In this series, we feature diverse sustainability professionals who are using their green building skills and knowledge to support our mission of transforming the built environment.
Yvonne Pelser works as an independent consultant focusing on the social and affordable residential housing sector in South Africa. She founded Inside Out Consulting in 2010, supporting a wide range of clients from small developers to financiers and private equity firms. With a background in construction management, she has experience working in project teams as well as leading project teams.
As a certified EDGE Auditor, EDGE Faculty, and EDGE Expert, she is passionate about developing sustainable and affordable housing solutions, uplifting communities, and minimising the impact on the planet through sustainable greening solutions. She is also a Green Star New Build Accredited Professional (AP), Existing Building AP, and Net Zero AP with GBCSA. In 2021, she was the recipient of the inaugural EDGE Leader at the GBCSA Leadership Awards.
How has AP training proven to be beneficial in your career?
It has exposed me to a larger network within Africa and widened my product offering to clients.
Can you tell us about a project you are most proud of in your EDGE Auditor journey?
Affordable housing is really close to my heart, and I understand the market and product very well. One of the most interesting projects I have worked on to date is the ROHA Advanced Multi-Specialty Hospital in Ethiopia. Another notable project is Sagewood Lifestyle Apartments, where I was the EDGE Auditor, that received the EDGE Residential Leader Award in the 2023 GBCSA Leadership Awards.
Why do you feel more professionals should pursue Accredited Professional training?
It sets a good foundation for green buildings and sustainability in general. The world is moving towards this.
What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned in your time as an AP?
Collaboration and the sharing of knowledge are key.
What professional achievement are you most proud of?
Working with new EDGE Experts and guiding them through the certification process requires a lot of additional time to get their first submission up to standard. To witness the growth and applying learnings in subsequent submissions is rewarding and builds a great working relationship.
Can you share how you feel the combination of education and experience, particularly training in your career, have helped you reach your goals?
Education sets a good foundation but continuous learning and exploring is always ongoing to improve one’s skillset. The biggest learning comes from on-the-job experience and getting into the details. Training, for example, does not prepare you for dealing with a complex project or tight deadlines. This is how you build experience.
What changes do you think are needed for the built environment and the building and property industries in general to reach their sustainability goals?
- A change in mindset.
- Explore alternative materials and technologies.
- Embed sustainability practices into business as usual.
- Upfront costs are normally stated as the biggest barrier without considering the facts and long-term benefits.
What advice do you have for someone new to the green built environment sector?
You have to start somewhere, even if it is small. Although there is a wide adoption of green buildings, many first-time clients are hesitant to take the leap of certification but already implement some green building practices. Small changes can lead to increased energy and water savings, saving money for the client, but also changing the mindset.
Finally, if you have any important insights or learnings to share from a career perspective, what would you share?
By making certification seamless for clients, you can build a network and become a trusted advisor. Build a strong network of EDGE Expert and Auditors that have the same values as you.
We welcome your suggestions or nominations of green professionals for this feature. Please email us at marketing@gbcsa.org.za