EVENT | ONE PLANET. ONE CHANCE The 2021 GBCSA Convention We outline the event and talk with some of the participants to gain their insights

ONE PLANET. ONE CHANCE

THE 14TH

Through the years, the annual GBCSA Green Building Convention has lead discussions in South Africa around promoting sustainable changes in the built environment.

Looking back over the past 14 years since GBCSA’s inception in 2007, the changes in the green building sector have been incremental, and exponential. From Dare to Lead; the Race to Zero; Beyond – Shaping Cities of Tomorrow and, most recently, Near Possible – Mapping the Path to a Sustainable Future, the past Convention themes represented milestones on the GBCSA’s sustainable journey. One thing they all held in common was a “bigger picture” perspective, and a call for collective action to achieve a built environment in which both people and planet can thrive.

Now it’s time to go deeper. And to get personal. It’s time for us to be the ONE that takes action.

In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic caused the world to stop. In that pause, we recognised the role that each individual plays. We recognised that we need one another, but that we also need radical action to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Now, in 2021, as global and local discourse around climate change and its impact on the built environment (and vice versa) is gaining momentum, we need to keep in step.

Keeping in sync. This is what 202ONE is all about.

ONE is a call to action, to stand up and take responsibility as an individual. To unite as ONE in our mission to effect meaningful change and to save the world for future generations.

Our annual green building conventions provide a wealth of exposure to leading local and international thoughts and ideas. Information and knowledge sharing is one of the best ways to progress your sustainability journey – whether it is well-established or only just beginning.

The 2021 Convention offers a hybrid of attendance options for both speakers and delegates, which provide attendees with the opportunity to either attend the Convention in person in Cape Town or virtually.

GBCSA is spreading the message wider and opening the doors to diverse opportunities. All this, while reducing the typical carbon footprint of such a largescale international convention.

It only takes ONE. We look forward to welcoming you on board for the 14th Green Building Convention.

Lisa Reynolds, CEO, Green Building Council South Africa

CONVENTION DETAILS

The Convention takes place over three days, starting late enough for you to arrive on Tuesday, 2 November and finishes on Thursday, 4 November at 16h00.

TUESDAY 02 NOV 2021

12h30 – 15h30

Pre-conference Satellite session: Cities

16h00 – 18h00

Opening plenary

18h00 – 20h30

Welcome cocktails

WEDNESDAY 03 NOV 2021

07h30 – 08h30

Morning networking

08h30 – 10h30

Plenary 2

10h30 – 11h30

Refreshment break, exhibition and Climate Change Village

11h30 – 13h00

Parallel sessions

13h00 – 14h30

Networking lunch, exhibition and Climate Change Village

14h30 – 16h00

Parallel sessions

18h30 – 00h00

Gala awards

THURSDAY 04 NOV 2021

09h00 – 10h30

Plenary 3

10h30 – 11h30

Refreshment break, exhibition and Climate Change Village

11h30 – 13h00

Parallel sessions

13h00 – 14h30

Networking lunch, exhibition and Climate Change Village

14h30 – 16h00

Closing plenary

BE PART OF THE CHANGE WE NEED

We ask Professor Geci Karuri-Sebina, Associate with the South African Cities Network and African Centre for Cities, for her insights ahead of her participation at the GBCSA’s 2021 Convention.

What are your thoughts on developing a sustainable roadmap from a built environment as well as an urban and cities perspective? Organisations like South African Cities Network and ICLEI have been working with cities in South Africa and beyond for over half a decade now on developing such roadmaps – so my short answer is YES we need such roadmaps, but just having the map is clearly not sufficient on its own. We have to nurture ecosystems that enable the actual journey. This will include programmes, systems, regulations, incentives and innovation systems. This will be coupled along with enforcement, monitoring and evaluation functions that ensure that progress is being made. Engaged and aligned actors are key to this.

It is also essential that the roadmaps avoid “exclusive green urbanisms” – approaches that singularly centre environmental issues while ignoring local context. And this is not just about the very crucial issue of extreme poverty and inequality (which must be considered), but also the indigenous knowledge and local practices that we often ignore and which themselves may harbour more relevant ways for human co-existence with the planet (sustainability) than our generic textbook ideas for what that looks like.

