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GBCSA’s Bakang Moeng comments on the new Integrated Resource Plan (IRP)

The plan is published by the Department of Mineral Resources & Energy and is currently out for public comments. The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), first promulgated in 2011 (and the last review being in 2019), is developed to ensure security of electricity supply within South Africa.

Greenovate Awards 2023 winners

Independent start-up Oelinga won the first-ever proptech award of the Greenovate Awards, which recognise and reward innovative, sustainable solutions by young talent in the built environment.  The University of Cape Town (UCT) won the top prizes in both property and engineering categories, once again excelling at the 2023 Greenovate Awards.

Abi Godsell shares her thoughts on the Transforming Tomorrow People Category

In the ongoing process of adopting international best practice, integrating growing understandings of climate, and supporting and rewarding South African green building excellence, the Transforming Tomorrow update of Green Star New Build draws on industry expertise and engagement

The latest GBCSA Product Member Catalogue is out!

We at GBCSA are proud to showcase our members whose products have an environmental focus, and in doing so help us move closer towards our goal of a transformed built environment, where people and planet thrive.

The need for collaboration and inclusivity – key takeaways from the 16th Green Building Convention 2023

Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) held the 16th Green Building Convention in Cape Town recently, including the GBCSA Leadership Awards, celebrating remarkable achievements in the green building sector.

AP Spotlight: Nontombi Dubazana

Nontombi Dubazana is an Environmental Sustainability Specialist at Dube Tradeport and a Green Star Accredited Professional for the Existing Building Performance tool.

New GBCSA Academy Course Set to Revolutionise Approach to Building Design in SA

The GBCSA Academy is making waves once again by introducing an exciting new online short course that promises to revolutionise the way we think about and approach building design in the South African context.

Green beyond Buildings: Transforming Tomorrow’s ‘People’ Category By Michelle Ludwig, Director, Ludwig Design Consulting

The launch of a revised version of the Green Star rating system by the Green Building Council of South Africa is a major step in the right direction for increasing inclusive aspects of sustainability in the building and construction sectors.

Green Building Convention 2023: Closing address by GBCSA Chair André Theys

Back when I was growing up, we caught a train to watch a movie on a Saturday afternoon, way before streaming, DSTV and video machines.  James Bond movies was my thing and after every movie, at the end of the credits, would be the teaser “James Bond will return in…”and they would mention the next […]

Advancing Sustainability: South African Property Sector Marks Net Zero Carbon Milestone

Redefine Properties has successfully achieved a Net Zero Carbon Level 2 Measured certification by the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) for three of their existing properties in Gauteng:

A matter of HEALTH in Green Buildings by Annelide Sherratt, Head of Department: Green Building Certifications, Solid Green

The Healthy Category of the V2 Tool emphasises the important role the built environment can and should play in improving the wellness of occupants.

GBCSA’s 1000th Certification Signals Exponential Growth for SA’s Green Buildings Sector

Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) recently signed-off on its 1000th green building certification since the organisation’s inception in 2007. The 1000th certification, awarded to the Visual Arts Building at Stellenbosch University,

Pushing the Envelope: a Responsible Built Environment

By André Harms, Director, Ecolution Consulting A world in a socio-environmental crisis urgently needs sustainable development compatible with planetary boundaries and societal cohesion. Yet, our global construction industry faces fierce competition, tight building schedules and constraining budgets.

GBCSA Academy AP Spotlight: Mellissa Titus, Independent Quality Assurers

Mellissa Titus is a Sustainability Consultant and a Green Star Accredited Professional (AP+) for the Green Star New Buildings & Major Refurbishments and Existing Building Performance and the Net Zero certification tools.

Pioneering the Green Building Revolution – Inspiring Journeys of Female Accredited Professionals

Accredited Professionals (APs) are critical in the Green Star certification process, guiding project teams every step of the way and ensuring the transformation of South Africa’s built environment for people and planet to thrive.

Welcoming André Theys, new Chair of the GBCSA Board

A big round of applause and congratulations to André Theys on his well-deserved appointment as the new Chair of the GBCSA Board! Following the AGM at the end of July, André has taken the helm, bringing his expertise and passion to this prestigious role.

2022 Integrated Annual Report released

Our latest annual report contains a brief overview of all our activities and achievements for 2022, as well as financial statements and governance details.

Embracing The next Horizon for Sustainable Development: Exploring GBCSA’s Green Star New Build V2 Tool – Nature Category, by Mike Aldous, Technical Principal, MPAMOT

Introduction:  In an era where environmental sustainability has become a pressing global concern, the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) has been developing an updated and enhanced version

GBCSA Academy AP Spotlight: Wardah Safi, Ecolution Consulting

Wardah Safi is a Senior Sustainability Consultant at Ecolution Consulting. Her sustainability and Green Star journey started in 2013 – a journey that she describes as enriching.

GBCSA Academy Net Zero Training with Wits University

35 Construction Management, Honours students from University of the Witwatersrand enrolled for our Accredited Professional Net Zero Training in May 2023.

Learn from the Green Building Experts: GBCSA Masterclasses are in Session

The GBCSA Masterclass Series officially kicked off at the end of May, offering a deep dive into various technical aspects of green buildings.

PLACES By Adrie Fourie, Head of Department: Sustainable Cities & Research, Solid Green Consulting

Cities will host two-thirds of the world population by 2050. Fundamental shifts are required to enable cities to accommodate the influx of people,

Weathering the Storm: Resilience in the Built Environment By Jutta Berns, Founder and Director, Ecocentric

In a world grappling with the escalating threats of climate change and natural disasters, the need for resilient infrastructure has become increasingly crucial.

MSCI South Africa Green Annual Property Index 2022

The MSCI South Africa Green Annual Property Index for 2022 continued to support the investment case for energy and resource efficient real estate.

Aspiring proptech innovators now eligible for Greenovate Awards

The Greenovate Awards are back and better than ever this year, with an exciting addition to the line-up – a brand new proptech category.

ProNature: Where did it all start, why would one want to be involved with natural paints?

By Bernhard Lembeck – ProNature Founder and Managing Director Imagine, you are the boss of a wood coatings company in Germany losing tons of business to a natural paint company?

GBCSA Product Member Catalogue ISSUE 1 is Now Available!

Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) has just released Issue one of the 2023 GBCSA Green Pages, which profiles product members who have an environmental focus.

Why the focus on minimum requirements? By Dash Coville, GBCSA Technical Manager – Special Projects

What is a Green Building and do minimum requirements within the V2 Tool help to deliver on this?

Pick n Pay Clothing Store awarded green status

Pick n Pay Clothing becomes the first clothing retailer recognised by the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) for its sustainable approach to refurbishing the interiors of its growing store network.

Staying ‘positive’ in a changing landscape by Francois Retief, Sow and Reap Green Building Solutions

With an updated version of the Green Star rating system under development, I have had the privilege of leading a team of volunteers in the development of a category within this tool entitled ‘positive’.

Rethinking water management – making responsible decisions – Dr. Leslie Hoy – Manager Environmental Management Services – Rand Water

Rainfall across the country has historically been variable over time, season, and locations.  This has been exacerbated due to the many influences of climate change across our country.

