Octodec is proud to announce that Yethu City on Sisulu has achieved EDGE Advanced accreditation, becoming the first property in the Octodec portfolio and under City Property’s management to receive green building accreditation.
Located in Pretoria’s CBD, Yethu City recorded:
- 69.12% energy savings
- 33.23% water savings
- 95% less embodied carbon in materials
EDGE, which stands for Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies, is a globally recognised green building certification system developed by the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group. EDGE Advanced recognises buildings that achieve at least 40% on-site energy savings, in addition to meeting the required standards for water efficiency and embodied carbon in materials.
Yethu City’s achievement is particularly significant given the nature of the development. The property transformed an existing building into a modern co-living environment designed for young professionals, first-time renters, and commuters. It combines affordable accommodation with shared social spaces, co-working facilities, smart technology, and resource-efficient systems.
The accreditation demonstrates how the thoughtful repurposing of existing buildings can support inner-city renewal while delivering measurable environmental benefits. By retaining and adapting existing structures, improving operating efficiencies, and using materials more responsibly, property owners can reduce environmental impact while extending the productive life of urban assets.
“Achieving EDGE Advanced accreditation is an important milestone for both Yethu City and Octodec,” says Riaan Erasms, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Financial Director of Octodec Investments. “It validates the care and innovation that went into the redevelopment and demonstrates that affordable inner-city accommodation can also meet exacting international sustainability standards. We are immensely proud of the City Property team and everyone involved in bringing this vision to life.”
Yethu City has already received significant industry recognition for its innovative approach to affordable urban living. The development received the Platinum Award for Affordable Multi-Family Residential Project 2026 at the Reside Awards and was previously named Best New Affordable Housing at the Africa Property Investment Awards.
Its EDGE Advanced accreditation adds another important dimension to that success, recognising the building’s environmental performance alongside its contribution to quality, accessible, and community-focused accommodation.
For Octodec, the achievement represents an encouraging step in the Group’s ongoing efforts to improve the resilience, efficiency and long-term sustainability of its portfolio. It also reinforces the important role that responsible investment and adaptive reuse can play in revitalising South Africa’s inner cities.
