By Joy Crane

A host of prominent speakers, including former Eskom CEO and author André de Ruyter, venture capitalist Michael Jordaan and human rights and environmental activist Kumi Naidoo, addressed the Green Building Council South Africa's (GBCSA) 17th convention in Cape Town in November.

The three-day convention gathered the top role players in sustainability in the built environment under the banner of Zero+: Net Zero Today, Climate Positive Tomorrow.

The GBCSA Convention is an annual gathering of industry experts, innovators, and thought leaders to discuss the built environment, environmental sustainability, and climate change. The convention aims to promote the concept of climate positivity for the built environment and chart a course for the goal of zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Lisa Reynolds, CEO of GBCSA, said the global construction industry and its ongoing operations are responsible for nearly 40% of all carbon emissions. There is an urgent need for climate-positive and sustainable building practices.

"While the built environment poses significant challenges in the climate emergency, it offers substantial opportunities for intervention and positive change", she remarked.

"For South Africa to reach our carbon-reduction targets, we need to have 20 net zero carbon buildings every 24 hours. The more net-positive buildings we retrofit and design, the quicker we will reach our targets. The aim is for everyone to 'make your space matter' for a climate-positive tomorrow".

Delegates could attend three tracks held simultaneously: buildings, investment or cities. Everyone attended the exciting plenary sessions where comedian John Vlismis kept the ball rolling between speakers.

A range of thought leaders and innovators shared insights at the convention. Jordaan spoke about transformative business solutions in the sustainability space. Kenyan innovator Brian Bosire, CEO of Hydrologistics Africa, discussed the role of emerging technologies in achieving climate resilience.

Boitumelo Sethlatswe from Standard Bank discussed the banking sector's role in the Just Transition and a Net Zero future. Matthew Whalley from Balwin Properties shared the property sector's perspective on financing sustainability.

Mbuyiswa Makhubela, General Manager of Corporate Services at Rand Water, said, "This sustainability process is a journey of continual learning, engagement, research, change and application. Through the combined efforts of many departments, we aim to continue improving and reducing our environmental impact for a positive and climate-resilient future".

Speaking from South America, human rights and environmental activist Kumi Naidoo said the green movements must remember that people are part of the environment. "Artivism" can drive climate justice by adding a cultural dimension to the discussions".

Noxolo Kahlana, the founder of Energy House ZA, focused on climate resilience in rural communities, highlighting the crucial role these communities play in the broader sustainability conversation. Lead sponsors Century City, Rand Water, Similan Properties, and Raubex Building provided thought-provoking commentary on their sustainability journeys.

Growing green practices

Presenting at the opening plenary, Georgina Smit, GBCSA's Head of Technical, illustrated the exponential growth in the adoption of green building practices in the last ten years: "There is a clear and increasing demand for green building certification across Green Star, EDGE and Net Zero, with close to 1300 certifications to date, and counting", she said.

Sharing a graphic representing the growth, Smit explained that the first certification in SA was awarded in 2009. By 2014, there were 76 completed, and by 2020, the number had risen sharply to 647. In the four years that followed, over 600 certifications were awarded, and the number is increasing.

"There are just over 15,000 EDGE final certified housing units in the market, with another approximately 65,000 on the way to support green homes for South Africa, including the affordable housing market. Green Star Existing Building Performance is influencing real-time emissions, and there are 65 Net Zero projects highlighting the solutions and expertise to scale climate action in the property sector," she said.

Commenting on the perception that sustainability is expensive, Smit said: "Going green shouldn't be a guessing game. Research shows that the green premium is less than expected and continues to fall, making sustainable choices more accessible and achievable for all".

The 2024 GBCSA Leadership Awards were presented to a deserving group of winners at a gala dinner at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town.

Reynolds said, "We all must create a built environment beyond simply meeting targets, aiming to foster a positive, regenerative impact. So much has been achieved on this journey over nearly 20 years, and we must shout to the rooftops about the good work being done".