A master designed urban community in South Africa was chosen as one of the sixteen real estate project by the Clinton Climate Initiative Development (CCI) . The Zonk’izizwe Town Center, a development of planned urban community in Midrand, Gauteng, South Africa is participating in this CCI program which will strive to reduce the amount of on-site CO2 emissions to below zero. According to Development Design Group (DDG), the mastermind behind this zero carbon plan, sustainable development and “Green” architecture figure prominently in the Zonk’izizwe design, with innovations like bio-water recycling/purification and solar power energy contributions.

This distinguished honor of winning the CCI belongs to DDG, an urban planning and architecture group based in Baltimore, MD. DDG also got a nod from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Zonk’izizwe Town Center is a mixed used development between South African Capital, Johannesburg and its suburb, Pretoria.

“It is an honor to have Zonk’izizwe selected for such a progressive environmental program,” said Roy Higgs, CEO of DDG. “Zonk’izizwe’s renewable resource management, energy efficient strategies and conservation ethic sets a new standard for the future of eco-friendly South African Development.”

Zonk’izizwe, which means “all nations” in Zulu stays true to its African heritage with it’s vibrant colors and open pedestrian streets. “An orientation that allows the winter sun to warm its terraces and public spaces.” It will be a 5-million-square-foot master-planned community with commercial and residential space as well as a hotel and entertainment center. To blend natural habitat with modern technology, an ecological corridor, or “Eco Spine,” are being implemented amongst the modern architecture.

Photo Source: DDG