You don’t have to wait for the annual Earth Day to invest in the planet, follow the example of @Sandton-Apartments and make it an all year round commitment
@Sandton-Apartments in the Acsiopolis building in Benmore, Sandton, remains resolute to keep to the waste management programme they embarked upon in early 2022 – aiming to reduce the environmental impact of the building by diverting waste away from landfills.
Implemented by Smart Waste, the programme enables the building and its residents to divert waste from landfill, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable living in the community.
HOW TO SAVE 345 TREES
During the period from March 2022 to March 2023, the recycling report for @Sandton-Apartments shows that a total waste of 133 399kg was recycled, which resulted in an energy saving of 209 22kW, using 538 145 less litres of water. This translates into a reduction of 82 335kgs in CO2 emissions, in turn saving 345 trees.
The programme includes the installation of recycling bins and the implementation of a waste segregation system to separate organic waste from non-organic waste. Organic waste is sent for composting and non-organic waste is recycled or sent to a waste-to-energy plant.
The programme also provides residents with educational materials to raise awareness of waste reduction and recycling. The vision is to lead the way in sustainable waste management, eliminating the need for landfills though innovative solutions and a commitment to zero waste.
Landfills take up valuable space and can release harmful chemicals and greenhouse gases into the air and water. By reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills, it becomes possible to preserve natural resources, protect the environment and mitigate the effects of climate change.
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
@Sandton-Apartments hopes that the programme will serve as an example to other high-rise buildings in the area and inspire them to adopt similar waste management practices. The building has already seen a positive response from its residents, who are pleased to be part of a community that values sustainability and the environment.
Encompassing @Sandton-Apartments and @Sandton-Hotel, the Acsiopolis building is the first multi-use lifestyle precinct in South Africa which includes a 561-room luxury hotel, 480 upmarket leased apartments, conferencing and event facilities, co-working space, a National Curriculum Framework nursery school, doctors’ rooms, physiotherapist, plastic surgeon, orthodontist, gym, clubhouse, deli, restaurant and spa. @Sandton-Apartments has been constructed with the residents’ lifestyle top of mind, catering to people at all stages of life from Millennials to Gen-X empty nesters.
