Champions of Sustainability
The GBCSA Annual Leadership awards are an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate our community of green building champions who are making waves in industry with innovative projects, creative collaborations and high-quality work,” says Georgina Smit, Head of Technical and Executive Director at GBCSA. “Whilst every green building project is important to incrementally drive change, we also want to highlight our leaders in this space, to inspire us all to greater sustainability ambitions.
As a recipient of GBCSA Leadership awards in her former life as a Green Star Accredited Professional (AP), Smit explains that “being on the receiving end of industry acknowledgement keeps you motivated to stick up for sustainability when project challenges invariably arise because you know it has a longer-term positive impact”.
GBCSA’s leadership awards started off by acknowledging outstanding work within the Green Star AP community. The highlight awards are for “Established Green Star”, which is typically for more senior and experienced green building experts who are a shining light for sustainability with the work they do, and for “Rising Green Star”, which rewards up-and-coming Green Star APs.
Further to that, GBCSA acknowledges where APs submit high-quality documentation in their Round 1 Green Star submission, paying careful and considered attention to the technical and administrative detail required to demonstrate compliance, via the “Best Quality Submission” awards. These are split between Green Star projects that have a new build design or construction component, sometimes referred to as an asset rating (such as Green Star New Build, Green Star Interiors and Green Star Sustainable Precincts) and Green Star projects for existing buildings (via the Green Star Existing Building Performance tool).
“Within the GBCSA Tech team, we love this award the most as this highlights which APs create the least amount of work for assessors and the GBCSA team due to excellent and high-quality work. Through hard work, attention to detail and taking GBCSA Tech team feedback into account timeously, APs who receive this award ensure that most (if not all) of the points targeted in Round 1 are achieved. Achieving most of your targeted points, or rating, in Round 1 is a sign of a high-quality submission and can be an indicator of an AP with excellent attention to detail, which translates into time savings for everyone in the assessment process,” says Smit.
Lastly, Green Star APs are acknowledged via the “Highest Rated Building” awards, which are also split between new builds and existing buildings. This award is given to the project that attains the highest number of points in the final Green Star rating. GBCSA uses this as a quantitative proxy to acknowledge Green Star APs who have a large, and usually complex, scope for 6-Star projects that typically are industry firsts or notable.
GBCSA has subsequently added a few more awards to extend the acknowledgement beyond the AP community to also include property owners, sector leaders and broader project teams.
Largely split along Green Star, EDGE and Net Zero tools, these awards recognise leading projects, innovations or industry firsts associated within projects certified with that tool in the past year. The “Transforming Tomorrow” awards recognise market-moving projects that drive holistic, broad-based sustainability via Green Star projects (with a split between new build design or construction and existing buildings). Acknowledging the vital role that resource-efficient housing plays in South Africa and Africa, they have a dedicated award for residential developers within their “EDGE Residential Leaders” award. The “Net Zero Submission” award rewards projects that demonstrate progress and bold action towards meeting ambitious net zero commitments.
GBCSA Leadership Awards – 2024 WINNERS
These awards have been adjudicated based on the period since the Green Building Convention in 2023, and 30 September 2024.
Balwin Properties
1. Established Green Star
This award recognises people who have continually contributed to the green building economy and in particular through Green Star buildings. They are actively changing the way the world is being built and display leadership and passion in their contribution to the green building movement.
Winner: Sally Misplon, Misplon Green Building Consulting
Runner-up: Annelide Sherratt, Solid Green Consulting
2. Rising Green Star
This award recognises people who are rising green stars and are making a significant contribution to the green building industry. The future is indeed bright with professionals like these working together for a better built environment.
Winner: Mellissa Titus, Independent Quality Assurers (Pty) Ltd
Runner-up: Mary-Anne Fechter, Zutari
3. Transforming Tomorrow: moving the industry forward in asset-design projects
This award recognises leaders that have contributed towards market transformation in the new building and construction space, through innovative design and construction initiatives that demonstrate leadership. This particularly speaks to the asset rating-based tools of Green Star New Build, Interiors and Sustainable Precincts.