GBCSA Academy AP Spotlight: Thobekile Gambu, Umgeni Water

Thobekile Gambu is a professionally registered environmental scientist and an Accredited Green Building Professional for New Builds. She currently coordinates Umgeni Water’s efforts towards environmental sustainability.

Get the inside EDGE with GBCSA Academy

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has announced the roll-out plan for transitioning the EDGE training programme to Version 3. The roll-out, which commended on 15 February 2023 will conclude at the end of June when Version 2 of the training programme will be retired.

Introduction to Transforming Tomorrow: New Build v2 – in conversation with GBCSA’s CEO, Lisa Reynolds and Head of Technical, Georgina Smit

GBCSA’s Lisa Reynolds and Georgina Smit share with us their thoughts on the Transforming Tomorrow New Build v2 tool, its significance, an overview of the process so far and when it will launch.

Member Expert Thoughts: Why good ESG practice pays – GBCSA’S new Green Star rating tool to be the differentiator – By Steve Brookes, CEO of Balwin Properties

The groundswell of sustainable development is rapidly gaining pace with providers of capital and regulators increasingly emphasising the transition from carbon intensive resources.

Transforming tomorrow, today – by Georgina Smit

Georgina Smit is Head of Technical at the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA). She oversees certification and research-related products that drive the property sector to design, build and operate buildings in a more sustainable way.

The final edition of the 2022 GBCSA Product member catalogue is out!

GBCSA Green Pages: We are pleased to release the final updated issue of the Product member catalogue for 2022!

Greenovate Awards 2022: announcing the winners

University of Cape Town (UCT) continued its dominance at the Greenovate Awards 2022. UCT students triumphed to take the top spots in both the property and engineering categories

Member Expert Thoughts: 15 years is a significant milestone, but much still needs to be done to combat climate change

”15 years is a wonderful milestone!” ”When I look back to our first meetings, our first Green Star course and our first Convention, GBCSA has come a long way, and it’s wonderful to see it stronger than ever.”- Bruce Kerswill, GBCSA Founding Chair

Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) celebrates 15 years of driving sustainability in the built environment

‘Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) is not an organisation, but a movement.’ So says Dorah Modise, former GBCSA CEO, reflecting on its milestone 15th anniversary.

Member Expert Thoughts: How heat pumps have turned the installer industry into a climate saver industry

“We are CO2 savers, climate protectors and independence makers!” -Ingo Hamann

GBCSA Academy AP Spotlight: Lizeri van der Berg

Lizeri van der Berg works for Rabie Property Group as a Junior Project Manager. She recently achieved her status as a Green Star New Buildings and Major Refurbishments Accredited Professional and completed the EDGE Expert training with the GBCSA Academy.

Green Star AP Tiering

The mid-quarter of the year has been filled with big and small celebrations. GBCSA Academy certified 19 Accredited professionals in respective Green Star courses. We congratulate the well-deserved achievement and wish all new APs well in their future endeavours.

The Rands and Sense of Green Building

In his book ‘Greening our Built World: Costs, Benefits and Strategies’, Greg Kats studies the green capital premiums of 180 green buildings. Although the public perception is that there is an additional 17% capital cost to build green, the average capital premium for these buildings is just 1.5%,

Now Available: CPD Accredited Training from the GBCSA Academy

As the Built environment is continuously evolving, it gets ever more important to emphasise the value of continuing professional development. CPD enables professionals to strengthen and enhance their current skills while reducing any knowledge skills gap,

Meet the members, in conversation with Linus Naik

Linus Naik is the Group General Manager overseeing Sustainability and Business Development for the Don’t Waste Group. Linus is an environmentalist at heart and in practice. He holds a doctorate in Chemical Engineering, which focused on technology deployment for sustainable urban development.

Explore the latest 2022 GBCSA Product member catalogue – Issue 2

We are pleased to release the updated GBCSA Green Pages that catalogues and profiles our product members.

Meet the members, in conversation with Jonathan Bodley

Jonathan Bodley is the Chief Operation Officer (COO) of The Flooring Connection, a CapeTown-based company that provides sustainable and environmentally responsible acoustic flooring solutions.

Meet the members, in conversation with Preven Naicker

Preven Naicker is a Director and Chief Operations Officer at Nexor 312 (Pty) Ltd. Apart from having qualifications in Architecture and Project Management, he is also a registered Professional Senior Architectural Technologist and a Professional Construction Project Manager

Green Star – EBP Custom Industrial pilot rating tool set to be a catalyst for greening industrial properties in South Africa

The Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) announces the launch of their new Green Star – Existing Building Performance (EBP) Custom Industrial pilot rating tool.

GBCSA Academy AP Spotlight: Pravashan Naidoo

Pravashan Naidoo works for Saint-Gobain as Project Manager – Specifications. He is a qualified quantity surveyor who has spent the last half of his career in mainstream construction working on rural development projects to upmarket commercial and even healthcare projects.

GBCSA Academy: Meet our New Education Manager – Gretchen Collins

Gretchen Collins joined Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) in April to head up the GBCSA Academy as the new Education Manager.Gretchen has always worked in the education and training space, starting her career with SANBI at the Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden

The Race to Zero with the GBCSA Academy Net Zero Training

GBCSA Academy’s mission is to enable us to make connections and apply critical skills but most importantly, to provide a platform that promotes participation in activities to overcome environmental challenges within the built environment.

GBCSA Academy offers new training opportunities tailored to students

The GBCSA Academy recently introduced a new training offering to all registered students. The purpose of the new offering is to enhance the career prospects of students in the built environment.

UK PACT-funded project to support 250 buildings and 5 SMMEs in the race to meet EPC deadline

In an effort to accelerate the uptake of energy performance certificates (EPCs) in South Africa, the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) and the Carbon Trust are calling for 250 building owners and five SMMEs to participate in an EPC project funded by UK PACT,   

Meet the members, in conversation with Kirtika Vallabh

Kirtika Vallabh is a professional registered quantity surveyor who established Ahimsa Consulting cc, a company that provides quantity surveying services to the built environment. She has been part of the built environment for over 20 years and strives to provide clients with an excellent level of service. 

MSCI South Africa Green Annual Property Index 2021

The latest MSCI South Africa Green Annual Property Index continues to support the investment case for Green Buildings in the commercial property sector. The index showed that the investment performance of certified green, Prime, and A-grade offices improved in 2021

Efficiency first: Are you ready for EPCs?

There are less than 9 months to go before public sector buildings greater than 1 000m² and private sector buildings greater than 2 000m² must publicly display their Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). The GBCSA Academy continues to share insight and knowledge to enable the building industry to reach its goals.

GBCSA Green Pages: 2022 Product member catalogue launched

We are pleased to release the 2022 GBCSA Green Pages, the catalogue that specifically profiles our product members.

Meet the members, in conversation with Bryan Storrier

Bryan Storrier is the MD of InfinityFlo Pumps and is passionate about assisting people to meet their sustainability goals. He answered our questions to give us insight into his work, the environment and what inspires him.

