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EDGE

GBCSA is the leading EDGE certifier in South Africa

GBCSA proudly offers EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certification, a green building design tool, a certification system, and a global standard developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a World Bank Group member. EDGE-certified projects reduce carbon emissions, save water, and lower living costs for occupants.

We certify EDGE projects throughout Africa.

What does it mean to be EDGE certified?​

To achieve an EDGE rating, a minimum saving of 20% in energy, water and embodied carbon in materials must be proven through initiatives implemented in the design phase and confirmed during construction.

When to Use EDGE Certification

EDGE Certification is ideal for various building typologies. Whether it's residential, commercial, hospitality, or retail, EDGE helps optimise your building's resource efficiency.

The Certification Process

The Certification Process

01
Appoint Your EDGE Professional Team

It's recommended to engage an EDGE Expert to guide your project from inception to completion, including document collation and submission for audit. An independent EDGE Auditor, separate from GBCSA, is required for the review of project documentation and verification of compliance with EDGE requirements before recommending the project for certification to GBCSA. Find qualified EDGE professionals in our GBCSA AP Directory.

02
Select the Appropriate EDGE Tool

Guided by your EDGE Expert, choose the EDGE Building Typology and Strategy that best aligns with your project. 

03
Register Your Project with GBCSA

When you have completed the self-assessment on the EDGE App to confirm that the minimum savings are achieved, you can begin the certification process by registering your project for EDGE certification with GBCSA via our website.

04
Project Documentation and Submission

Your EDGE Expert will manage project documentation and submit it to the EDGE Auditor, who in turn recommends the project for certification to GBCSA. The standard review and feedback process involves Round 1 (4 weeks) and Round 2 (3 weeks) at both the Preliminary and Post construction stages of the project.

05
Receive Your EDGE Certificate

Once certified, celebrate your achievement and proudly display your EDGE certificate.

We’re here to support your green building journey

Our Certification FAQ has a multitude of the most useful answers, and for anything that it doesn’t have, you can find our contact details below.

We are with you every step of the way. 

Lisa Reynolds

Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director

Lisa Reynolds is the CEO of the Green Building Council South Africa.

Lisa was the driver for the drafting of Energy Efficiency Standards and Regulations for Buildings and has been involved in Energy Efficiency since 2003. She serves on many committees in the SABS and within the energy management professionals’ space. She was President of the SAEEC from 2016 to 2019 and was the previous President of the ESCo (Energy Services Companies) Association. Lisa was instrumental in the formation of SAFEE (Southern African Females in Energy Efficiency) within SAEEC.

She has assisted the South African Government with its Green Building Framework policies, Energy Efficiency Tax Incentives and Energy Efficiency Strategies

Her passion for the “Green space” started with the birth of the Green Building Council in 2007. Lisa served on the Board and the Technical Committee of the GBCSA, as well as on several Technical Working Groups for Rating Tools and Criteria. Lisa. became CEO in June 2020.

Lisa has a BSc, an MBA and a CEM. Lisa’s awards include the 2007 ETA Award for Women, 2008 Individual Energy (SAEE), 2012 SABS Standards Writer Award; the 2014 Women in Energy (SAWIEN); and the 2016 Ian Lane Hall of Fame award.

Lisa is committed to growing the Green Economy within a Green Recovery.

Organisational categories

As an organisational member, you will fall into one of the below categories, and be charged according to specific size indicators. Please reach out to us for any further clarity on which category is best for your organisation

Property Developers

Annual Turnover

Investors, Owners, Property Managers

Total Asset Value

Major Corporate Tenants & Retail

Annual Gross Rentals

Building Contractors

Annual Turnover

Building Product Manufacturers & Distributors

Annual Turnover

Professional Services: Architects, Designers, Engineers, Quantity Surveyors, PM’s, Consultants, Legal

Number of employees

Research, Higher Education, NGO’S & Regulators

NGO or Research/Higher Education/ Regulators

Related Interests: Utilities, Financial, Insurance, etc.

Annual Turnover

Government

Local/ municipal/ provincial/ state 
Contact GBCSA to confirm your category