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Welcoming André Theys, new Chair of the GBCSA Board

A big round of applause and congratulations to André Theys on his well-deserved appointment as the new Chair of the GBCSA Board! Following the AGM at the end of July, André has taken the helm, bringing his expertise and passion to this prestigious role.
André Theys, the Executive Manager for Operations at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, has always been a driving force for sustainable initiatives. His dedication to creating a greener and more sustainable future is truly inspiring.

We also extend a heartfelt thank you to Brian Unsted for his incredible leadership as the past Chair of the GBCSA Board. Brian’s contributions have been invaluable, and we’re thrilled that he will continue to serve on the Board, lending his wisdom and experience.

Here’s to a new chapter of sustainable progress under André Theys’ guidance and to the continued collaboration of these visionary leaders.

Read Andre’s Foreword to the GBCSA 2022 Annual Integrated Report below.

My tenure as Chair begins in the wake of considerable change and growth for the GBCSA, and I am humbled having been given the chance to build upon the foundation laid by my predecessor, Brian Unsted. Through Brian’s strong leadership over the past few challenging years, the GBCSA has emerged stronger, more resilient, agile and adaptable, and ready to seize the opportunities laid before us.

As an organisation that seeks to transform the built environment sector, we are cognizant of the many challenges property owners currently face in the macroeconomic context – depressed markets, unreliable power supply from Eskom, the global energy crisis, and broader socio-economic challenges within South Africa (to name but a few). I am cautiously optimistic that these challenges will also create new opportunities for the GBCSA within the sector. As energy costs rise and the push for efficiency grows, landlords and tenants will look to us for solutions that make financial and environmental sense.

A significant part of our 2022 endeavours were dedicated to refining the Green Star New Building Version 2 tool, but equally noteworthy was our substantial engagement with existing building stock – an area teeming with untapped potential. Although our Existing Building Performance (EBP) tool might lack the sparkle of new build rating tools, it is a linchpin in driving energy efficiency and charting our path towards decarbonisation. Furthermore, the EBP tool equips building owners with the requisite data for an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

So, as we get ready to pilot our New Build tool, our focus will be intensified towards enhancing the uptake of the EBP tools – an endeavour we believe will move the needle in a substantial way. Complementing this focus, we’ll be driving greater uptake of the Net Zero tools, particularly Net Zero Carbon accelerated by the current load shedding. We’ll also be ensuring our training is up- to-date and remains relevant for our audience.

The strength of the GBCSA lies not in physical infrastructure but in the intellectual capital of our people. I am deeply grateful to the staff, board, and the AP community, who stayed the course with us through challenging times. You have been the driving force that has helped us right the ship, and we are committed to investing in and nurturing this invaluable asset. My appreciation also extends to our members, who play a significant role in shaping our identity.

Our African continent faces numerous challenges which, while daunting, also foster resilience and ingenuity. We’ve braved water crises, power shortages, and more, emerging stronger each time. This indomitable spirit, I am confident, will carry us forward, enabling GBCSA to sail against the winds and chart our course into a sustainable future.

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 - R 4080.00
  • Total Employees: 6 - 20 Employees - R 12570.00
  • Total Employees: 21 - 50 Employees - R 24690.00
  • Total Employees: 51 Plus Employees - R 43840.00

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