GBCSA Academy AP Spotlight: Emily September

Emily September works for the Western Cape Department of Public Works in the Chief-Directorate: Immovable Asset Management. She recently obtained GBCSA EBP Accredited Professional status, and answered a few of our questions.

Meet the members, in conversation with Brendan O’Molony

Brendan O’Molony is the founder and CEO of Tenthouse Structures. He has a deep love of travel and creating extraordinary eco-dwellings that contribute to the conservation of wild spaces. He answered our questions, giving insight into his work, the environment and what inspires him.

Meet the members, in conversation with Nicole Russell

Nicole Russell is the marketing manager at Italtile and believes that environmental education holds a key to future improvements. She answered our questions to give us insight into her work, the environment and what inspires her.

Brian Unsted

GBCSA welcomes new chairman of the board ­– Brian Unsted

Liberty Two Degrees (L2D) Asset Management Executive and Head of Good Spaces, Brian Unsted has stepped forward as the new chairman of the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) board.

Caren Botha, Propelair South Africa General Manager

Meet the members, in conversation with Caren Botha

Caren Botha is the general manager for Propelair in South Africa, and she is passionate about saving water. She answered our questions to give us insight into her work, the environment and what inspires her.

Measuring energy performance is a catalyst to net zero

GBCSA’s partnership with the Carbon Trust, supported by the UK PACT (Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions) programme to operationalise Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) is an important first step towards achieving the country’s net zero ambitions.

Meet the members, in conversation with Brian Unsted

Brian Unsted is the incoming chair of the GBCSA board, and the Asset Management Executive at precinct-focused REIT, Liberty Two Degrees. He answered our questions, giving insight into his work, the environment and what inspires him.

Two GBCSA green certifications for City Industrial Property facility

City Industrial Property’s flagship Belville facility and home to City Logistics in Cape Town, has achieved a 4-Star Green Star Custom Industrial rating and a Net Zero Carbon rating from the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA).

2021 Greenovate Award winners announced

The University of Cape Town triumphed to take both top spots in the Greenovate Awards 2021, which encourage, enable and reward innovative solutions for a more sustainable built environment among property and engineering departments at South African Universities. 

Alfonso Navarro unsplash.com/s/photos/waste-management

Waste management best practice to Net Zero waste

By Brian Unsted, Liberty Two Degrees Asset Management Executive and Head of Good Spaces “There’s a debate raging as to whether Net Zero Waste is attainable. It starts with challenging ourselves as individuals and as organisations to change habits relating to dealing with waste.”

GBCSA Green Pages: Product member catalogue launched

We are pleased to launch the GBCSA Green Pages, a catalogue that specifically profiles our product members.

GBCSA Academy AP Spotlight: Susan Wambui Kabue

Award-winning architect, Susan Wambui Kabue is the Founder and Managing Director of Image Three Sixty Designs in Kenya.

Interior stock

The value of certifying an interior fitout as a Green Star rated space

Roxanne Dovey is a Green Star Accredited Professional (AP) across all the tools offered by GBCSA, an assessor and a member of the GBCSA Academy. Roxanne shares her insight on the Green Star Interiors Tool and the value of getting an interior space Green Star rated.

GBCSA Academy AP Spotlight: Phillip Button

Phillip Button is the Regional Sales Manager at Belgotex. He is a flooring specifications specialist with over 32 years’ experience in both the residential and commercial space.

V&A Waterfront’s The Ridge wins highest rated building 2021

The Green Building Council South Africa wishes to congratulate the winners of the annual GBCSA Leadership Awards. The Awards were celebrated at the closing plenary of the annual Green Building Convention and showcase some of the tremendous people and projects making a difference in the industry.

Record green building certifications as commercial property sector greening gains momentum

One hundred and forty (140) buildings were certified over the past year – a record number, showing growing momentum of green building. The announcement was made during the GBCSA’s flagship Green Building Convention, held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

Jacques Groenewald

Meet the Members: In conversation with Jacques Groenewald

Jacques Groenewald is the founder and owner of ONE39 Central, he recently answered our questions to give us insight into his work, the environment and what inspires him.

Meet the members: In conversation with Charles Drayden

Charles Drayden is a principal member at SA Modular Housing. He leads the sales and marketing team, along with Ken Puncerelli, of the LAI Design Group. He answered our questions to give us insight into his work, the environment and what inspires him.

Now certifying: EDGE for all building typologies, and into Africa

The GBCSA is proud to announce it has expanded its suite of green building rating tools, and is now licensed to award EDGE certification for all EDGE typologies in South Africa and, throughout the rest of Africa. 

Does location matter? A quantitative study on impact of housing development location on carbon emissions in Johannesburg, South Africa.

New research by Divercity and GBCSA reveals the location of housing development is key to lowering carbon emissions

Location, location, location! This real estate mantra is considered the key to successful property development. Now, a ground-breaking South African study reveals that the location of housing development is also the key to lowering carbon emissions – significantly so.

Meet the members: In conversation with Ingo Hamann

Ingo Hamann is the managing director at Stiebel Eltron South Africa, which focuses on intelligent building services (green energy and smart technology) to improve living comfort. He answered our questions to give us insight into his work, the environment and what inspires him.

WITS University

GBCSA Academy: Shaping future green leaders with Wits University & GBCSA training

The GBCSA Academy has worked with the University of the Witwatersrand’s School of Construction Economics and Management for the past five years, incorporating green building training into its courses.

Sally Misplon

GBCSA Academy AP Spotlight: Sally Misplon

Congratulations to Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) Accredited Professional, Sally Misplon of Misplon Green Building Consulting, who has submitted and supported certification of more than 40 successful Existing Building Performance (EBP) projects in 2021 already.

GBCSA congratulates Redefine on 40 new Green Star certifications

In a progressive contribution to transformation of the commercial green building space, JSE-listed South African real estate investment trust (REIT), Redefine Properties, recently certified/re-certified 40 buildings

Meet the members: In conversation with Linda Kempster

Linda Kempster is the financial and operations director at building technology company, Hydraform. She answered our questions to give us insight into her work, the environment and what inspires her.

Meet the members: In conversation with Tryfina Kgokong

Tryfina Kgokong is the founder & CEO of Triumphant Zoe which offers professional quantity surveying, project management and green building accreditation. She answered our questions to give us a better idea of her work, the environment and what inspires her.

GBCSA Academy: Interview with PTM-certified Mariam Diedericks

Mariam Diedericks is the CEO and co-owner of Coalition Energy Projects (Formerly Coalition Cabling & Electrical), focussing on electrical installations, energy-saving and renewable energy. She is also the Director of the Western Cape Business Opportunities Forum.

GBCSA Academy: A solid strategy for professional development in green building

Noma Mbele is a green building consultant at Solid Green, a specialised green building consultancy that fully embraces the capacity building of their project teams through GBCSA Academy training to support certification.

GBCSA Academy: Green trailblazer: Hlologelo Manthose

Hlologelo is a sustainability and green building specialist at WSP in Africa. She combines her love and passion for employee wellness, health and productivity with green buildings to ensure that there is a balanced and positive co-existence between people and the spaces they occupy.

