Located on a previously neglected site devoid of indigenous vegetation and biodiversity, Arterial Industrial Estate in Blackheath, Cape Town, now stands as a beacon of green industrial infrastructure. Developed by Growthpoint Properties, this 41,847m2 industrial development was designed to meet the needs of contemporary industries as they evolve, with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability.
WSP, a leading global multidisciplinary professional firm, was appointed to provide sustainability consulting services for the project. Our African team of sustainability experts supported the client’s vision to establish a high-quality industrial park that offered spatial flexibility and operational efficiency to attract forward-thinking tenants who value low-carbon operations and resource conscious infrastructure.
Sustainable by design
“Our approach was rooted in guiding the project team toward sustainable design solutions that aligned with both the site’s characteristics and the client’s ambitions,” says Iphendule Ndzipho, Sustainability Consultant: Built Ecology, WSP in Africa.
WSP focused on integrating environmental performance into every aspect of the development, ensuring that the building would not only meet certification standards but also deliver long-term value.
“We adopted the Green Star Custom Industrial Tool early in the design process to inform and shape the sustainability strategy, ensuring that all key environmental criteria were addressed, Ndzipho explains. “The project pursued both Design and As-Built Green Star certifications, successfully achieving a four-star rating at each stage and demonstrating a consistent commitment to sustainability.”
Flexible spaces support growth
The project consisted of two phases. Phase 1 (Building A) includes five warehouse/office units, and Phase 2 (Building B) adds six units, totalling a Gross Floor Area (GFA) of 41,847m², with 37,716m² dedicated to warehouses and 4,131m² to offices. Its strategic location near major roads, air, and seaports ensures efficient market access and logistical connectivity.
Designed to meet the needs of contemporary industries, the development offers flexibility in unit configuration, allowing tenants to link spaces for larger operations either at inception or during future expansion. It consists of 11 flexible warehouse units, usable individually or combined, offering adaptability for tenant growth or reconfiguration. Each warehouse unit includes a dedicated two-storey office administration block, ensuring integrated functionality and professional workspace environments.
Carbon footprint mitigation follows future-ready principles
“Our aim was to deliver a decarbonised design, that ensures a lower carbon emissions operating environment,” says Nzipho. “To achieve this, sustainability initiatives ranged from supporting sustainable commuting, to water and energy efficiency and re-introducing biodiversity to the site.”
The site accommodates 392 standard parking bays, and 12 accessibility bays, supplemented by 22 bays for fuel-efficient vehicles and 22 for motorcycles. It includes bicycle facilities for employees to reinforce the development’s commitment to low-carbon mobility, while encouraging active transport choices and promote an affordable mode of transport. Each warehouse unit is equipped with locker and shower facilities, enhancing employee comfort.
A centralised waste management and recycling storage room services the entire development, supporting operational efficiency and environmental responsibility. At least 80% of the office floor space benefits from natural light and external views, with blinds installed to manage direct solar radiation and reduce heat gain. Offices are equipped with LED lighting and override switches to enhance energy control.
The development’s carbon footprint is mitigated by a 162.4kW grid-tied solar photovoltaic plant, contributing to reduced grid dependency and operational cost savings. The energy consumption of each unit (warehouse and office) is individually metered and monitored via a cloud-based system, enabling real-time tracking and performance optimisation, which allows for targeted efficiency improvements.
Indoor environmental quality is prioritised through dedicated fresh air fans delivering a minimum of 12.5 litres of fresh air per person. The Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) HVAC systems installed throughout the offices provide efficient heating and cooling, aligning with global climate control targets. For unit A5 in Phase 1 R32 refrigerants were selected for their lower Global Warming Potential (GWP), approximately one-third that of R410A, significantly reducing the environmental impact of HVAC operations.
The selected SANWARE fittings and fixtures used in these facilities are inherently water efficient, reducing potable water consumption. Each unit is individually metered, allowing for the detection of irregular use, consumption patterns, and at the same time promoting tenant accountability. While irrigation is managed via an automated controller to ensure responsible water use.
Finally, the previously neglected site that was devoid of indigenous vegetation, has undergone ecological revitalisation as part of the development. Two attenuation dams were constructed to manage stormwater runoff, transforming the landscape and introducing natural elements into the industrial setting that support the reestablishment of biodiversity.
Having achieved its Four Star Custom Industrial Green Star rating, Arterial Industrial Estate stands as a benchmark for sustainable industrial development. The project’s strategies reflect commitment to environmental stewardship and position the development as a leader in shaping the future of green industrial infrastructure in South Africa.
Additionally, the Arterial Industrial Estate Phase 2 submission was named Runner-Up for Best Quality Submission for new developments, at the GBCSA Leadership Awards 2025.
