a sample of buildings, and we looked at actual buildings and their operation data. We developed a good product in the end, where we made a bunch of recommendations that they can implement to achieve their net-zero goals.” The combination of technical rigour and personal significance made this project a clear standout.
André’s was the Newinbosch Neighbourhood Estate , Africa’s first 6 Star Green Star certified sustainable precinct development, located in Stellenbosch. For him, this project captured everything he loves about sustainable development. “The scale, the ambitious green building targets, the passionate and committed client, and the bigger-picture thinking were all well aligned. What made it even better was the fairness, respect, collaboration and goodwill within the team.” This project reaffirmed the power of ambitious sustainability goals when combined with strong values and well-rounded teamwork.
Edmund’s favourite milestone this year was completing the Food Lovers project at the Brickworks, his first project as an accredited EDGE Auditor under GBCI (which we’re very proud of him for!). “It was a major professional milestone, and my first business trip with Ecolution.”
Anja proudly closed one of Ecolution’s long-running EDGE projects, Takealot at the Brickworks. “It came with many complexities and delays, which makes completing it such an achievement. It was also my first fully certified project, and I loved working with a collaborative, supportive project team.” The perseverance behind this project made its final certification particularly rewarding.
For Ashley, the highlight was Abcon – Lluvia Sugar, a project defined by warmth and teamwork. “The team was incredibly hands-on and kind. That mutual respect made the entire process enjoyable. Sharing the news that the project achieved EDGE Advanced for final certification was such a wholesome and enjoyable moment.”
Asanda’s top project was the multi-phase De Aan Zicht development, a mixed use building that is one of the first 10 Pilot Projects pursuing the new Green Star SA New Build v2 tool in South Africa.“Because the project progresses through several certification stages, it gives me more opportunities to add value, showcase my expertise and stay involved with the team for longer. What made it my favourite was being able to shape sustainability decisions, not just verify them.” This long-term involvement allowed Asanda to embed deeper strategic guidance while strengthening relationships over time.
This year, our work extended across many countries, with the bulk of our projects carried out in South Africa and Eswatini. Across our 28 completed projects, we tracked impact metrics that directly contribute to the region’s climate and built-environment goals. These insights helped project teams:
- Measure their energy and water savings
- Reduce operational carbon
- Improve indoor environmental quality
- Advance toward EDGE, Green Star and Net Zero certification best practice
- Strengthen long-term resilience strategies
Each metric helps our clients understand the real-world benefits of sustainable design and operations, and the cumulative impact of their decisions.
This year brought growth, milestones, and meaningful partnerships. Our team stepped into new roles, travelled, learned, adapted, and continued to push for better outcomes in the built environment.
As we look ahead to 2026, we’re energised to continue building, shaping and advising on projects that leave a measurable, positive impact on people and planet. And are so grateful to the clients and collaborators who made this work possible.