GBCSA Academy: Special EDGE Auditor training offer

Help us grow our network of GBCSA registered EDGE Reviewers. To become an Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) Reviewer, it is required that an individual is an IFC registered EDGE Expert and an experienced EDGE Auditor.

Botswana gets its first Green Star rated building

Botswana’s first Green Star-rated office signals a milestone along the green building development path for the country.

Meet the members: In conversation with Warren Daniels

Warren Daniels is the Operations Manager at Water Utility Solutions. He answered our questions to give us a better idea of his work, the environment and what inspires him.

GBCSA Integrated report 2020 cover

2020 Integrated Annual Report released

The GBCSA released its integrated annual report focused on the year ended December 2019. It was a busy year for the council and this report gives greater insight into operations over the year, including certifications, training, advocacy and a number of exciting projects and collaborations.

GBCSA Academy AP Spotlight: Marko Coetzee

Marko Coetzee, a production architect in the Chief Directorate: Health Infrastructure at the Western Cape Government’s Department of Transport and Public Works, is the first Public Works branch official to qualify as an EBP Accredited Professional.

GBCSA Academy AP Spotlight: Dylan Hübner

GBCSA Academy awarded all Greenovate winners Accredited Professional (AP) training. There were nine winners from three universities and Dylan Hübner, former UCT student, is the first prize winner to complete his training and become a GBCSA Accredited Professional: New Buildings and Major Refurbishments.

GBCSA Academy green building training with YouthBuild SA

YouthBuild South Africa (YBSA) students, who recently graduated from the Saint-Gobain YouthBuild Academy, completed a two-day GBCSA Academy green building awareness programme in June.

RFP: Customisation of Green Star EBP rating tool for Industrial buildings

The Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) is pleased to issue a request for proposals from eligible service providers for the customisation of the Green Star Existing Building Performance (EBP) rating tool for industrial buildings.

Meet the members: In conversation with Phil Barttram

Phil Barttram is an independent consultant and the owner of Philbar Consulting. He is a Director on our GBCSA Board and he answered our questions to give us a better idea of his work, the environment and what inspires him.

Signing agreement

GBCSA and YIPA sign MOU to boost sustainability among young property professionals

In celebration of Youth month in South Africa, the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) and the Youth In Property Association (YIPA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Green certified offices more defensive in pandemic property market

MSCI South Africa Green Annual Property Index celebrates five years, highlighting impressive cumulative results.

Joanne Solomon, SA REIT Association CEO and GBCSA Board Member

Meet the members: In conversation with Joanne Solomon

Joanne Solomon was appointed CEO of SA REIT Association in May 2020 and is a board member of the GBCSA. She answered our questions to give us a better idea of her work, the environment and what inspires her.

EDGE Certified Belhar Estate in the Western Cape

EDGE v3.0 now available

The Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) App Version 3.0 opened for project registration and certification in March 2021. Version 3.0 has made the EDGE App more streamlined and intuitive, while providing users with tools for more precise results.

Get in early for 2021 green building certifications

This is a communication reminder to all our members that the GBCSA will be taking a break for our yearly office shut down from 15 December 2021 to 3 January 2022. During this time we will not be available to process certifications or payments.

GBCSA urges building owners to know and show their energy performance

By next December, some non-residential buildings will be required by law to display an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which demonstrates the efficiency or inefficiency of a building.

Meet the Members: In conversation with Mokena Makeka

Mokena Makeka is a senior advisor at Dalberg and retains a directorship in Designworks. He is a Director on our GBCSA board and answered our questions to give us a better idea of his work, the environment and what inspires him.

Developing a National Building Energy Performance Register

The GBCSA is thrilled to be participating in a new project to develop a National Building Energy Performance Register to support South Africa’s new mandatory Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) regulations to drive energy efficiency in buildings.

It starts with ONE

The Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) is now welcoming individuals to join as members.

Meet the Members: In conversation with Michele Bekkens

Michele Bekkens is the Head of Commercial Real Estate Finance at Sanlam Investments and a Director on our GBCSA Board. She answered our questions to give us a better idea of her work, the environment and what inspires her.

Is sustainability finally becoming more mainstream?

An op-ed by GBCSA board member Anthony Stroebel. As the world grapples with the uncertainty of the long-term implications of Covid-19, there is a measure of agreement on one thing: the global pandemic has fast-tracked numerous trends which were already emerging prior to the crisis.

Durban eThekwini progress on rebates for green buildings

GBCSA welcomes eThekwini’s progress on rebates for Green Buildings

In its 2021/2022 Draft Rebates Policy, the eThekwini Municipality has included a section which would incentivise green buildings. The Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) is very encouraged to see the work being done at the eThekwini Municipality on green buildings.

Dhevan Pillay group CEO LTM Energy, GBCSA members

Meet the Members: In conversation with Dhevan Pillay

Dhevan Pillay is the group CEO at LTM Energy – a proud GBCSA member, which recently scooped three international energy awards in 2020. He answered our questions to give us a better idea of his work, the environment and what inspires him.

Step inside a winning net zero carbon home

The ‘My Clean Green Home’ design competition called for professionals and students to develop a home that demonstrates sustainable living in action. The winning design can be explored online and will soon be constructed and ready for visiting in person, in Cape Town.

Existing Building performance rating with performance periods during covid time

Guide for EBP rating during Covid released

The Existing Building Performance (EBP) Rating with Performance Periods During 2020/Covid-time document is now available online for Project Teams wishing to certify buildings over this time frame.

Meet the Members: In Conversation with Engelbert Binedell

Engelbert is the Chief Operating Officer of Growthpoint Management Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Growthpoint Properties Limited.

Old Mutual Wins Highest Rated Building Award For Mutualpark – 6-Star Green Star – Existing Building Performance

Mutualpark is a commercial office building of over 166 000 m² of rentable B grade office space for over 10 000 staff, with associated parking and site security facilities.

Meet the Members: In Conversation with Manfred Braune

There are many, but it is typically when connecting with colleagues, students or industry folk on something in a personal way on common objectives, or even just socially, and when there is progress and milestones are reached on significant projects or programmes.

GBCSA Training Transformation

The GBCSA is excited to share news of the recent revision of the GBCSA Training Offering with you – now available On-Demand!

GBCSA’s On-Demand eLearning Platform now offers a blended learning experience to support skills development, awareness and knowledge sharing for all built environment professionals.

Facilitating the safe return to the workplace – guide launched

2020 has been a particularly challenging year; full of uncertainty and constant adjustment to the circumstances we find ourselves in both globally and in our day to day lives.

Attacq’s Giles Pendleton appointed as Green Building Council South Africa’s new Chairman

Attacq’s Chief Development Officer replaces outgoing Chair IIse Swanepoel

Meet the Members: In Conversation with Darryl Mayers

Our GBCSA board member Darryl Mayers is the joint-CEO at Investec Property Fund. He answered our questions to give us a better idea of his work, the environment and what inspires him.

