Newinbosch Neighbourhood Estate
Sustainability Design and coordination | GSSA Sustainable Precincts | Net Zero Ecology (Precinct) | GSSA New Build & Net Zero Carbon (Lifestyle Centre)
Newinbosch is Africa’s first 6 Star Green Star certified sustainable precinct development, located in Stellenbosch, South Africa.
Newinbosch represents a significant milestone in African sustainable urban development, achieving the continent’s first 6 Star Green Star Sustainable Precincts v1.1 Certification in April 2024. The development demonstrates world leadership in precinct-scale sustainability through its integrated approach to energy, water, and resource management. Key technical achievements include a precinct-wide smart microgrid system delivering approximately 65% renewable energy penetration while maintaining grid independence up to loadshedding stage 4, coupled with EDGE Advanced certification for the residential component targeting minimum 40% improvements across energy, water, and embodied carbon metrics.
The project’s climate resilience strategy incorporates advanced building envelope optimization, water sensitive urban design (WSUD) principles, waste management infrastructure, urban heat island mitigation measures and bio-retention systems that combine evapotranspiration benefits with stormwater management.
This holistic approach to sustainable precinct design has garnered multiple accolades, including the 2024 GBCSA Leadership Award in the Transforming Tomorrow category, demonstrating the project’s role in advancing the African green building sector toward net-zero carbon development goals.
Sustainability Features
Energy Features
- Smart microgrid system with loadshedding stage-4 resilience
- 65% renewable energy penetration from PV systems
- Lower energy costs compared to conventional grid power
- Energy-efficient building envelope design exceeding SANS10400-XA:2021 standards
- Optimized window-to-wall ratios for thermal performance
- 135mm thick roof insulation for temperature regulation
- Cross-ventilation design for natural cooling
- Energy-efficient street lighting designed to minimize light pollution
Water Features
- Greywater recycling systems
- Rainwater harvesting infrastructure
- Water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) implementation
- Bio-retention systems and swales for stormwater management
- Waterwise irrigation systems
- Attenuation ponds for water management
- Indigenous plant selection for water efficiency
Waste Management
- Split bin system for household waste separation
- At-source separation of organic waste
- Integrated recycling infrastructure
- Neighborhood-scale waste management system
Urban Design & Climate Resilience
- Pocket forests for urban cooling
- Shaded walking paths and seating areas
- High-albedo (light-colored) paving to reduce heat absorption
- Connection to Adam Tas non-motorized corridor
- Human-scale design elements
- Front-facing work-from-home pods with openable windows
- Ample community spaces for learning/play/entertainment
Ecological Features
- Regeneration of previously monocropped land
- Regional Indigenous plant palette
- Net zero ecology approach
- Not-for-profit urban farm integration
- Enhanced biodiversity through varied landscaping
Smart Systems & Monitoring
- District-level energy metering
- District-level water metering
- Smart grid management systems
- Centralized utility monitoring
Building Design
- EDGE Advanced certification for residential units
- Thermal modeling-verified performance
- 40% more energy efficient than typical construction
- Strategic natural lighting design
- Enhanced thermal comfort features
Community & Lifestyle
- Pedestrian-prioritized design
- Integrated non-motorized transit routes
- Community-focused amenities
- Security and access considerations
- Sustainable behavior incentives for residents
Certifications & Awards
- Achieved: 6 Star Green Star Sustainable Precincts v1.1 Certification (April 2024) – first in Africa and representing ‘World Leadership’
- Achieved: EDGE Advanced for initial residential phases
- Targeting: recertification of 6 Star Green Star Sustainable Precincts v1.1 Certification
- Targeting: EDGE Advanced for remaining residential phases
- Targeting: Net Zero Ecology (Precinct) |
- Targeting: GSSA New Build & Net Zero Carbon (Lifestyle Centre)
- Targeting: EDGE Zero Carbon for flagship residential apartment building
- GBCSA Leadership Award 2024 – Transforming Tomorrow category
- African Property Awards – Best Sustainable Residential Development South Africa 2024-2025
- African Property Awards – Best Residential Development 20+ Units South Africa 2024-2025
Economic Sustainability
- Focus on total cost of ownership
- Affordable utility costs through efficient systems
- Economic development strategies
- Sustainable behavior incentives
Project Details
- Client Name: Similan
- Project Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
- Size / number of units (as applicable): 1398 residential units
- Services: Sustainability Design and coordination, GSSA Sustainable Precincts, Net Zero Ecology (Precinct), GSSA New Build & Net Zero Carbon (Lifestyle Centre)