How have you seen behaviour and attitudes change in the market since the Covid pandemic hit the world and how do you think it will mould and change the industry going forward? Yes of course. The biggest of these being our realisation that our vulnerability is real, and that we are indeed able to make quite dramatic lifestyle and systems changes when it comes down to the wire. Covid-19 hammered economic and social activities worldwide, but there were also many positives that we are all very aware of. We temporarily reduced emissions, [global CO2 emissions fell by 6.4% in 2020 after decades of steady rise (Nature, 15 January 2021)], traffic, littering, and grew new cultures of care, empathy, work, family and innovation.

It may not all have been equally positive or sustainable, but the point is that possibilities have been signalled to households, entrepreneurs, workplaces and industries. I am cautiously optimistic that not everyone will just “snap back”; that, particularly with younger generations, there will be new ideas of being in view

We need to be sold on the fact that we will not get anywhere with a sustainability agenda if we are not an active part of a societal journey which requires us to play our part, but also to see and engage with the systems around us.

of social and ecological pressures, and the invitation of greater innovation. Rural living may grow in appeal, we may find new balance in appropriate densification levels, and new applications of technology that are not just techno-centric, but that seek to enable humanplanetary co-existence. It is a dream that might seem more realistic (or relevant) now that we are having to live through this nightmare.

How has technology influenced sustainable design? There is so much in technological advancement that can support sustainable design; from intelligent building systems, construction tech, smart precincts, geo-spatial technologies and proptech, amongst others. There is a plethora of tech. There are also wonderful exemplars for how these can be meaningfully applied to urban retrofit (e.g. in sub-urban US and high-rise Hong Kong) and new settlement solutions (e.g. James Ehrlich’s ReGen Villages). However, I often argue that while tech is expanding possibilities (solution space), it is rarely the primary obstacle to pursuing sustainable design. “Smart” and “tech” can also often welcome “low-tech” approaches in fact; the question is what the intention and commitment is towards increasing sustainability? Often our paradigms and institutions – our established ways of doing things – are the greater obstacle. This is where we need to make the critical shifts. In 2021, as global and local discourse around climate change and its impact on the built environment (and vice versa) is gaining momentum, we need to keep in step. What are your thoughts on this going forward? In my view, this discourse – while critical – needs to be a more shared or “inclusive” discourse. For as long as we expand socio-economic inequality in our societies, and fail to transform our economies in ways that offer some answer to difficult macro-economic questions in countries that are still hooked on global capitalism, then I am not sure we will ever do much more than apply band-aids to the bodies and planet that have borne the costs. We need greater and greener efficiency, but we also need “smarter”, shared approaches about how we live, how we co-exist, how we build livelihood. Shifts in consumption, settlement, inter-relation will require new, more appropriate systems of being and doing, and also of partnering, resourcing, management and governance. These, in my view, are not conversations that are happening enough – I think because it is easier to talk about tech (which is fun, but simply not enough).

Geci Karuri-Sebina is a Johannesburg-based scholar-practitioner who mainly works on urban planning and governance issues. She is currently an associate of South African Cities Network, visiting research fellow with the Wits School of Governance, and national organiser of the Civic Tech Innovation Network in South Africa. Karuri-Sebina’s experience and interests span a range of development foresight, policy, innovation and practice topics, particularly relating to the intersection between people, place and technological change, focusing on the global south. She has two decades’ experience working and publishing in these fields. Her recent publications include the book Innovation Africa: Emerging Hubs of Excellence (Emerald 2016) and a Foresight journal special issue on Urban Futures.

What is the key takeaway you would like people to gain from your participation at the GBCSA Convention 2021? I look forward to being in conversation with Brent Toderian because many of the issues that I raise may seem intellectual and abstract, but when you get to sit down with a practitioner who is not just thinking about these things but seeing them and experimenting with them on the ground in many different real contexts, you can really get practical exemplars about how things play out in contextual reality. I look forward to the audience gaining some practical sense of what we can learn from what urban managers and professionals have learned from trying to do different things. From that, we can imagine what we could do similarly, or differently, or better.