Annual GBCSA Awards 2020

The GBCSA would like to apologise for the error that occurred during the announcement of the winner and runner-up of the Highest Rated Building Award during the convention.

GBCSA celebrates 600 Green Star Certifications at the close of its first-ever virtual Green Building Convention

Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) has achieved another significant milestone in green building in South Africa, reaching the 600-mark in Green Star certifications.

GBCSA Webinars in World Green Building Week

Leapfrogging to Net-Zero As part of World Green Building Week, Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA)  hosted a series of Planet Shapers webinars from 21 to 23 September to mark the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) global campaign and support the 2020 #ActOnClimate focus. World Green Building Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness […]

Meet the Members: In Conversation with Gavin Kode

We recently welcomed Gavin Kode to the Board of the GBCSA. He is the Deputy Director-General of Provincial Public Works in the Western Cape Government Department of Transport and Public Works. We asked him a few questions, to get to know him better.

Certified green offices hold value in tough rental market

The latest MSCI South Africa Green Annual Property Index provides the hard data reinforcing the benefits of certification for green buildings.

Guide to developing net zero carbon buildings in SA launched

GETTING TO ZERO: A guide to developing net zero carbon buildings in South Africa gives a thorough overview on net zero carbon buildings in South Africa.

New Green Star credit for Covid-19 innovation

The GBCSA has added a new Covid-19 innovation credit to its Green Star rating tool. This will reward any design initiatives, construction management procedures, technologies, processes or strategies employed on projects to address Covid-19.

Leading a green recovery

At the GBCSA’s recent annual general meeting on 22 July, CEO Lisa Reynolds outlined the organisations strategy and how it aims to become more agile and responsive to the needs of members, while playing a leading role in broader sustainability discussions and projects.

2019 Integrated Annual Report released

The GBCSA released its integrated annual report focused on the year ended December 2019. It was a busy year for the council and this report gives greater insight into operations over the year, including certifications, training, advocacy and a number of exciting projects and collaborations.

Remembering Francois Joubert

Earlier this year we said goodbye to a dear friend of the South African green building community – Francois Joubert. He played a critical role in advocacy of building simulations to inform more sustainable design.

City of Cape Town launches virtual energy festival

Cape Town households are encouraged to take part in a range of over the coming weeks and months aimed at helping them save money and create more sustainable lifestyles.

Request for Quotes: Rating Tools Customisation for Government – Existing Building Performance

It is with great excitement that these two separate REQUEST FOR QUOTES are posted on our website.

Building versatility under the microscope

Being unable to leave the house for weeks on end has shown many of us the utility value of good architectural design.

Parks and green spaces provide essential services

The value of parks and outdoor spaces in South Africa is expected to prove even more precious as our nation deals with the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Request for Quotes: Rating Tools Customisation for Government– New Building

It is with great excitement that these two separate REQUEST FOR QUOTES are posted on our website.

GBCSA welcomes Lisa Reynolds as new CEO

The Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) is delighted to announce the appointment of sustainability expert Lisa Reynolds as CEO from 1 June 2020.

GBCSA’s Joburg green office attracts sustainability tenant

Consolidating two office teams may not be simple, but finding tenants for a high-performance work place seems to be.

11 Reasons to Build Green

It has become critical to design, construct and operate buildings that are energy efficient, resource efficient and environmentally responsible.

Spend more time at home but less on your utility bill

Today, we better understand the advantages and disadvantages of working from home. Unfortunately a rising utility bill is one of them.

GBCSA bids farewell to Grahame Cruickshanks

Grahame Cruickshanks, Green Building Council (GBCSA) Managing Executive: Market Engagement will be passing the baton of the responsibilities of his role back to the GBCSA after fruitful years of service to the GBCSA.

Robust GBCSA gears up for next step

In 2020 and beyond the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) is looking to increase its remarkable 13-year impact in South Africa.

Get a green homeloan for your green home

Green home owners are able to save money on utilities and be more competitive when selling. Banks are starting to recognise this reduction in risk by offering green home loans.

7 ways green finance providers screen projects

What decision-making filters do green finance providers use when deciding where to invest? In this post the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) will unpack seven points taken from research by the Global Sustainable Investment Alliance.

The importance of insuring your green home

Your power stays on when the neighbourhood’s lights go out. Your showers are hot when those next door are not. You’ve invested wisely in turning your home green, so now the question remains: How do you insure your investment?

Why South Africans should get a certified green rating for their home

The ‘Green Home Rating System for existing buildings’ will look to shift South Africa’s homes to align with the UN SDG’s and the South African National Development Plan (NDP), by creating a common language on sustainability in homes.

Official GBCSA statement with regards to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

As a member centred organisation, our members remain our most important asset and we would like to communicate the organisational decisions made related to the spread of the Coronavirus.

13th Annual Green Building Convention

While the 13th Annual Green Building Convention will go ahead as planned from 28 September – 2 October 2020 in Cape Town, Green Building Council South Africa is closely monitoring developments around the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

IPP’s will accelerate the decoupling of SA’s economic growth from harmful environmental impacts

It’s been said that South Africa is unable to help reduce global warming and that it would be economically unfeasible. But the potential implications of having this mindset are so hugh that doing nothing would be a serious mistake.

Growing green sectional title schemes

Rising utility costs, paired with competitively priced sustainable tools to supplement municipal electricity and water use, mean that sectional title schemes are becoming a more viable marketplace for the green building sector.

How is technology impacting property?

The rate of change is accelerating. And the incessant advances in technology are especially being noticed in the property sector. We spoke with Sean Godoy on how PropTech is changing South Africa’s residential market.

How to turn your home green, and save

Green homes give tenants and owners long-term energy and water savings and a better standard of living – with less costs. Which of these tips do you find the most useful to turn your home green?

#Budget2020: Renewable Energy can save South African economy

The Green Building Council South Africa welcomes Finance Minister Tito Mboweni’s commitment to do “whatever it takes” to ensure a stable electricity supply to grow the South African economy, because painful change is required.

Tips for building your green home

It used to be a fad, but now the good vibes gained in minimising your carbon footprint around the house are compounded by increased property value, fewer electricity and water costs, and, improved over all quality.

Annual budget: What can we expect of Carbon Tax in 2020?

It is not a simple matter to implement the Carbon Tax policy, as was expected after opposition delayed its passing for more than a decade.

Steps to planning a successful building project

If you would like to understand better how building green is the difference between accelerated property value and “massive obsolescence”, as Charles Lockwood wrote for Harvard Business Review in 2006, then read on.

Top 5 green building trends for 2020

There are more than 500 certified green buildings in South Africa and this number keeps going up. The rands and sense of building green is becoming better understood by clients and an ever-growing number of services and products keep up with the demands of the green value chain.

Green Building Council to reduce physical footprint

Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) will be reducing their physical office footprint from two regional offices into one, resulting in GBCSA operations being located in Cape Town. Operating from one location reduces building, transport and other related environmental impacts and served as a key motivator for this decision. 

Green Game-Changers Win Greenovate Property and Engineering Awards 2019

University of Pretoria is the winner of the Greenovate Property Award 2019 and North West University the winner of the Greenovate Engineering Award 2019.

