Stellenbosch, South Africa, 27 October 2025 The Sustainability Institute (SI) is delighted to announce it has been recognised with a bronze Eco-Logic 2025 Award in the Eco-Community category, recognising a quarter-century of pioneering work in regenerative living and transformative education.
Born from South Africa’s early democratic vision 25 years ago, the SI has demonstrated that sustainable, just communities are not only possible but can flourish when ecological intelligence meets social innovation. The award celebrates the organisation’s holistic approach to nurturing soil, soul, and society as a daily act embedded within the SI community, including through the Lynedoch Eco-Village, South Africa’s first socially-mixed, mixed-income eco-community.
“This recognition affirms that when we integrate intellectual rigour, emotional connection, and intuitive innovation, we create communities where both people and nature thrive,” said Vanessa Von Der Heyde, Director of the Sustainability Institute. “The Eco-Logic Award celebrates not just our achievements, but the vision of what’s possible when we reimagine what is possible.”
Tangible impact, measurable results
The SI’s regenerative approach has delivered remarkable environmental outcomes:
- 70% energy reduction through solar power implementation
- 90% water savings via innovative recycling systems
- 85% waste diverted from landfill through comprehensive management programmes
What began as degraded land has been transformed into a vibrant sanctuary and living classroom where more than 200 children learn daily, experiencing firsthand how humans can coexist harmoniously with nature.
Integrating three forms of intelligence
The award recognises the SI’s unique educational philosophy that balances three interconnected forms of intelligence:
Intellectual intelligence: The SI’s Montessori-based approach weaves ecological principles into rigorous academic learning. Children develop logical reasoning by observing water cycles through rainwater harvesting and understanding biodiversity through direct ecosystem engagement. Adult learning and research programmes apply analytical frameworks to sustainability challenges, producing evidence-based insights that inform both teaching and broader societal solutions.
Emotional intelligence: Through nature-centred pedagogy, students develop deep empathy by caring for gardens and recognising the interconnectedness of all living systems. Purposefully designed spaces evoke wonder, curiosity, and biophilia, creating safe environments where learners forge meaningful connections with both human and non-human worlds. Graduates don’t just understand sustainability intellectually, they feel personally invested in Earth’s wellbeing.
Intuitive innovation: The campus serves as an “imaginarium” where disciplinary boundaries dissolve and unexpected connections emerge. By honouring Indigenous knowledge alongside contemporary science, the SI sparks creative breakthroughs that transform sustainability challenges into solution-driven opportunities.
The Green Café showcases the power of regenerative food systems, serving affordable, healthy meals using garden produce and wild indigenous plants.
Recognition building on recognition
This Eco-Logic Award follows the SI’s recognition as 2024’s Most Transformative Learning Organisation, cementing its position as a leader in demonstrating that another way of living is not only necessary but achievable.
“In the Lynedoch Valley, we prove daily that when we nurture soil and soul together, communities flourish,” added Von der Heyde. “This award isn’t just ours, it belongs to every child who plants a seedling, every resident who calls this eco-village home, and every learner and visitor who leaves inspired to imagine differently. We also acknowledge our community of partners that have made our work possible over the years – your support has helped us to grow something award-winning, which we can all be very proud of together.”
About the Eco Logic Awards
Celebrating South Africa’s Eco-Champions since 2011. The Eco-Logic Awards in partnership with Peoples Weather Channel as featured on DSTV and Openview, and WildAid, showcases and supports those who provide products, services and interventions that are ‘Good for People and Planet’.