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What is a project registration and how much does it cost?

Registering a building project with the Green Building Council of South Africa declares the intent to pursue certification under a specific rating tool and is the first step in the certification process. Projects should register as soon as possible during the project, though there is n o deadline during the design or construction process.
Part one of the Certification Fee (50%) must be paid to the GBCSA upon registration of a project, and an executed Certification Agreement (sent to the project owner upon registration) must be received by the GBCSA to finalise a project's registration. Registering a project simply declares the intent to pursue certification and should not be confused with actual project certification which is awarded by the GBCSA once a project has demonstrated its achievement of a certain rating level.

Costs are based on the area (m2) of the development and whether the applicant is a member or non-member, and ranges from R 30 000to R 156 000

For more on project certification Click here

Why was Green Star chosen and what other rating systems exist?

There are several rating systems in existence worldwide, including LEED from the US, BREEAM from the UK and Green Star from Australia.

After a process of industry and expert consultation, the Green Building Council of South Africa Board decided to base our South African rating tool on the Australian Green Star system, and to customise this tool for South African use.

Read more Click here

What is a rating tool?

A green building rating tool sets standards and benchmarks for green building, and enables an objective assessment to be made as to how "green" a building is. The rating system sets out a "menu" of all the green measures that can be incorporated into a building to make it green. Points are awarded to a building according to which measures have been incorporated, and, after appropriate weighting, a total score is arrived at, which determines the rating.

For more on rating tools Click here

What is Green Star SA?

The Green Building Council of South Africa develops the Green Star SA rating tools, based on the Australian Green Building Council tools, to provide the property industry with an objective measurement for green buildings and to recognise and reward environmental leadership in the property industry. Each Green Star SA rating tool reflects a different market sector (office, retail, multi-unit residential, etc.).

For more on Green Star SA Click here

In a nutshell, how does the Green Star rating system work?

The Green Building Council of South Africa develops the Green Star SA rating tools, based on the Australian Green Building Council tools, to provide the property industry with an objective measurement for green buildings and to recognise and reward environmental leadership in the property industry. Each Green Star SA rating tool reflects a different market sector (office, retail, multi-unit residential, etc.).

The objectives of Green Star are to:
-Establish a common language and standard of measurement for green buildings
-Promote integrated, whole-building design
-Raise awareness of green building benefits
-Recognise environmental leadership
-Reduce the environmental impact of development

For more on Green Star SA Click here

What is the cost of green buildings compared to coventional buildings and what savings are associated with going "green"?

Aside from their impact on sustainability, there is a compelling business case to green building. Studies are showing dramatic increases in productivity among users, due to increased fresh air, more natural light and less toxic materials, and tenants are becoming aware of these benefits. Demand for green buildings is growing rapidly, with tenants being prepared to pay higher rentals.

Green buildings also have lower operating costs, due to savings in utility services, particularly when viewed on a lifecycle basis.

Green buildings do not necessarily cost more than conventional buildings – it depends on “how green” they go, and much can be achieved at low cost through clever design and basic energy efficient materials.

Green building is a more efficient way of developing and operating buildings, and over time will lead to the obsolescence of conventional building stock. It is now being seen as ‘future proofing’ buildings, and is being regarded as a risk management issue.

For more on the real costs of green Click here

Why should businesses consider green building?

Green buildings can reduce their consumption of energy to less than half of what a conventional building does, with similar reductions in potable water usage, runoff to sewer and solid waste. By promoting green building, the Green Building Council of South Africa can have a really significant impact on resource consumption and on combating global warming.

............for more reading on the merits of green building Click here

Simply define the concept of Green Building?

A green building is a building which is energy efficient, resource efficient and environmentally responsible- which incorporates design, construction and operational practices that significantly reduce or eliminate its negative impact on the environment and its occupants. Building green is an opportunity to use resources efficiently and address climate change while creating healthier and more productive environments for people to live and work in. On a practical level, this encompasses the use of design, materials and technology to reduce energy and resource consumption and create improved human and natural environments. Specific green building measures include careful building design to reduce heat loads, maximise natural light and promote the circulation of fresh air; the use of energy-efficient air-conditioning and lighting; the use of environmentally friendly, non-toxic materials; the reduction of waste, and the use of recycled materials; water-efficient plumbing fittings and water harvesting; the use of renewable energy sources; and sensitivity with regard to the impact of the development on the environment

For more on the concept Click here

Are there sponsorship opportunities available?

There are numerous opportunities for all sponsorship budgets including:

- Founding sponsorship
- Networking events and presentations
- Courses & Workshops
- Green Star rating tools
- Green Cities SA Conference & Expo

Please refer to the sponsorship page for more info Click here

Is there a fee due?

Yes an annual corporate membership fee due, based on your membership category. Please refer to Membership categories and fees page.

Membership categories Click here

How do I register as a member?

To become a member of the Green Building Council of South Africa simply follow the 3 easy steps (see link below). If you wish to receive more information about the GBCSA and its activities please email: info@gbcsa.org.za.

Register now Click here

What is green building?

A green building is a building which is energy efficient, resource efficient and environmentally responsible- which incorporates design, construction and operational practices that significantly reduce or eliminate its negative impact on the environment and its occupants. Building green is an opportunity to use resources efficiently and address climate change while creating healthier environments for people to live and work in.

For more information Click here

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P O Box 155, Rondebosch 7701, Cape Town

: +27 21 659 5990/+27 21 659 6591 | Fax: +27 21 689 3737 | Email: info@gbcsa.org.za