The 75 000sqm mall, which is set to open in April 2011, is jointly owned and developed by JSE-listed company Resilient Property Income Fund, Flanagan & Gerard Property Development & Investment and Moolman Group, and designed by award-winning MDS Architecture. 

“As a developer, it is crucial to ensure that our future brick and mortar assets are environmentally responsible and as energy efficient as possible”, says Patrick Flanagan of Flanagan & Gerard. 

“Research by the International Energy Agency has revealed that by improving energy efficiency in our buildings, industrial processes and transportation alone, we have the potential to reduce the world's energy needs in 2050 by one third, thus helping to control the global emissions of greenhouse gases.” 

The practical application of the green strategies is evident in the architectural design of the building.

“Mall of the North has incorporated careful building measures that have resulted in the reduction of heat loads, maximisation of natural light, the use of environmentally friendly, non-toxic materials and more”, notes Pierre Lahaye of MDS Architecture.

“Environmental, social and economical factors have all been taken into account in the implementation of these strategies.” 

Location is a key factor in the indirect carbon emissions resulting from the centre. Situated on a main arterial road with close proximity to public transport nodes, the carbon footprint created by shoppers travelling to the centre will be dramatically decreased. 

Currently, the use of local labour and materials wherever possible is decreasing emissions during the construction phase. Borehole water is also being used for building purposes, and soil erosion was prevented during the construction of the parking lot.  

Mall of the North’s design has incorporated insulation, white roofing, cavity walls and energy efficient glass to help to thermally regulate the building.  On the western side of the building, which will receive the harshest rays of sun during the day, shading devices have been installed to cool the building.  In the cooler months, the revolving doors at the entrances will ensure that the centre will not experience great amounts of heat loss. 

The lifts have been designed to store kinetic energy, which will be used for regeneration in the event of a power failure.  Escalators will also have motion sensors, effectively running slower when not in use. Solar geysers, gas systems, natural ventilation systems, metered taps and low flushing mechanisms in bathrooms will all contribute to the expected energy saving.

Indigenous landscaping will be used throughout, leading to the conservation of water. Various aloes that were rescued from the site prior to construction will also be re-planted. 

Natural light is another key factor in the design.  The region experiences an abundance of natural light and this has been used to its maximum capacity throughout the centre. Furthermore, energy efficient globes with circuit timers and solar and motion sensors will be used liberally.  The controlled lighting will also reduce light pollution.

“Mall of the North will be an environment that is welcoming to both shoppers and prospective employees, whilst still being a dynamic location and an iconic fixture in Limpopo’s identity.”  notes Jannie Moolman of the Moolman Group

Eager tenant participation and willingness in being energy conscious is also a vital denominator.  “Each tenant will be allocated a certain amount of power and will be held responsible for any irresponsible use of energy,” adds Johann Kriek of Resilient.   

“The tenants will be expected to comply with the NERSA requirements and this prerequisite has been welcomed by tenants, in particular the national retailers.  This indicates a growing trend in the joint participation between tenant and landlord in being more ‘green’ conscious.” 

The entire centre will be monitored by a BMS (Building Management System), which comprises a central network that evaluates energy usage throughout the building. 

Mall of the North will bring with it 180 new retail outlets offering exceptional retail, banking and leisure, with anchor tenants including Pick n Pay, Checkers, Edgars, Woolworths and Game, as well as a Ster Kinekor cinema complex.