Going green

A RECORD 140 green buildings have been certified over the past year, illustrating the growing momentum of green buildings in South Africa.

This announcement was made during the Green Building Council SA’s (GBCSA) flagship Green Building Convention held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre last week.

“Certified green buildings held their own as far as vacancy and return rates go over the past year,” says council chief executive Lisa Reynolds. “Property owners, tenants and investors are insisting on better, certified green buildings, as the environmental and financial benefits of these become indisputable.

“Since 2009, the council has certified 740 buildings.”

Reynolds said the 140 certifications during a year made challenging by Covid was significant. She commended the built environment community for driving the movement, saying “we do the certifications but you make the commitment”.

Chief development officer at Attacq Limited, Giles Pendleton, will remain as the chairperson of GBCSA for another year.

“Our programme was curated around this year’s theme “One Planet. One Chance”. It comprehensively looked at the critical role of the green building community and the need for us to come together as one powerful movement to effect positive change that counts,” he said.

“The theme spoke to the need for decisive and immediate action to mitigate the effects of climate change and to save our one planet for future generations.”

Mike Munnik of Agama Energy, who was named the Established Green Star for 2021, with Green Building Council of SA chief executive Lisa Reynolds. He also collected the award for the Highest Rated Building in 2021 for The Ridge at the V&A Waterfront. PICTURE: SUPPLIED