Green Building Council Conference: Aiming for Net Zero & Climate Positivity

The GBCSA's 17th Green Building Convention focuses on urgent transformation, aiming for 20 Net Zero buildings daily to combat the climate crisis.

• Urgency of Transformation: The GBCSA's 17th Green Building Convention emphasizes the urgent need for change in the building sector to combat the climate crisis.
• Focus on Net Zero: The theme "Net Zero Today, Climate Positive Tomorrow" reflects South Africa's goal of achieving 20 Net Zero Carbon buildings every 24 hours.
• Innovative Solutions and Collaboration: Keynote speakers and exhibitors will showcase emerging technologies and collaborative efforts aimed at fostering a sustainable and climate-resilient future.

Achieving Net Zero & Climate Positivity at the 17th Green Building Convention

The Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) is gearing up for its 17th Green Building Convention, scheduled for November 5-7 at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town.

With the climate crisis intensifying, this year's convention emphasizes the urgent need for transformation in the building sector, highlighting the goal of achieving zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Prominent figures in sustainability will converge to discuss innovative solutions across three main tracks: buildings, investment, and cities. Among the keynote speakers is former Eskom CEO André de Ruyter, who will contribute to discussions aimed at fostering a Net Zero built environment.

The significance of the building sector in climate change is underscored by a United Nations Environment Programme report, which attributes 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions to buildings and construction. In response, GBCSA has developed globally recognized tools since its inception in 2007, awarding over 1,000 certifications and striving for complete environmental impact neutralization or positive redress.

Lisa Reynolds, CEO of GBCSA, states that the convention's theme, "Net Zero Today, Climate Positive Tomorrow," aligns with South Africa's need to create 20 Net Zero Carbon buildings every 24 hours. This ambitious target highlights the importance of retrofitting and designing more Net Positive buildings to expedite reaching carbon reduction goals.

Driving Innovation for Net Zero & Climate Positivity at the Convention

Innovation will be a focal point of the convention, with keynote speaker Brian Bosire, CEO of Hydrologistics Africa, addressing how emerging technologies can contribute to a climate-resilient future. A dynamic exhibition will feature lead sponsors like Raubex Building and Similan Properties, showcasing their commitment to sustainability. Harold Spies, CEO of Similan Properties, emphasizes their responsibility to the environment and the value of GBCSA tools in guiding their sustainability efforts.

The importance of water sustainability is echoed by Mbuyiswa Makhubela, General Manager of Rand Water, which serves approximately 16 million people. He highlights a long-standing commitment to environmentally responsible practices in their operations.

Gary Koetzer, CEO of the Century City Conference Centre, reinforces the venue’s dedication to sustainability, noting the significance of small, consistent efforts in achieving lasting impact. This year's theme resonates with their ongoing commitment to create a space for transformative ideas to thrive.

The programme will feature a diverse lineup of thought leaders, including venture capitalist Michael Jordaan and Professor Francesco Pomponi, addressing topics such as profitable solutions to challenges and the role of embodied carbon in sustainability.

Over the years, the Green Building Convention has evolved into a crucial catalyst for the sustainability movement. GBCSA has partnered with idna Africa for over a decade to enhance the event, with CEO Tamlynne Wilton-Gurney stating their commitment to facilitating critical conversations around sustainability and the built environment.

Georgina Smit, Head of Technical at GBCSA, expresses excitement about showcasing projects that demonstrate tangible impacts, representing a collective of change agents committed to action in the sustainability sector. This year's convention promises to be a pivotal event, driving forward the conversation on sustainable building practices in South Africa.

The full programme, including CPD-accredited sessions is available on the event website at www.gbcsaconvention.org.za.