Today, GBCSA announced that Manfred Braune will hand over the reigns as Managing Executive: Sector Development & Transformation at the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) and will retire as an executive director from the GBCSA board to pursue what he calls his next sustainability challenge in life. Manfred has been responsible for directing all technical, training and research related aspects at the Green Building Council South Africa since 2010, and before that was a director at WSP Green by Design, the consultancy responsible for the first 4 certified green buildings in South Africa, and then at the GBCSA has led the organisation’s certification unit from 4 to reach over 430 green building certifications
Some of Manfred’s legacy has also included directing various special projects at the GBCSA, such as the Cato Manor Green Street, My Green Home, Cost of Green and the Green Lease Toolkit.
‘I remain privileged to have met and interacted with an individual who is super passionate about the environment, property and people, and skills development through Manfred. This is a bittersweet moment in the council’s existence, and I really want to express my sincere gratitude to Manfred for the relentless dedication he has shown to ensuring that future generations inherit a planet that is unscathed, unharmed and thrives,’ said GBCSA CEO Dorah Modise.
Manfred will be taking up the position of Director of Environmental Sustainability at the University of Cape Town (UCT) from 1 April 2019, where he will be responsible for advancing UCT’s vision and commitment to environmental sustainability for the campus. He looks forward to imparting some of the learnings he has gathered at the Green Building Council to advance the case for green building and sustainability amongst future leaders of our country.
‘It has been my great honour to serve an organization that is deeply committed to preserving the environment for future generations and takes such bold steps to solve some of society’s most burning environmental issues. Green Building Council South Africa has talented and dedicated staff who work to advance the green mission each and every day,’ said Manfred. ‘I am confident that GBCSA will identify a replacement who will maintain the council’s long-held values while taking the organization to new heights.’
Manfred’s departure comes at a time when the GBCSA is on an upward growth trajectory and the organization is grateful for his huge contribution over the years. GBCSA assures members and stakeholders that the certification and training teams are very well equipped to run their different processes thus a smooth transition is eminent.
The team at GBCSA wishes Manfred the very best for this next exciting step in his career.
Manfred’s last day with the GBCSA will be 31st March 2019.