Sustainability & Environmental Consulting

Bioregional South Africa faced several niche issues while working on various sustainability projects in the region. One significant challenge was the need for a comprehensive sustainability framework that could be applied to large-scale developments, such as the proposed Sibaya Precinct development in Durban. This project involved creating an overarching strategy for an 850-hectare site that included 6,000 homes, six hotels, and commercial space. The client required a structured approach to ensure that sustainability principles were integrated into the planning and development processes.

To address these challenges, Bioregional South Africa provided tailored solutions by applying the One Planet Living framework. This involved conducting sustainability analyses, facilitating workshops for future visioning, and developing action plans that were specific to the needs of the stakeholders involved. For instance, in the Waterloo Entrepreneurial Development Programme, Bioregional managed to support over 30 enterprises by providing economic literacy tools and brokering R500K of microfinance into the area. This initiative not only promoted enterprise development but also led to the establishment of a support program for local food growers, enhancing the local economy.

The quantifiable results of Bioregional's interventions were significant. In the Waterloo township, the program facilitated the growth of five gardens and provided R400K of water supply infrastructure to four large gardens, resulting in 64 registered growers. Additionally, the Bhekameva Creche refurbishment project showcased the application of sustainable practices by installing waterless toilets and using recycled materials for classroom fittings, which aligned with the One Planet Living principles.

Furthermore, the One Planet Cities project, which Bioregional was part of, resulted in the creation of sustainability action plans for seven schools, seven not-for-profit organizations, ten businesses, and two private individuals, contributing to Durban's vision of becoming Africa's most caring and livable city by 2030. The ongoing Sisonke Durban Garden project, which employs a permaculture mentor and utilizes food waste for composting, aims to create a circular economy and has the potential for replication across Durban, further demonstrating the impact of Bioregional's tailored solutions in addressing local sustainability challenges.