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Green beyond Buildings: Transforming Tomorrow’s ‘People’ Category By Michelle Ludwig, Director, Ludwig Design Consulting

The launch of a revised version of the Green Star rating system by the Green Building Council of South Africa is a major step in the right direction for increasing inclusive aspects of sustainability in the building and construction sectors. A noteworthy feature of the new version will be the establishment of a separate people-focused category.

In the past, energy efficiency, material sustainability, and water conservation have frequently been the main topics of discussion in the field of green building. Even though these factors are obviously important, the People category signifies a paradigm shift in favour of a more human-centric strategy. Since people create and design buildings in the end, this category focuses on the direct and indirect effects of architectural decisions and construction methods on human well-being.

The People category supports innovative approaches to building design and construction that tackle community social health issues by addressing the diverse range of individuals engaged in the construction and use of a structure which requires commitment and forethought. The People category focuses on social equity, inclusive participation, procurement initiatives, expanding accessibility and sharing and deepening green skills.

In construction, it is essential to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the design team and contractors’ internal procedures for a number of reasons. When people with different backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets come together in a diverse and inclusive team, creativity and varied perspectives are fostered, and the resulting project is better able to meet the varied demands of potential building occupants.

Furthermore, a dedication to equity within the design team and construction process generates opportunities in the construction sector available to people of all backgrounds. Teams that place a high priority on diversity and inclusion within their internal operations not only demonstrate a dedication to social responsibility but also produce more deliberate, flexible, and culturally sensitive constructed environments.

A building’s construction process can facilitate growth via local economic development. The supply chain for the built environment is extensive and varied, and procurement initiatives can be used to enhance social and environmental results extending outside of project boundaries. Furthermore, building projects can advance employment policies that prioritise and support under-represented groups, such as women, youth and people with disabilities. This improves the community’s overall economic resilience while simultaneously addressing social disparities. To put it simply, structures that actively support local economies and give priority to marginalised groups are essential to the overall advancement of more holistic, people-centric sustainable development.

For all buildings, it is crucial to make sure that they are both accessible to a diverse population and constructed to satisfy the needs of individuals with varying requirements. Beyond merely complying with building code, deliberately exceeding local accessibility regulations demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and universal design. This leads to providing considered, inviting environments that promote a sense of dignity and belonging for individuals with a variety of needs, contexts and stories. In short, it’s better for everyone.

This category aims to contribute towards community social health issues by emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion. By prioritising local economic development, and inclusive construction processes, these advancements in green building practices are vital steps in creating a built environment that goes beyond aesthetically pleasing, to also be socially equitable, economically resilient, and accessible to a diverse and varied population. The integration of these principles into the core of construction and design processes that look beyond the building will transform the market towards a more inclusive, and people-centered future for our shared built environment.

Individual Membership

Designed for professionals acting in their individual capacity, including single consultant-businesses.

Organisational Membership

Ideal for companies, government departments, and organisations.

  • Total Employees: 1 - 5 Employees
  • Total Employees: 6 - 20 Employees
  • Total Employees: 21 - 50 Employees
  • Total Employees: 51 Plus Employees

Lisa Reynolds

Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director

Lisa Reynolds is the CEO of the Green Building Council South Africa.

Lisa was the driver for the drafting of Energy Efficiency Standards and Regulations for Buildings and has been involved in Energy Efficiency since 2003. She serves on many committees in the SABS and within the energy management professionals’ space. She was President of the SAEEC from 2016 to 2019 and was the previous President of the ESCo (Energy Services Companies) Association. Lisa was instrumental in the formation of SAFEE (Southern African Females in Energy Efficiency) within SAEEC.

She has assisted the South African Government with its Green Building Framework policies, Energy Efficiency Tax Incentives and Energy Efficiency Strategies

Her passion for the “Green space” started with the birth of the Green Building Council in 2007. Lisa served on the Board and the Technical Committee of the GBCSA, as well as on several Technical Working Groups for Rating Tools and Criteria. Lisa. became CEO in June 2020.

Lisa has a BSc, an MBA and a CEM. Lisa’s awards include the 2007 ETA Award for Women, 2008 Individual Energy (SAEE), 2012 SABS Standards Writer Award; the 2014 Women in Energy (SAWIEN); and the 2016 Ian Lane Hall of Fame award.

Lisa is committed to growing the Green Economy within a Green Recovery.

Organisational categories

As an organisational member, you will fall into one of the below categories, and be charged according to specific size indicators. Please reach out to us for any further clarity on which category is best for your organisation

Property Developers

Annual Turnover

Investors, Owners, Property Managers

Total Asset Value

Major Corporate Tenants & Retail

Annual Gross Rentals

Building Contractors

Annual Turnover

Building Product Manufacturers & Distributors

Annual Turnover

Professional Services: Architects, Designers, Engineers, Quantity Surveyors, PM’s, Consultants, Legal

Number of employees

Research, Higher Education, NGO’S & Regulators

NGO or Research/Higher Education/ Regulators

Related Interests: Utilities, Financial, Insurance, etc.

Annual Turnover

Government

Local/ municipal/ provincial/ state 
Contact GBCSA to confirm your category