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What we’re looking forward to in 2025

Join us for a year of green growth and connection at GBCSA

By Georgie Chennells, GBCSA Head of Market Engagement

The sea sand has now completely scrubbed out of your clothes and shoes, and the email inbox has resumed its rhythmic pings. The holidays may be over, but there’s so much to look forward to in 2025.

Despite the global challenges and continuous shifts, we continue to support our members and built environment stakeholders, in the realisation of a sustainable, climate- resilient, and regenerative built environment. We’re proud that we can play an empowering and connective role within our country and continent. 

We hope you’ll benefit from the myriad offerings from GBCSA this year, set up to empower you and your organization on your sustainability journey.

A rich and varied calendar of events

First up on the calendar are the ever-popular Planet Shapers building tours. Building tours are the perfect way to experience a green building for yourself, while learning (and being able to ask questions) from those who know it best.  

For our Gauteng members, we have a guided walk around the Oxford Parks Precinct in Rosebank in February. And further south in Cape Town our Hotel Verde Building Tour, also in February, also promises to be exceptional.

Both building tours were fully booked within days of the notice going out, but never fear, there will be more events such as these as the year rolls out. Remember, members get free and preferential access to GBCSA events. And it’s worth booking early.

Coming up in the next few months we have more Planet Shapers events, in Pretoria and Cape Town, which combine education with inspiration through our network of green building experts and practitioners. Planet Shapers events take place throughout the year so make sure you’re signed up to our newsletter to receive updates.

We’re also pretty excited about the May visit from Professor Francesco Pomponi, internationally renowned expert on embodied carbon in the built environment. Keep an eye on for info on our digital channels.

From mid-year you can also look forward to the launches of our annual research reports which track the developing investment case for green. The launch events for the MSCI SA Green Annual Property Index and the Cost of Green Report will bring valuable insights to the public domain, and foster important conversations.  These events don’t just showcase research; they arm you with data-driven insights to champion the green agenda in your own projects and work.

Our annual AGM takes place in July, and is also worth attending to hear directly from our leadership, share your feedback, and be part of the conversation that shapes GBCSA’s actions for the future.

More events will be announced in the course of the year and will include events in other centres (Durban, we are looking forward to visiting!), as well as online webinars, and annual special events for World Green Building Week, in September.  

And don’t forget the annual GBCSA Convention, from 11 – 13 November, which is now open for registration. Our theme this year is “Stepping up to next”: a bold call to action for our industry to redefine progress and innovation. Get  your discounted earlybird tickets, with your additional member discount today.

Knowledge and skills development for the green economy 

Our team at GBCSA Academy has continued to stay ahead of the curve, offering the latest in green building training and accreditation, from packaged Accredited Professional courses to bespoke training for organisations.  If you haven’t already experienced these courses, I encourage you to browse what’s on offer and expand your skillset. 

New courses on offer:  Towards the end of last year, GBCSA Academy launched the new DFGE training, which is designed to build green building confidence in climate literacy for both senior students and professionals in the industry. 

With our Green Star “Transforming Tomorrow” V2 tool pilot launch this past December, we’re also looking forward to the launch of the associated training launch in the next few months. This training will be a fantastic way to ground oneself in the latest in global and local sustainability principles and practices, and be inspired.

Getting back to basics

Did you know that, as a member, you are entitled to a wealth of services, opportunities and cost-savings? Refresh your knowledge with our newly launched sector-specific benefits guide.

Want to be listed in the GBCSA Member Directory

Or perhaps you’re looking to showcase your commitment to green building through displaying your membership certificate, or member logo, on your marketing collateral? 

As a Building Product Manufacturer / Distributor member, you may also benefit from being featured in the GBCSA Green Pages. 

The newly launched Blueprint to making the most of your GBCSA membership is a useful checklist to make sure you’re making the most of these opportunities available to you as a member.  Download your copy today.

Making the most of your mailers

We’ve made it easier than ever to stay in the loop with what matters most to you. Our new newsletter preferences feature lets you tailor your newsletter experience and choose which mailers you receive from us—whether it’s news, training or events in your region. Look for the “Preferences” button at the bottom of your GBCSA mailer, and go from there. 

Keeping your membership up to date

2025 is going to be choc-a-block of opportunities to learn, grow, connect and make an impact. If you’re not already a member, sign up today to start taking advantage. 

(And if you’re already a valued part of our community, do please remember to have your annual member fees paid up by 31st January.)

Join us in making this year one of green building progress, innovation, and community. Together, we can achieve a more sustainable, climate- resilient, and regenerative built environment where people and planet can thrive. 

photo block for feature article
Clockwise from top right: GBCSA Convention, Planet Shapers panel discussions, networking, plaque handovers and more great networking and refreshments.

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