A preview launch of the new learning and development centre, the Potsdam Sustainability Campus, was held last week by the City, aiming to address multiple challenges, such as achieving carbon neutrality goals for 2030/2050, job creation and food production.
The site, which was originally part of the Potsdam Outspan, will also support wider programmes that address the rehabilitation of the Diep River system and empowering communities to understand and mitigate against climate change.
The City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayco member for spatial planning and environment, Eddie Andrews, said at the launch the Potsdam Sustainability Campus is a dynamic, living campus – a place where ideas can be tested, mistakes can be made, and innovative solutions can emerge.
“This campus embodies Cape Town’s commitment to the 2030 and 2050 Carbon Neutrality Goals and aligns with the broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It provides a rare opportunity for transversal collaboration – bringing together multiple city directorates, the private sector, educational institutions, and partners like ICLEI Africa,” said Andrews.
The launch was concluded with a short tour and an interactive circular economy game, giving a glimpse of the learning element of the site.
“This campus serves as a living experiment. It is more than just a series of projects – it is an integrated approach that combines community development and education in a way that ensures our solutions are scalable, adaptable, and long-lasting,” said Andrews.
Background
The Potsdam Sustainability Campus timeline is packaged into 10-year focus periods, with the current period – 2020 to 2029 – being the planning to initial implementation phase.
This includes more planning, garnering of wide-spread buy-in and site initiation through the early initial implementation of key catalytic, pilot projects like the relocation of the My Clean Green Home from Green Point Park alongside a 1ha pilot circular farm.
The site is located on the corner of Blaauwberg and Potsdam Roads in Table View.
