From the soils of Stellenbosch to the global stage in London, Newinbosch Neighbourhood Estate has taken its place among the world’s leading property developments. At the final International Property Awards gala held in London on 17 January 2026, Harold Spies, CEO of Similan, accepted multiple honours on behalf of Newinbosch: Best Sustainable Development in the World, Best Sustainable Development in Africa, and Best Mixed Use Development in Africa.

 

These accolades build on last year’s double 5 Star South African success at the IPA Awards and reaffirm Newinbosch’s position as one of Africa’s leading sustainable neighbourhoods, where innovation, quality and community are deliberately woven together to create lasting impact. Spies notes that sustainability at Newinbosch is not treated as an added feature, but is embedded at every level of planning, design, and delivery. “From housing diversity and car lite walkability to climate responsive architecture, water wise landscaping, renewable energy systems and integrated food production, the development responds not only to the South African context, but also to global calls for more equitable and adaptable neighbourhoods,” he says. In an era where terms like “eco,” “green,” and “bioclimatic” are often used more as branding than practice, Newinbosch has deliberately chosen a different path: one rooted in measurable impact, transparent processes, and internationally recognised benchmarks. Working closely with the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) and long standing sustainability consultants Ecolution Consulting, the Newinbosch team has invested years in designing, documenting, and independently verifying every aspect of the neighbourhood. The result is a development where sustainability claims are underpinned by rigorous, third party certification.

 

Each achievement represents far more than a badge. As Africa’s first 6 Star Green Star Sustainable Precincts v1.1 certified development, Newinbosch is not measured against a once off milestone; its performance is continually reviewed, with new criteria required at every phase of development. Beyond precinct level certification, Newinbosch’s sustainability strategy is supported by systems already delivered and operational. These include EDGE Advanced certification across all residential buildings, confirming significantly improved energy, water, and material efficiency, alongside tangible cost benefits for residents through lower running costs and access to green finance options. The neighbourhood is also powered by Newinbosch Energy, a fully operational renewable energy microgrid combining solar generation, battery storage, and grid supply. This approach is believed to be among the first of its kind in South Africa, providing load shedding resilience and reliable power continuity while supporting both daily living and long term energy security. Solar energy currently supplies around 45 percent of the development’s total energy demand, with a target of more than 60 percent once the neighbourhood is fully built out. A neighbourhood wide waste reduction and management strategy is being rolled out in parallel, with on site composting set to come online by the end of the year as part of a broader move toward reduced landfill reliance and more circular resource use, with a targeted goal of achieving zero landfill by 2028. Alongside these established achievements, Newinbosch is setting its sights on the next phase of performance led sustainability. Public landscaping across the neighbourhood is being submitted for Net Zero Ecology certification, which will be awarded on completion of the development and independently verify meaningful ecological restoration at precinct scale. Work is also underway toward Net Zero Carbon outcomes for The Ilex apartments at Newinbosch. These initiatives focus on reducing operational carbon through energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, and improved waste and resource management.

 

“Years ago, we asked a simple question: what would it take to become the most sustainable development in South Africa?” says Spies. “Our focus was never on recognition. It was on building a neighbourhood that delivers real, everyday benefits including lower running costs, resilient infrastructure, and a healthier, more connected way of living, while creating long term value for future generations. That commitment, grounded in a local ambition, has since carried the project onto a global stage. At Newinbosch, sustainability isn’t a gesture; it’s a system, a standard, and a way of building that continues to shape how this place grows.” With this level of global recognition achieved, attention now turns to what lies ahead. For residents, these awards provide assurance that they are part of a development that meets and exceeds international standards of excellence. For the broader industry and community, they signal that South Africa can lead the way in delivering sustainable, liveable neighbourhoods built for the future. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this possible: our partners, consultants, residents and teams,” concludes Spies. “With many proud moments behind us, the Newinbosch journey continues with momentum, purpose and promise.”

 

 

Source:

https://newinbosch.co.za/newinbosch-named-best-sustainable-development-in-the-world/

20 January 2026