Last year, co-owners, JSE listed diversified REIT Redefine Properties and Abland Property Developers established the S&J Industrial Estate EcoDistricts Steering Committee (SJEDSC) with the intention to create the initial framework to progress towards a model rooted in community sustainability, ecological awareness, and conservation.
Located next to the Geldenhuys Interchange along the N3 National Highway in Germiston, East Rand, the S&J Industrial Estate forms part of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM), the largest metropolitan municipality in Gauteng, South Africa.
The SJEDSC team remains engaged through workshops and discussions to ensure the goals of enhancing the Estates’ developmental focus, long-term performance, and adopting EcoDistricts methodology of equity, resilience, and carbon neutrality are aligned with the sustainability strategies and commitments of both Redefine & Abland. 
Under the auspices of the SJEDSC, stakeholders are empowered to collaborate to drive S&J Industrial Estate’s vision of becoming a development devoted to progressive sustainability and environmental conservation. The sprawling estate spans an impressive 210ha and will cater for predominantly industrial use and a commercial offering in the area.
The SJEDSC is excited to lead the first of its kind project in the South African property sector which will lead to the first EcoDistricts® Certified endorsement outside North America. This type of thought leadership will also catalyze S&J’s efforts to reach net-zero carbon targets.
S&J Industrial Estate is classified as a Strategic Urban Development (SUD) or Special Project by EMM. This strategic relationship with EMM will continue to be nurtured to ensure the aims of EcoDistricts along with the aspirations of the city are further explored.
The project is located on a physical and administrative border with the City of Johannesburg (CoJ), the second-largest metropolitan area within Gauteng, which has set net-zero targets for all new buildings by 2030 and all existing buildings by 2050. CoJ is also testing the EcoDistricts methodology for adaptation and potential replication throughout the City as part of its international commitments over climate change declarations.
They have pledged to support the S&J Industrial Estate through its endeavours to develop an appropriate framework towards decarbonization.
S&J presents a unique opportunity for businesses looking to operate from an efficiently designed, well-planned, and well-managed, secure industrial park, within an established node. Automotive part distributors, third-party logistics, and light manufacturing businesses have selected S&J as their preferred node, with logistics and distribution enterprises showing the highest degree of interest. Convenience retail with flexible corporate space is planned for the precinct once critical mass is achieved.
Websites:
https://www.redefine.co.za/our-properties/flagship-properties/sj-industrial-estate