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.
