JSE-listed real estate investment trust (Reit) Redefine Properties has announced the launch of SustainAgility, a 12-month internship programme designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical sustainability experience.

Pioneered by Redefine, with the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) as programme partner, SustainAgility combines workplace experience, accredited learning, mentorship and exposure to live sustainability projects.

Redefine explains that SustainAgility responds to a recognised challenge across the built environment wherein emerging professionals often have strong academic foundations but limited access to the practical experience and professional networks needed to build careers in sustainability.

The programme gives interns the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a working environment while building the technical and professional capabilities needed to contribute to the sector.

The company notes that SustainAgility’s inaugural intake began in January with the first two interns, Mpho Mahlatsi and Kauthar van Harte, having spent the year combining workplace experience at Redefine with structured learning and industry exposure through the GBCSA.

“The inaugural cohort has given us an opportunity to put the SustainAgility model into practice. Through accredited learning, workplace exposure and involvement in live sustainability projects, the interns have been able to build practical capability across a range of areas relevant to the sector,” says Redefine Properties environmental, social and governance (ESG) head Ursula Mpakanyane.

Redefine says both interns have completed the GBCSA Accredited Professional, EDGE and Net Zero training, providing early proof points of the programme’s ability to build practical sustainability capability.

They have also contributed to sustainability projects.

While Redefine pioneered SustainAgility, the company says the programme has been designed with the potential to involve other organisations across the sector.

Redefine says other organisations can support its growth by hosting interns, offering mentorship or creating workplace-learning opportunities, helping to expand access to practical sustainability experience across the sector.

Organisations that want to participate can engage GBCSA to develop a workplan aligned with the skills and capabilities they require, with the programme framework allowing for participation from landlords, businesses or sector education and training authorities.

“The real potential of this programme will be realised when it reaches beyond its founding partnership. By creating more opportunities for workplace learning and mentorship, we can help strengthen the practical capability our industry needs,” says GBCSA CEO Georgina Smit.

With the first two interns already gaining practical experience, Redefine says SustainAgility now provides a foundation for broader industry participation and the continued development of sustainability talent.