How architecture could support a degrowth economy

Architecture, by definition, is the art or practice of designing and constructing buildings and this leads to the belief that there is always more to be built. More infrastructure, more houses and more office buildings, all to accommodate growing economies and societies.

Celebrating South Africa’s Inspiring Sustainable Architecture

South Africa has more than a few inspiring examples of sustainable architecture and we want to celebrate the progress made in the field by highlighting how approaches in sustainable architecture can stretch from informal to industrial buildings and everything in between.

Work as a GBCSA Accredited Professional

In the years prior to 2016 the Green Building in South Africa: Guide to Costs and Trends Report found the cost of building green, over and above the convention cost of construction, averaged 5.0%.

Gear up your rating as a green building professional

To recognise the maturing of the green building sector in South Africa, Green Building Council South Africa has introduced tiers to the AP ratings given to professionals who are accredited with the GBCSA to work on Green Star or Net Zero projects.

Step one to a lighter 2020: Reward your team with training

It’s bonus season, or is it? 2019 has been another tough year for many organisations and their teams. Find out more how you can make the case for a bonus through professional development, a move that would benefit both the organisation and team members.

Turn Santa’s red sack green this Christmas season

Plane tickets, check? Using a flight carbon calculator, work out the carbon footprint of your air travel. An economy return flight between Johannesburg and New York will generate 3.55 tons of CO2 equivalent, while to Cape Town it is 35kg CO2 equivalent.

Sharpen your green edge with GBCSA membership

In the last decade, in parallel with the rise of global warming and associated weather events, Green Building Council South Africa has matured. Today, there is such widespread acceptance in efficient electricity and water use practices that it is a challenge to name an industry that is not adopting green approaches.

5 easy steps to lighten your carbon footprint at home

Using electric heaters or air conditioning to increase the comfort level of your home are just two of the reasons you burn through more electricity in the cold and hot months.

New GBCSA Accredited Professional tiering system

Now, the criteria of qualification, experience and level of activity and engagement in the industry will guide the GBCSA’s awarding of the Accredited Professional qualification into to arrange three distinct tiers.

New digital library of exemplar sustainable buildings from across the world launched

World Green Building Council launches a new case study library showcasing  excellence in sustainable development globally, featuring buildings that are net zero carbon and/or enhance human health.

Request for Proposal | Research Service Provider | GBCSA and Divercity Research Collaboration

As announced at the 12th Annual Green Building Convention in October, GBCSA and Divercity have initiated a long-term research partnership to further information and knowledge within the built environment sector to aid decision makers in developing more sustainable cities in South Africa.

It’s Getting Hot in Here

“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it,” cites Redefine Properties’ website, a company which, along with other key players in the property sector, has drastically realigned its strategy in the last few years to make green building and sustainable practices an urgent priority.

Green policies slowly help market growth

And the tipping point to treading lighter is found in our buildings. Globally buildings generate one-third of all carbon emissions through their construction and operation, and this is seen in their use of almost half the planet’s energy and more than half of its resources.

Incentives to build green in South Africa

The South African treasury, and various municipalities have put several measures in place to encourage investment in green building and green building technologies – including solar energy.

wattSharing information on Green Star rated buildings

Robust debate on buildings is an important part of advocating for buildings and cities where people and planet can thrive. At GBCSA we know this because advocacy is one of our core activities.

Transport Orientated Development Greens Neighbourhoods

High-volume buildings are often found near public transport interchanges. This is no surprise as a property’s viability is linked to their accessibility, take The Marc near the Sandton Gautrain station as an example.

Non-motorised Transport Enables Sustainable Cities

What is really frustrating is that we are in a situation where the congestion is getting increasingly bad. The Tom Tom Traffic Index finds that between 6am and 9am, and 3pm and 6pm at peak times Cape Town motorists spend an average of 67% of their commute in congestion

Entrepreneurs Wash the Value Chain Green

As we better understand the harsh impacts of global warming it is becoming clear that having fewer unsustainable and damaging activities in the built environment value chain is not enough.

Growing the Electric Vehicle Sector in South Africa

The Building and Construction Sector Can Reach Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050

With the support of more than 80 organisations, the World Green Building Council’s new report describes actions to revolutionise the buildings and construction sector towards a net zero future, through elimination of embodied carbon emissions

C40 South Africa Buildings Programme

Four South African cities, namely Cape Town, Johannesburg, eThekwini and Tshwane are part of the C40 South Africa Buildings Programme. The three-year programme (2018 – 2020) is supported by the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40) and funded by Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF).

Your green habits compound for nature’s gain

Green Building Council South Africa is an organisation that inspires a built environment where people and planet thrive. And one way for us to do this is to encourage better habits so that tomorrow we can all tread lighter on the environment than we did today.

Our cities work better with nature

A single tree can have a cooling performance of up to ten standard air conditioners by exhaling water vapour through their leaves, according to the US Department of Agriculture. By cooling the environment, trees help reduce the normally-higher temperatures of urban areas, and so make them more comfortable to live in.

Joburg’s tree canopy contributes to property values

Green space and good views raise the price of properties, specifically distant views, water and mature trees, according to verified studies. This increased price is due to Hedonic Value – the value we place on the pleasure we get from an experience or product.

Hemp helps to green buildings

Besides the fact that it is not marijuana, and so cannot impart any type of high, it absorbs more CO2 per hectare annually than any other commercial crop, including commercial forestry. As a plant restores soil health, as Russian authorities discovered and used it to clean up heavy metals after the nuclear spill in Chernobyl.

Considering GBCSA membership? Read this

If you have a commitment to sustainability and participate in the transformation of our local built environment, you are already aligned to the Green Building Council South Africa.

Businesses benefit by aligning themselves with green building movement

If your company touches on the built environment sector then taking advantage of continuing professional development with the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) is to be seriously considered.

GBCSA Women of the Future

GBCSA Women of the Future

GBCSA Women of the Future

GBCSA Women of the Future

Integrated Report 2018

Integrated Report 2018

GBCSA CEO Dorah Modise: Going further together

Transforming any sector that is conservative, cautious and set in its ways is a difficult task. This Women’s Month, Dorah Modise speaks about her experience as a black woman leader as she works to create new and strengthen existing partnerships to catalyze a greener building sector in South Africa.

Building a green and transformed built environment sector for South Africa

People built structures for thousands of years, protecting us from weather and giving us space to live and work.

Dorah Modise: A call for women to transform the property sector

GBCSA’s CEO Dorah Modise, as a black female leader in the built environment sector, epitomises the success of barriers overcome, both racial and gender.

GBCSA membership brings opportunities to thrive in growing green building sector

Green Star rated buildings show accelerated property values, have lower operating costs, retain value, encourage productivity, and are hands down more pleasant buildings use.

Women in the built environment sector: We need you to help lead the sustainability drive

Women’s month is an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the amazing contribution that South African women are making across every sphere of life.

6th Edition Real Estate Development Summit 2019

Economic growth has been singled out as being the key driver of change in Africa. Now with Fortune 500 Investment companies from Europe, China, Middle East and USA pouring in around $200 billion into the African market.

