Since 2007, GBCSA has been at the forefront of South Africa’s green building movement, focusing on three key areas to move the industry forward: education, advocacy and certification. Within our own organisation, we’ve also had a rewarding journey going from strength to strength. Now, we stand at the dawn of a new era we’re tackling with gusto: our growth phase.
But, it’s not all about the goals we’re looking to achieve. Our current and future success is built on the foundation of systems and policies in place to ensure we can grow and have impact at scale. Levinia Palmer, GBCSA’s CFO, is responsible for overseeing the organisation’s financial sustainability, operational efficiency and governance practices. Her journey from a junior role to her position now in strategic leadership has allowed Levinia to contribute more broadly while strengthening the organisation’s foundation.
“We strive to position ourselves as a trusted partner, supporting our members throughout their sustainability journey. As an NPO and member-based organisation, we recognise that trust is fundamental. It is not only about what we deliver, but how we engage with our members. We are committed to operating with efficiency, transparency, and accessibility, creating an environment where members feel comfortable engaging openly and sharing their needs. These relationships are built over time through consistency and integrity.”
Governance has become a big buzzword for organisations in every sector. It’s gone from being a textbook topic to quite an emotionally charged issue. For NPOs like GBCSA, governance is no longer a passive tick-box exercise for compliance. It is a proactive, strategic tool. GBCSA has a strong history of good operations and good structures in place. Levinia is proud that the small but mighty team exemplifies an ethos of continuous improvement to maintain best practice when it comes to governance.
“Governance is rightly a key focus area, and for GBCSA it has always been a priority we take seriously. That said, governance is not a static exercise; it requires continuous evolution. By embracing ongoing improvement, we ensure alignment with best practices and remain responsive to a changing environment, including adherence to principles set out in frameworks such as KingIV and the recently updated King V. This approach enables us to strengthen our processes and operate proactively rather than reactively, ensuring we consistently uphold the levels of trust, accountability, and credibility expected of us.”
None of this would’ve been possible if the correct systems weren’t in place from the very beginning. It means that the operational values that have provided that good structure to allow for growth are embedded into GBCSA’s DNA and, therefore, the daily operations.
“Our growth has been driven by accountability, integrity, and strong principles. We have prioritised robust financial and operational controls, supported by transparent reporting. Our annual audit and management letter report not only highlight areas for improvement but also affirm what we are doing well, with this year reflecting our strongest outcome to date. Although these elements are not always visible, they are essential. Together with our commitment to ethical practices, they have enabled us to grow with confidence on a solid foundation.”
Of course, the staff have the wonderful support of the board of directors, who also make a valuable contribution to ensuring the organisation is ready to embark on a journey of growth.
“One of the things I think GBCSA has done well is maintaining strong alignment between the board and executive leadership, even as people and roles have changed over time. A big part of that comes down to a shared understanding of our purpose and values. There’s also a strong culture of open communication and mutual respect, which helps create stability during transitions. Each leadership change has been an opportunity to strengthen the organisation bringing in fresh ideas while still holding onto what has worked well. That balance has helped us keep moving forward in a positive way.”
The keys to success for the future will be teamwork and collaboration. Levinia has been working closely with CEO, Georgina Smit, for several years and believes Georgina’s vision for the future and fresh energy will strengthen systems, while also facilitating greater use of data and technology to enhance member support. From an operational perspective, the organisation is healthy and thriving – ready to go boldly forward.
“It is an exciting time for GBCSA. I am particularly encouraged by our ability to grow and scale our impact while maintaining high standards. With a strong foundation in place, we are well positioned for sustainable, meaningful growth.”