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.

1. Where do you go for inspiration?

I try and stay grounded, centred, calm and inspired from reading the Bible. I also enjoy reading travel books, travel being an absolute passion of mine. I try and get to Magoebaskloof in Limpopo province as often as possible. It’s the most calming place for my family and I to connect, and I love being in the forests of that area with loads of fresh air and clean running water.

2. What is the best part of your workday?

Whenever I am learning something new. I am a morning person, so usually at my best then.

3. What is the most exciting project/aspect of your work currently?

Chasing Net Zero targets. We are driving very hard towards Net Zero Waste targets for our entire portfolio for early 2022 and have 2025 Net Zero Water and 2030 Net Zero Carbon target dates. I am learning every single day because of the work required to achieve these targets.

4. What achievements are you most proud of?

I am fortunate enough to say that I have a few. From a work perspective, being at the helm of two amazing retail projects, being the Eastgate Mall major refurbishment and expansion and the Liberty Midlands Mall expansion were incredible experiences. From an academic perspective, completing an MBA. From my most recent passion of sustainability, achieving Green Star ratings for our entire portfolio of assets earlier this year and being appointed as incoming chair to lead the GBCSA is very exciting.

5. What do you think is the most urgent global environmental challenge facing us?

I think most environmental challenges are integrally linked to social and societal challenges that need to be addressed urgently. If there was better equality in the world, we wouldn’t see de-forestation at the scale displayed. Goods and services do not adequately consider the true long-term value or cost. If most societies were more modest, there would not be such big pressure placed on material goods, leading to more sustainable shopping practices and less environmental pressure on many industries. Global population control is also a major issue that is incredibly complex as a result of cultural issues and customs.

6. What do you feel is the biggest issue in the green building industry that we have to overcome, and any ideas on where to start in tackling it?

Educating people and getting true “buy-in”. There is still resistance from some quarters within the industry, and we need more true commitment towards sustainability in the built environment, not box-ticking. It is getting better, but we need to escalate the pace of change from all sectors and companies with the industry. Stricter legislation will also assist. Regular case studies on successes will go a long way in convincing naysayers.