SA Green Star Office Properties Deliver Solid Returns in Tough Rental Market

The MSCI Green Annual property index is in its 3rd year and continues to provide an independent and consistent comparative return on investment for green certified and non-certified offices.

GBCSA Chair to Sit on World Green Building Council Board

Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) is delighted to announce that board chair Nkosinathi Manzana has been appointed as a director to the World Green Building Council (WGBC) board from 1 July 2019.

In conversation with Ms Dorah Modise CEO of the GBCSA

View Here

SALGA Akanani Magazine

It gives us great pleasure to present the first issue of AKANANI with the theme “Inspiring Africa’s Future Cities” View the Magazine Here

Green Building Council South Africa – A turnaround year

It is with great pleasure that the GBCSA announces the release of its Integrated Annual Report 2018. In the opening foreword, Chair Nkosinathi Manzana states that the GBCSA is now positioned more strongly than ever to lead the green building movement in South Africa and beyond.

Mandela Day – Thursday, 18 July 2019

GBCSA and WPN will once again team up to make the difference in our community by assisting Compass Community Provision and Social Services Organisation in Edenvale.

It’s Time to Sign Up for the Green Building Convention 2019!

How will you contribute to shaping the cities of tomorrow? What kind of environment do we
want our children to grow up in? What pressing issues can future cities help to solve? How
does government and business need to adapt to make better cities a reality?

Affordable Housing Investment Summit

When it comes to the construction of affordable houses in Africa, the challenges that most of the developers, consultants and architects face are:

1. Shortage of finance from the investors

2. Lack of cost effective building materials

The GBCSA Hall of Fame : Andrew King

Andrew King, is a Technical Intern at the Green Building Council South Africa. His primary role is to assist the technical team to develop credible and objective measurements for green buildings as well as review certification applications and award Green Star ratings.

The GBCSA Hall of Fame : Hlompho Vivian

Hlompho Vivian, currently holds a Business Development and Key Accounts Specialist position within the Green Building Council South Africa. Her role is to facilitate cooperation with the public sector to create an enabling environment for green building implementation through certification, capacity development and advocacy.

Evalution Flooring Achieves Another Green First for South Africa

Evalution Flooring has embarked on the first phase of a sustainability project that will be the first of its kind in South Africa and will enable zero waste in the luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring arena.

Balwin Goes Green With International Finance Corporation’s Edge Certification

JSE listed Balwin Properties, South Africa’s largest turnkey sectional-title developer, today announced its commitment to help fight climate change through the mainstreaming of green lifestyle developments.

Carbon Tax: A success for the sustainability Sector

“The implementation of the Carbon Tax Bill in June can be seen as a significant achievement for the green building sector, and indeed every sector in South Africa working towards sustainability and carbon neutrality,” said Dorah Modise, CEO of the Green Building Council SA (GBCSA).

Pietermaritzburg mall to Deliver Clean Energy as Owners Continue to Invest in Sustainability

Liberty Two Degrees and Liberty Group, co-owners of Liberty Midlands Mall announced the completion of the R12 million solar photovoltaic (PV) plant at the centre. This conscious investment in sustainable energy symbolises management’s commitment to positive environmental change and sustainability.

How the South African Energy regulatory landscape is shaping up

Globally, building construction and operations account for 36% of final energy use and nearly 40% of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions; making it the largest sector for energy usage and greenhouse gasses.

A word from GBCSA Chairperson : Nkosinathi Manzana

It gives me great pleasure to present the GBCSA’s latest integrated report to you our valued member.

This is the first report we have published since I was elected Chairman of the GBCSA Board last October. But my association with the organisation dates back to when I first joined the Board in 2015.

Sustainability Starts at Home

The GBCSA has started work on a green home rating system for existing residential homes in South Africa. The process has kicked off with information gathering and market assessment as we investigate the drivers and barriers, technical details and potential uptake of a system to encourage more sustainable living in South African households.

It’s whats inside that counts

Changes towards sustainable interior office design have been slow in coming, despite the overwhelming evidence which demonstrates the positive impact it has on the health, wellbeing and productivity of its occupants.

Green Building Council Net Zero Waste rating: Nothing ventured nothing wasted

Green Building Council Net Zero Waste rating: Nothing ventured nothing wasted.

African perspectives on pioneering climate-change: Think global, act local & build green

Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction. And should we continue our current trajectory of climate change and so be forced to adapt to a world with a 4°C higher average temperature, our reality may become stranger than science fiction.

Deadline extended: Nominate new directors to the World Green Building Council Board before 30 April 2019

The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) is a global network of Green Building Councils (GBCs) in almost 70 countries around the world. 

Earth Hour: Ask South Africans what it truly means to sit in the dark

On Saturday, March 30 at 8:30pm local time, millions of people around the world will turn off their lights for one hour to show their steadfast commitment to protecting nature.

Changing the skyline to build a green economy – a reaction to Minister Tito Mboweni’s 2019 Budget Speech

“Climate change is real,” Minister Mboweni’s budget speech statement is a fact. But now what?

The Green Building Council South Africa & Sun International mark the first Net Zero Waste rating in Africa

As part of its commitment to doing its best to inspire the property industry to design, build, and operate better, greener buildings the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) jointly with Sun International are proud to introduce the property sector to Africa’s first Net Zero Waste rating.

The Green Building Council South Africa bids farewell to Manfred Braune as he continues a journey of personal growth and positive impact to society

Today, GBCSA announced that Manfred Braune will hand over the reigns as Managing Executive: Sector Development & Transformation at the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA).

First Green Star Sustainable Precinct’s Certification in Africa awarded to Garden Cities West Coast project by Green Building Council South Africa

The Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) has awarded a 4-star Green Star Sustainable Precincts certification – the first in Africa – to a project that will be built by historic Cape Town development company, Garden Cities NPC (RF).

Zero is Hero

It’s widely-known that buildings world-wide contribute to around a third of carbon emissions through their construction and operation, and consume half the planet’s energy and resources.

Green Stars rising in Mauritius

Mauritius, the business-friendly island nation, is celebrating their first Green Star rating at the Mon Tresor Business Gateway. The Mon Tresor Smart City is one of several schemes aimed at consolidating the convenience of Mauritian international business and financial services through helping residents’ work-life balance.

Leaders commit to save 209 million tonnes of carbon emissions equivalent by 2050

Leaders commit to save 209 million tonnes of carbon emissions equivalent by 2050.

South African Green Star office properties net higher returns

Green Star Certified office buildings outperform similar uncertified buildings by 3.8%.

New green interior rating delights GBCSA

If you were to visit the Rosebank office space enjoyed by the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) today you will not be surprised that it is celebrating a successful Green Star – Interiors v1 rating.

Why green building numbers keep going up – by Alan Cameron

Like energy drives movement, so energy from electricity enables economic growth. But South Africa uses more energy to do less when compared to similar developing economies, which means that we burn through much more energy to compete.

Tackling the environmental impact of disposable nappies

The current disposable nappy landfill problem is alarming: an estimated more than 3.5 billion soiled nappies, or close to 1.1 million tonnes per year.

