The adoption of green building practices have steadily increased in South Africa with reduced operating costs and the gradual acceptance from the property industry having validated the additional upfront capital costs before taking into account the indirect benefits of improved wellness of building occupants, sustainability and corporate social responsibility.
Covid-19 has applied additional pressure on the need to focus on healthier buildings and sustainability, however, not enough is being done by international standards to potentially meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set out for 2030.
In the South African context Lisa Reynolds, CEO of the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) says that during the pandemic, green building certifications have continued but, we have a long road ahead of us.
The GBCSA’s integrated annual report for 2019 highlights 87 project certifications took place in 2019 compared to 78 certifications in 2018. While the organisation is aiming to maintain the green building certification levels witnessed this year. Read more…
