Sustainable Solutions
Building developments that are resilient, sustainable and ready for an off-grid future.
LPG Gas
LPG gas for water heating (geysers) and cooking — a reliable, efficient alternative that reduces grid dependency and running costs for residents.
Solar PV & Battery Backup
Solar PV panels paired with battery backup banks to provide clients off-grid electricity — resilient power that keeps homes and amenities running through outages.
Water Solutions
Potable and grey water systems with on-site purification plants — ensuring a sustainable, reliable water supply independent of strained municipal infrastructure.
Below City Power / Eskom rates — pre-paid electricity at Madison Square
Battery backup during load shedding — essentially load-shed free to stage 4
Minimum energy, water and embodied-energy savings under the EDGE Standard
Saving on water vs Joburg Water from on-site boreholes and filtration
How it works on our projects
Solar in practice
At Madison Square Lifestyle Estate and across Central Park City, PV solar panels and battery storage supply tenants and owners through pre-paid electricity at guaranteed 5% less than City Power or Eskom. Battery banks carry homes for up to 4 hours through load shedding — effectively load-shed free up to stage 4. Madison Square and the balance of Central Park City are designed to run basically off-grid: plugs and lights on solar PV and batteries, geysers and cooking on gas, and water supplied from boreholes with purification and filtration plants on each phase, at least 15% cheaper than City Power.
Energy efficiency by design
Efficiency is designed in from the start rather than bolted on. All Urban Dev projects are and will be EDGE Rated, meeting the Green Building Council's requirement of at least 20% savings in energy, water and embodied energy in materials. Gas for water heating and cooking replaces electricity-hungry geysers and hobs, pre-paid metering makes consumption visible and controllable for every household, and site layouts bring green space and practical, efficient home design into each development.
Urban Dev’s approach to sustainable solutions
Urban Dev is taking proactive steps towards incorporating alternative energy solutions into its projects. Embracing solar electricity with battery storage is a commendable initiative, as it not only reduces the carbon footprint but also provides a more sustainable and resilient energy source. By partnering with reputable specialist companies, Urban Dev will benefit from their expertise in implementing solar and battery storage systems effectively. This approach not only enhances the reliability of energy supply but also helps in mitigating the impact of grid-related challenges, such as load shedding. The combination of solar-generated electricity and battery storage is an excellent strategy to achieve energy independence. Solar power captures energy from the sun, providing a clean and renewable source, while battery storage allows for efficient storage and use of excess energy during times of low demand or when sunlight is not available.
Gas: Additionally, by already incorporating gas for water heating and cooking, our projects are diversifying energy sources, making them more resilient to disruptions in any single energy supply. This comprehensive approach aligns with the growing global emphasis on sustainable development and environmental responsibility.
Solar & PV with battery backup: Urban Dev is extremely proud to partner with an award-winning PV and Solar provider of electricity to energise and provide electricity to Madison Square Lifestyle Estate, as all other Urban Dev projects, utilising solar initiatives such as PV solar panels and battery storage and backup systems to provide electricity to the tenants and owners of apartments by way of pre-paid electricity at guaranteed 5% less than the local electricity provider being City Power or Eskom. The battery storage will, in addition to cost saving, guarantee the tenants and owners constant electricity supply for up to 4 hours in load shedding periods — basically load shed free up to stage 4. Urban Dev's commitment to investing in alternative energy solutions not only demonstrates environmental stewardship but also positions the company as a leader in sustainable urban development. As the world transitions towards cleaner and more sustainable energy practices, initiatives like these contribute significantly to a greener and more resilient future.
Madison Square and the balance of Central Park City will be basically off-grid and not reliant on any utility departments, as all geysers and cooking will be gas, plugs and lights will be powered by solar PV panels and batteries, and we will implement a water solution as well from boreholes and filtration plants to be erected on each phase of Central Park City. Electricity will be provided at at least 15% cheaper than City Power, gas for all geysers and hobs, and water privately provided with all the necessary purification and filtration plants on site — another 25–40% saving compared to Joburg Water.
Edge Rated — Green Building Council: Urban Dev has joined the Global Green Building Movement! All Urban Dev projects are and will be Edge Rated and conform to all the Green Building Council requirements. The Central Park Precinct development will meet the EDGE Standard of at least 20% savings in energy, water, and embodied energy in materials. By bringing together those who design, develop, finance, and incentivize green buildings, EDGE unlocks collaboration and provides a new paradigm for the future.