ROYAL
 INSTITUTION
 OF
 CHARTERED
 SURVEYORS
 (RICS)
 SUMMIT 
AFRICA 
2018
 RICS
 signs 
MoU 
with
 Green
 Building
 Council
 SA

The
 Royal
 Institution
 of
 Chartered
 Surveyors
 (RICS)
 signed
 a
 landmark
 Memorandum
 of
 Understanding
 (MoU)
 with
 the
 Green
 Building
 Council
 SA
 (GBCSA)
 at
 the
 start
 of
 RICS
 Summit
 Africa
 2018,
 which
 kicked
 off
 in
 Sandton
 Central,
 Johannesburg,
 yesterday
 (Wednesday,
30
May
2018).

Dear Member…

The GBCSA’s attention has been drawn to a publication impugning the credibility and integrity of the GBCSA, it’s supporters and members, and that of the South African green building movement at large. The GBCSA is procuring legal advice on the matter. In the interim it wishes to allay any concerns that may have arisen as […]

The Green Building Council South Africa opens the doors to its new Johannesburg office, with help from its sponsors

On Tuesday the 8th of May the GBCSA held a launch event at their new Johannesburg offices, Rosebank Corner, 191 Jan Smuts Avenue.

GBCSA Opinion Piece – Cape Town Water by Manfred Braune

All Capetonians, whether at home or in their places of work or learning, need to take action. Firstly, as an emergency response to prepare for – or ideally avoid – Day Zero, and secondly, to make plans for a long term shift in how we use water. Manfred Braune

CEO of Green Building Council South Africa to Speak in Melbourne, Australia

Some key questions to be deliberated on include: How will health and wellbeing impact the way we build our cities? What can we learn about communities through reconciliation? How will we win the race to resilience? What is the level of ambition from the different sub-sectors within the property industry?

GBCSA Board gains brand new talent and expertise

Signalling the increasing importance of sustainable building practices in South Africa.

Emira Property Fund commits to greening property portfolio

Emira has recognised the value in managing and operating their buildings in a sustainable manner, and therefore have also committed to pursuing Green Star Existing Building Performance ratings for all new developments, commencing one year after the 70% occupation rate has been reached.

EDGE Certified Project PE

Fourleaf Estate in PE is Africa’s first residential development to receive EDGE final certification by the GBCSA

Project is up to 29% more energy efficient; up to 25% more water efficient & boasts up to 43% reduction in the energy used to make construction materials.

Moving beyond green buildings to green cities: the challenges and solutions

2050 will arrive in 33 quick years and by then the earth’s population is set to double, requiring a staggering 89 billion tons of natural resources per year if we do not change our ways. To cope with the pressure, urban authorities need to be prepared to learn how to adapt.

Private and public sectors still entrenching urban sprawl

South Africa’s townships’ dysfunctional education and health systems have turned them into spatial traps. “The paradox is that the investment in public housing is capped by state spending. The more we redistribute to try and get the poor into the city, the more we reinforce spatial inequality. What we need to recognise is that the challenges we face get more acute with each public- and private-sector rand invested,” Pieterse said.

SA buyers appreciate value of green homes

The anticipated growing cost of utilities coupled with electricity and water shedding increases the appeal of alternative, greener sources of energy and water, and greater efficiency for both, in homes.

SA’s green building sector continues to grow

In 2018, the proportion of green buildings will climb from 2017’s 41% to 61% of all South African building project activity.

SA’s leading green projects and Planet Shapers recognised at Green Building Convention

South Africa’s top rated Green Star buildings and top green building professionals were announced at the Green Building Convention, held at Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town this week.

GBCSA leads the way in the journey to net zero buildings

The first four projects to be certified as Net Zero (pilot) in South Africa are the Vodafone Site Solution Innovation Centre in Midrand, Gauteng; Estuaries Plaza in Century City, Cape Town; and Greenfields Industrial Park in Cape Town and Two Dam Sustainable in Montagu in the Western Cape.

Green Star expands throughout Africa

Under a new agreement, the GBCSA is now licenced to certify green buildings throughout the African continent with the Green Star rating system. The licence agreement allows the GBCSA, in collaboration with other African green building councils, to sub-licence and use Green Star with their Local Context Report to certify buildings in their respective countries.

Design for sustainability is the pathway to a more resilient future

“Intelligent systems design engages and merges both low tech and high tech solutions for comfort, water, energy, food and mobility.  For example, designing a community for walkability and bike-ability, while supporting smart infrastructures for transit and driving, is the mark of ‘intelligent mobility design’.

Building green costs on average only 5% more than conventional building: study

A study that the GBCSA conducted with the help of the ASAQS and the University of Pretoria looks at the cost of green building

GBCSA’s public sector head appointed Regional Chair of WorldGBC’s Africa Regional Network

Thulani Kuzwayo, public sector managing executive of the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) has been appointed Regional Chair of the Africa Regional Network – a group of Green Building Councils working to advance green building within the region.

Green Star certified projects excel at SAPOA Innovative Excellence in Property Development Awards

These projects were the City of Johannesburg Council Chambers; No 5 Silo; Century City Square; and Sasol Place, which was recognised as the winner of the Interiors category as well as the overall winner of the Innovative Excellence in Property Development Awards.

Education gets a green boost with Africa’s first Green Star certified school

The Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) has great pleasure in announcing that Streetlight Schools’ Jeppe Park Primary is the first school in Africa to receive a Green Star rating, having achieved a 4 Star Green Star SA Interiors v1 certification.

GBCSA Lifetime Achievement Award

We are calling on you, our membership community, to nominate worthy candidates.

250th green building certification in Africa by GBCSA

As it enters its 10th year in operation, The Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) has reached the remarkable milestone of 250 green building certifications in Africa. Streetlight Schools’ Jeppe Park Primary achieved a 4 Star Green Star SA Interiors v1 certification earlier this month, marking this the 250th certification on African soil. It also […]

Batho Pele House gets great green credentials as public sector deepens green building collaboration

The building’s new ‘South African contemporary’ design brings it up-to-date with the latest in quality office space.

The award-winning Greenovate Awards Programme just got even bigger

Inspiring and encouraging university students to discover, explore and invent ways to live more sustainably, the hotly-contested Greenovate Awards Programme.

Woolworths Palmyra Store Receives SA’s First 5-Star Retail Tenant Rating

This is not just about doing the right thing, although that is, of course vital in the face of our local and global environmental challenges. It also makes good business sense to be investing in renewable energy, water harvesting and using innovative energy and water saving practices.

Standard Bank awarded a breakthrough 5 Star Green Star SA Interiors Rating

Reinforcing Standard Bank’s green leadership, they are the first bank to receive a rating for 2 Green Star Interiors ratings.

Black Rver Park EBP Aerial Shot - North Park

First-ever existing building green rating awarded to Cape Town’s Black River Park

Home to the Green Building Council offices this Cape Town office park is the first to receive an Existing building rating – the new Green Star rating that asses the efficiency and performance of existing buildings.

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