Citra believes in the simplest yet most powerful definition of sustainability:
All future generations should have better choices and opportunities than our generation.
Sustainability
Our advanced Citra Building Technology is engineered to use the absolute minimum possible amount of materials and energy. This reduces the environmental footprint throughout the entire lifecycle and will enable future generations to have the same materials available to create the things they desire. And the cost savings of our advanced Citra Building Technology give our clients more choices of what they can do with their money.
Citra homes are designed to last so that the children and grandchildren of our clients have the choice to live in the same home. Or to sell it and reinvest the proceeds to start a new life – just like our clients do when they buy a new Citra home.
In our developments, we aim to create neighborhoods that foster trust amongst all residents and that stimulate enduring economic development. We achieve this by asking a few key questions at every decision that needs to be taken: How can we make it safer? How can we increase positive engagement amongst the neighbors? How can we break down the barriers that prevent economic development? And most importantly: How can we make the homeowners and the neighborhood proud of where they live? Finding honest answers to these questions can be difficult and lead to contradictory answers and design decisions, but by constantly seeking better answers we believe that we can make a difference. This is especially important in affordable developments, as it means the children of our clients will have a better future and be able to live a different life.
Sustainability
Our advanced Citra Building Technology is engineered to use the absolute minimum possible amount of materials and energy. This reduces the environmental footprint throughout the entire lifecycle and will enable future generations to have the same materials available to create the things they desire. And the cost savings of our advanced Citra Building Technology give our clients more choices of what they can do with their money.
Citra homes are designed to last so that the children and grandchildren of our clients have the choice to live in the same home. Or to sell it and reinvest the proceeds to start a new life – just like our clients do when they buy a new Citra home.
In our developments, we aim to create neighborhoods that foster trust amongst all residents and that stimulate enduring economic development. We achieve this by asking a few key questions at every decision that needs to be taken: How can we make it safer? How can we increase positive engagement amongst the neighbors? How can we break down the barriers that prevent economic development? And most importantly: How can we make the homeowners and the neighborhood proud of where they live? Finding honest answers to these questions can be difficult and lead to contradictory answers and design decisions, but by constantly seeking better answers we believe that we can make a difference. This is especially important in affordable developments, as it means the children of our clients will have a better future and be able to live a different life.
Responsible Development
At Citra, environmental and social sustainability are top priorities and we are committed to creating a positive impact, uplifting quality of life in our developments and beyond.
Environmental & Social Standards
We believe that economic growth and a healthy environment go hand in hand and recognize the importance of effective management of environmental and social issues in the development process.
We are strongly committed to the principles of corporate transparency, accountability and stakeholder engagement, and seek to work with partners and counterparties who uphold similar standards.
Responsible Development
At Citra, environmental and social sustainability are top priorities and we are committed to creating a positive impact, uplifting quality of life in our developments and beyond.
Environmental & Social Standards
We believe that economic growth and a healthy environment go hand in hand and recognize the importance of effective management of environmental and social issues in the development process.
We are strongly committed to the principles of corporate transparency, accountability and stakeholder engagement, and seek to work with partners and counterparties who uphold similar standards.
Our Practices
In our operations, we pursue best practices in environmental management (including energy and resource efficiency, waste reduction and recycling) to ensure that all projects undertaken are environmentally sound and operated in compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations.
Environmental Practices:
- Reinforce environmental sustainability through alternative energy methods, thermally efficient design and sustainable building materials.
- Encourage reduce, reuse, and recycle concepts wherever possible.
- Enhance the natural environment with communal courtyards, green areas and landscaped open spaces.
- Create recreational spaces with seating areas, pedestrian walkways and children’s play areas.
- Use 100% indigenous landscaping with local, area-appropriate plants and trees.
- Minimize water-intensive lawns, focusing them primarily around play areas.
Our Practices
In our operations, we pursue best practices in environmental management (including energy and resource efficiency, waste reduction, and recycling) to ensure that all projects undertaken are environmentally sound and operated in compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations.
Environmental Practices:
- Reinforce environmental sustainability through alternative energy methods, thermally efficient design, and sustainable building materials.
- Encourage reduce, reuse, and recycle concepts wherever possible.
- Enhance the natural environment with communal courtyards, green areas, and landscaped open spaces.
- Create recreational spaces with seating areas, pedestrian walkways, and children’s play areas.
- Use 100% indigenous landscaping with local, area-appropriate plants and trees.
- Minimize water-intensive lawns, focusing them primarily around play areas.
All our buildings are designed with EDGE standards as a minimum
This means we provide for at least 20% less water and electricity usage and 20% greater energy efficiency in building materials than SANS 10400 X compliance requirements. We do this with:
- Low-flow faucets and shower heads
- Hot water generation using solar panels and heat pumps
- Solar power for common areas, security and circulation areas
- Daylight sensors for common area lighting
- Borehole irrigation wherever possible
Impact
Social Impact During Construction
Numerous employment and business opportunities are provided during construction.
Employment
- Provision of job opportunities and preferential procurement policies for local labour
- SMME support and development through the DAG empowerment programme
- Employment opportunities for low/medium-skilled workers during construction
- Majority of construction employees from historically disadvantaged communities
- High percentage of local resident workers
Capital Expenditure & Business Opportunities
- Business opportunities for local services industry
- Local construction expenditure creates growth in local and regional economies
Impact
Social Impact During Construction
Numerous employment and business opportunities are provided during construction.
Employment
- Provision of job opportunities and preferential procurement policies for local labour
- SMME support and development through the DAG empowerment programme
- Employment opportunities for low/medium-skilled workers during construction
- Majority of construction employees from historically disadvantaged communities
- High percentage of local resident workers
Capital Expenditure & Business Opportunities
- Business opportunities for local services industry
- Local construction expenditure creates growth in local and regional economies
Lifetime Impact
The overall vision of our projects is focused on community living and includes the following social and economic sustainability initiatives:
- Creating sustainable, empowered communities with diverse residential typologies
- Easy access to basic services, including community, education, and recreation facilities
- Emphasis on walking and cycling as primary movement modes, enhancing safety
- Providing quality accommodation that positively impacts residents’ quality of life
- Economic sustainability through reduced maintenance costs, effective property management, and affordable rental costs and utilities
- Generating ongoing formal and informal employment opportunities (e.g., gardeners, domestic helpers)
- Stimulating local businesses and economic growth through increased population and consumption
Lifetime Impact
The overall vision of our projects is focused on community living and includes the following social and economic sustainability initiatives:
- Creating sustainable, empowered communities with diverse residential typologies
- Easy access to basic services, including community, education and recreation facilities
- Emphasis on walking and cycling as primary movement modes, enhancing safety
- Providing quality accommodation that positively impacts residents’ quality of life
- Economic sustainability through reduced maintenance costs, effective property management and affordable rental costs and utilities
- Generating ongoing formal and informal employment opportunities (e.g., gardeners, domestic helpers)
- Stimulating local businesses and economic growth through increased population and consumption