Newinbosch Crowned world’s best sustainable development

• Wins World, Africa and Mixed-Use Sustainability Awards at the 2026 International Property Awards in London.
• Africa’s first 6-Star Green Star precinct with renewable energy, water-wise design and climate-smart architecture.
• Delivers lower running costs, energy security and long-term value through globally certified sustainability systems.

From Stellenbosch to the world stage, Newinbosch Neighbourhood Estate has been named Best Sustainable Development in the World, alongside Best Sustainable Development in Africa and Best Mixed Use Development in Africa at the International Property Awards in London.

Accepting the awards, Similan CEO Harold Spies said sustainability at Newinbosch is not a marketing layer, but a core design principle:

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“From housing diversity and walkability to climate-responsive architecture, renewable energy and food production, sustainability is embedded in every level of planning and delivery.”

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Newinbosch is Africa’s first 6-Star Green Star Sustainable Precinct, independently certified and continually reviewed against evolving global benchmarks. All residential buildings carry EDGE Advanced certification, delivering measurable energy, water and cost savings for residents.

The precinct is powered by a pioneering renewable energy microgrid, already supplying around 45% of total demand through solar and battery storage, with a target of over 60% at full build-out. A zero-landfill strategy, on-site composting and Net Zero Ecology and Carbon targets further reinforce its future-ready credentials.

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“Our goal was never awards,” says Spies. “It was to create a neighbourhood with lower running costs, resilient infrastructure and long-term value for generations. Sustainability here isn’t a gesture – it’s a system and a standard.”

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With global recognition now secured, Newinbosch stands as proof that South Africa can lead the world in building truly sustainable, liveable neighbourhoods.

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