G-Eco (Growthpoint Eco) is the latest green initiative from Growthpoint Properties, a pilot project that turns the large volumes of food waste generated by client businesses at its properties into compost.
The project is a partnership with Life & Earth and has the potential for massive environmental benefits. It is being tested at Growthpoint Business Park in Midrand using waste produced at four of Growthpoint’s large multi-tenant properties in the area.
The idea was born 18 months ago when Growthpoint embarked on a waste management analysis process to measure waste sent to landfills and the effectiveness of its existing initiatives to reduce this.
The property heavyweight used the Heron IVC, which is a locally manufactured in South Africa by Earth Probiotic Industrial (Pty) Ltd. The Heron IVC turns food waste into compost and can process up to 1,000kg of food waste per day and was installed at Growthpoint Business Park in July 2017 on a trial basis by Life & Earth, the “waste to soil” division of Life Green Group.
Food waste is now collected from a number of Growthpoint buildings and clients including Growthpoint Business Park, Woodlands Office Park, Woodmead Retail Park and Central Park
Through the G-Eco initiative, Growthpoint will address the large volumes of food waste generated by their clients across their properties. Clients are encouraged to separate food waste (which is a legal requirement) which is then removed and composted by the Heron IVC in Midrand.
The composting of food waste will reduce CO2e emissions by 235kg per tonne vs. landfill: a significant number when one considers the Growthpoint property portfolio. At Growthpoint Business Park the composted food waste is added into Life Landscapes’ on-site garden waste composting windrows. The food waste adds valuable nutrients to the mix which enables Life Landscapes to produce a nutrient rich compost for reapplication onto the property.
The G-Eco food waste composting initiative will help Growthpoint reduce waste risks while building a better environment on its properties. Whilst demonstrating sustainability and environmental responsibility leadership.
