Attacq and Nedbank CIB Drive a Milestone in Largest EDGE-Certified Retail Mall Globally
4 February 2025 – Attacq Limited (“Attacq”), the JSE-listed Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) and strategic development partner of Waterfall City, proudly announces that its flagship retail asset, Mall of Africa, has achieved the prestigious Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) Advanced Certification. This milestone, achieved through ongoing collaboration with Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking (Nedbank CIB), makes Mall of Africa the first shopping centre in South Africa to receive EDGE certification and the largest global real estate asset to achieve this sustainability accreditation, covering a total of 484,800m².
EDGE is a globally recognised Building certification that sets a benchmark for resource efficiency, focusing on reductions in energy, water, and embodied carbon in materials. This recognition confirms that Mall of Africa operates with significantly lower energy and water consumption than comparable buildings, contributing to global sustainability efforts.
Lourens du Toit, Attacq’s Head of Sustainability, Infrastructure, and Land, highlights the impact: “The mall’s efficiencies save enough energy annually to power nearly 27,800 homes and reduces water consumption by 28% annually. The operational CO₂ savings equate to the emissions of 2,100 passenger cars annually.”*
Following the EDGE certification of Attacq’s Nexus office building in March 2024, this latest achievement reflects ongoing collaboration with Nedbank CIB, reinforcing both companies’ commitment to sustainability.
“At Attacq, sustainability is central to our strategy for creating long-term stakeholder value. Over the past decade, we’ve integrated ESG principles into our operations to benefit communities and the environment. Achieving EDGE Advanced certification for Mall of Africa is a significant milestone in our pursuit of smarter, safer, and more sustainable spaces,” added du Toit.
Genevieve Naidoo, Divisional Executive for Property Finance, Project Management, Valuations, and Sustainability at Nedbank CIB, stated, “Attacq’s leadership in sustainable development is evident with Mall of Africa’s EDGE Advanced certification. This achievement demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility and long-term stakeholder value. As sustainability grows in importance, this certification showcases what can be accomplished through strong partnerships.”
Beyond its sustainability achievements, Mall of Africa has demonstrated strong retail performance. Since 2023, it has achieved a compounded annual trading density growth of 5.1%, maintaining a healthy rent-to-turnover ratio of 2.6%. As Waterfall City continues to evolve into Gauteng’s premier mixed-use precinct, Mall of Africa remains well-positioned for continued success.
Attacq’s success with Mall of Africa sets a benchmark for sustainable development within Waterfall City and beyond. The EDGE certification underscores its leadership in creating efficient and resilient developments.
“With sustainability now a defining factor in retail and commercial property, Mall of Africa showcases the power of innovation, collaboration, and environmental responsibility,” says du Toit.
Attacq and Nedbank CIB encourage other developers and businesses to join them in driving sustainable progress, ensuring long-term value for all stakeholders.
*Note: The energy, water, and CO₂ savings are based on estimates using average values for home energy consumption, water usage, and vehicle emissions. Actual savings may vary depending on specific operational data and other variables.