So, my goal is not a session that will offer solutions, but perhaps a session that will set off some lightbulbs and have folks leaving with ideas for what they themselves have learned and could do better. I think we are sold on the idea that we need greater sustainability. But now we need to be sold on the fact that we will not get anywhere with a sustainability agenda if we are not an active part of a societal journey which requires us to play our part, but also to see and engage with the systems around us.

DEVELOPING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

We also asked Tanya dos Santos, Global Head of Sustainability at Investec, for her thoughts ahead of her participation at the GBCSA’s 2021 Convention.

What are your thoughts on developing a sustainable roadmap from a built environment as well as an urban and cities perspective? Cities are complex systems, and their planning requires a systems-thinking approach that looks at the interconnected impacts of all the parts. They are affected by society, as well as the economy, environment, and culture. As we realise how vulnerable we are as a species and how reliant we are on our limited natural resources, cities around the world are being redesigned to become smarter and more sustainable. The ultimate goal for urban sustainability should be to promote and enable the long-term wellbeing of people and the planet. This requires the efficient use of natural resources and the responsible handling of waste within a city region while simultaneously improving its liveability, through social services, economic opportunity, and health.

In developing sustainable cities, we need to ensure we consider the full spectrum of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Urban planning, transport systems, water and sanitation, healthcare, the management of waste, disaster risk reduction, connectivity and access to information, education and capacity-building are all relevant issues when developing a sustainable roadmap for cities and urban developments.

How have you seen behaviour and attitudes change in the market since the Covid pandemic hit the world and how do you think it will mould and change the industry going forward? The way we build and operate our buildings now and into the future will be nothing like the past. The Covid-19 outbreak has dramatically changed how we work, communicate, shop and has greatly influenced consumer attitudes and behaviors. The working world moved rapidly from business as usual to limited travel, office closures, and were directed to work from home. Instead of traveling, shopping, and going out to eat at restaurants, consumers across the world had to restrain their wallets to spend only on essentials, getting these delivered much more often. Physical distancing has directly changed the way people occupy and interact with physical space.

The depth and breadth of economic impact on the real estate sector is still not clear. The ability of individual players in the property sector to weather the storm will depend on how they respond to immediate challenges. The current declines in short-term cash flow and demand for space, as well as the uncertainty surrounding commercial tenants’ ability to pay their bills is the short-term focus. In the medium-tolong term, the changed behaviours forced upon the industry will have likely altered the way consumers and businesses use and interact with real estate. We are certainly seeing a greater demand for healthier buildings with better ventilation, lighting and access to green spaces outdoors. At the end of the day, it is those players that act swiftly, taking the time to deepen relationships with their staff, investors, tenants and other stakeholders, who will come out the winners as the industry emerges from the current crisis and inevitably reinvents itself.

How has technology influenced sustainable design? The built environment has a major impact on carbon emissions even long after construction is complete, predominantly because of the fossil fuels we burn for the energy we need to heat and cool our homes, offices, factories and commercial properties. Across both the residential and commercial sub-sectors, technology has had a significant impact on real estate properties in terms of design, material composition, safety, management, and construction methodologies. For example, green walls and vertical gardens along with green roofs are all hallmarks of green buildings that help minimise heating and cooling costs, prevent storm-water runoff, filter out pollutants, and accordingly reduce energy use and cost. Technology advances in delivery systems and logistics, warehouse storage and 3D printing will also play transformative roles in how we purchase products and how goods are manufactured, stored, distributed. While technology cannot solve for all problems, it is helping to make real estate more sustainable and healthier for its occupants. While the main purpose of adopting green and sustainable architecture is nature-driven, the indirect effects this approach can have on society and communities is revolutionary.

