In the inner city of Johannesburg, there is a neighborhood called Hillbrow that is infamous for overcrowding, unemployment and crime. Within this area, there is a place called Joubert Park that has become an oasis for people living nearby. Founded in 1998, The GreenHouse Project serves the needs of this community.
The main facility is a renovated green building surrounded by small plots for community gardening and teaching. The small building boasts composting toilets, greywater recycling, and natural lighting. Permaculture gardens are used to train the neighboring communities in sustainable living. Program areas include:
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Green Building & Design: retrofitting with passive solar technology, minimizing energy use in heating/cooling, alternative building materials.
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Efficiency & Renewable Energy: exploring environmentally sound options for energy production as alternatives to coal-based and electrical sources.
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Recycling Project: showcasing the idea that waste is a resource that can be utilized economically.
- Organic Food Production and Nutrition: exploring urban food security, demonstrating ways to grow food in the city.
As one of several organizations within The Berkana Institute’s Southern Africa Open Places Initiative, The GreenHouse Project is modeling new ways of living in community and helping to shape the evolution of a new regional economy. It hosts monthly gatherings for networking, conversations and reflections—and often hosts learning exchanges with Kufunda Learning Village in Zimbabwe. Despite fundraising challenges in a tough economy, Project leaders consider this to be a time of immense opportunity. They are focusing their energy now on growing sustainable enterprises, generating income and developing mutually beneficial collaborations.