Loadshedding is now a reality we all live with nowadays, at the very least though the lights won’t be going out at Eastgate Mall this festive season. A popular place in the east rand of Johannesburg, Eastgate has installed a solar plant on its roof with the ability to deliver on its commitment to become more sustainable, and use its space optimally. The centre also recently installed three solar trees on its piazza to light up the popular outdoor dining and entertainment area.
The 1-megawatt solar plant is made up of 2 771 solar panels and 9 inverters, which, simply by absorbing the sun’s rays, produce approximately 170,000 kWh per month. North facing, the system is able to produce 14% of the centre’s energy needs, which equates to carbon emission savings of roughly 180 tons per month. Switched on earlier this year, to date the solar plant has already saved the centre almost R 2 million in electricity, with more expected as the sunny days get longer over the December period. The solar plant was made possible by collaborating with Solareff, Solink, Eskom and the Ekhuruleni Municipality.
Eastgate’s commitment to sustainability does not end there. The centre recently implemented a recycling system for used paper, plastic, cans and glass, via reverse vending machines. By creating a profile on a smart phone app, shoppers are able to enjoy benefits simply by recycling materials that they no longer need.
Shoppers will have much to look forward to including extended trading hours, live entertainment on the piazza, a visit by fan favourite Father Christmas, gift wrapping services, as well as the popular Festival of Fun which return to the centre this festive season, with seven funfair rides, to be enjoyed purely as added value for shopping. This is of course is additional to popular attractions at the centre which include the rooftop drive-in, the go-kart track, big screen, cinemas and over 200 retail outlets.
“Eastgate is ready to welcome families and shoppers of all ages this festive season” said Kelly Belman, General Manager for Eastgate Shopping Centre. “Our centre will not only surprise and delight you, but you can be rest assured that you’re in a centre that is kind to the environment” she added.