In 2021, as global and local discourse around climate change and its impact on the built environment (and vice versa) is gaining momentum, we need to keep in step. What are your thoughts on this going forward? Considering the very large contribution that the real estate sector makes to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, developing and using sustainable building practices is vital in the fight against climate change. For example, the Investec Property Fund continue to invest in renewable energy to reduce reliance on the grid, minimise negative

While the main purpose of adopting green and sustainable architecture is nature-driven, the indirect effects this approach can have on society and communities is revolutionary.

environmental impact and decrease costs. Since 2016, they have invested R72-million in renewable energy initiatives, resulting in a saving of 12 767 tCO2e in 2021. But going green is not devoid of its challenges.

As real estate is inherently a capital-intensive industry with long-term objectives, developers (and hence investors) will need to find a balance between current cost, future value, design and durability of buildings, so that consumers’ interests are protected, and the environment is not depleted. The development of cities involves many sectors, including urban planning, architecture, engineering, local and regional governments, transportation design, environmental psychology, and land conservation. Neighborhood design not only influences health by affecting physical activity, respiratory and cardiac health, injury risk, chronic disease risk, social connectedness, and mental health, but many current community-design practices also adversely contribute to global climate change.

Working across sectors to incorporate an aligned approach to wellbeing in the design and development of properties will alleviate climate change, promote adaptation, and improve public health, which is all vital for the attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Tanya dos Santos is a dedicated mother, passionate sustainability practitioner and ardent conservationist. Dos Santos has been with the Investec group since 2001 and is currently the Global Head of Sustainability for Investec Group and Head of Investec Rhino Lifeline. Dos Santos has a Masters in Economics Cum Laude and alumni status from Harvard Business school after completing several leadership qualifications at Harvard through the Investec leadership journey. She has also completed the Competent Boards ESG Certificate Programme.

SAVING THE PLANET, ONE PRODUCT AT A TIME

In a resource-challenged world, our collective thinking and efforts must be directed towards the sustainable manufacture and use of materials – both within our working and living environment.

WORDS Formfunc

This philosophy has been embraced by Humanscale®, a leading international designer and manufacturer of ergonomics products and Formfunc, their exclusive distributor and dealer-partner in southern Africa.

Director and co-founder of Formfunc, Kim Kowalski says this shared vision and philosophy is underscored by its participation in the Living Product Challenge (LPC), an initiative established by the International Living Institute™.

“The Living Product Challenge (LPC) provides a framework for manufacturers to create products that are healthy, inspirational and have a positive impact on our natural ecosystem,” says Kowalski. “In essence, the challenge to manufacturers is to produce goods that are healthy and free of toxins; are responsibly manufactured and produced; and have a net positive benefit for both people and the environment.”

This global initiative gives manufacturers and sustainability consulting companies access to certification that attests to their commitment to producing goods in a socially responsible manner and that offer net positive benefits for humans and the environment.

The Liberty Ocean chair is the latest product to build on Humanscale’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing with nearly 0.9kg of recycled fishing net in each chair.

CREATING A NET POSITIVE IMPACT

Humanscale® is the first manufacturer across the globe – and in any industry, to achieve full Living Product Challenge certification for 26 of their products.

“We are extremely proud of this achievement as this gives our customers the assurances that the Humanscale® range has not only been sustainably designed, but responsibly manufactured using the ‘best in class’ materials’’, notes Kowalski.

LESS BAD IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH

The Living Product Label is a certification of authenticity as to the origin and make-up of the manufacturer’s product. To achieve full product certification under the Living Product Label, manufacturers have to meet specific criteria.

This standards framework is organised into seven performance areas, called Petals. Each performance area, or Petal has additional detailed requirements called Imperatives. When a product meets each Imperative for every Petal, a product can be Living Product Certified.

The Living Product Challenge is the first standard that is based upon the principles of full transparency to incorporate both Life Cycle Analysis and a material health evaluation classification for products that are net positive across their life cycles. More information on the Living Products Challenge can be found at: https://living-future.org/lpc/certification/.

www.formfunc.co.za

Formfunc Studio is the exclusive distributor and dealer-partner for Humanscale®, a leader in workstation optimisation, ergonomic furniture design and manufacturer. We offer comprehensive workplace and work from home furniture solutions to the Southern African residential, corporate and hospitality sectors. To find out more, contact us today on tel: +27 0861 555 271 or email: info@formfunc.co.za