Winner: Newinbosch Neighbourhood Estate, Similan Properties
Accredited Professional Company supporting: Ecolution Consulting
Runner-up: Oxford Parks Precinct, including the projects certified this past year: 7 Parks Boulevard (As Built) and 5 Parks Boulevard (Design) by Intaprop Property Development
Accredited Professional Company supporting: Solid Green Consulting
4. Transforming Tomorrow: moving the industry forward in existing operational performance projects
This award recognises leaders that have contributed towards market transformation in the existing building space through sustainable management and operations of their buildings’ performance via initiatives that are innovative and demonstrate leadership. This relates especially to the existing building rating-based tools of Green Star Existing Building Performance (EBP) and the Energy Water Performance benchmarking tool for offices.
Winner: Redefine Properties
Accredited Professional Company supporting: Misplon Green Building Consulting
Joint runners-up:
Western Cape Provincial Government – Department of Infrastructure
Accredited Professionals: internal Accredited Professionals at Western Cape Provincial Government – Department of Infrastructure; and Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development Accredited Professional Company supporting: Imbue Sustainability
5. Net Zero Submission
This award recognises a project that has achieved a significant milestone in demonstrating their commitment to realising the Net Zero goals set, and shown sustainability leadership within this sector in South Africa, and Africa.
Winner: Liberty Two Degrees Net Zero Waste Retail Portfolio, Liberty Two Degrees
Accredited Professional Company supporting: Solid Green Consulting
Runner-up: Discovery Net Zero Waste Offices, Discovery
Accredited Professional Company supporting: Zero Waste Technologies
6. EDGE Residential Leader
The EDGE Residential Leader award recognises a project, developer, EDGE Expert or EDGE Auditor that has achieved a significant milestone in demonstrating sustainability leadership within the residential sector in South Africa, and Africa. The criteria are based on annual review of highlights that include, but are not limited to:
● Post-construction awarded projects
● EDGE Advanced certified – innovative initiatives associated with energy, water or embodied carbon
● Delivering on affordable and sustainable housing mandates
● Sustainable solutions at scale, including bulk registrations and certifications
● Excellent EDGE Auditor or EDGE Expert quality
Joint winners:
Balwin Properties;
Cosmopolitan Projects;
Century Property Developments; and
International Housing Solutions
7. Highest-Rated Building: for an asset-rating design project (Green Star New Build, Interiors or Sustainable Precincts)
This award is given to the project that attains the highest amount of points in the final Green Star rating.
Winner: Anglo American Fit-out at 144 Oxford for Interiors V1 certification by Anglo Corporate Services South Africa Accredited Professional Company supporting: Zutari
Joint runners-up:
Anglo American for Interiors V1 certification by Intaprop Property Development and Investment
Accredited Professional Company supporting: Solid Green Consulting; and
Newinbosch Neighbourhood Estate, for Sustainable Precinct certification by Similan Properties
Accredited Professional Company supporting: Ecolution
8. Highest-Rated Building: for an existing operational performance project (Green Star EBP)
This award is given to the project that attains the highest amount of points in the final Green Star rating.
Winner: Serra Services, Meadowbrook Estate, by Growthpoint Properties
Accredited Professional Company supporting: Imbue Sustainability
Runner-up: No. 5 Silo by V&A Waterfront
Accredited Professional Company supporting: Sow & Reap Consulting
9. Best-Quality Submission: for an asset-rating design project
(Green Star New Build, Interiors or Sustainable Precincts)
This award is given to the project whose submission attains the highest percentage of points targeted in the round 1 submission before round 1 clarifications, which serves as a primary indicator of the quality of the submission.
Winner: Anglo American Fit-out at 144 Oxford for Interiors V1 certification by Anglo Corporate Services South Africa
Accredited Professional Company supporting: Zutari
Runner-up: Anglo American for Interiors V1 certification by Intaprop Property Development and Investment
Accredited Professional Company supporting: Solid Green Consulting
10. Best-Quality Submission: for an existing building performance project (Green Star EBP)
This award is given to the project whose submission attains the highest percentage out of points targeted in the round 1 submission before clarifications, which serves as a primary indicator of the quality of the submission.
Joint winners:
Woodmead Estate certification by Accredited Professional Company Zutari for Growthpoint Properties;
Absa Zeerust certification by Accredited Professional Company Zutari for Absa (owner) with Bidvest FM supporting; and Absa Cathedral Square certification by Accredited Professional Company Zutari for Absa (owner) with Bidvest FM supporting
Joint runners-up:
N1 Motor City certification by Accredited Professional Company Imbue Sustainability for Boxwood Property; and
Accord House certification by Accredited Professional Company Misplon Green Building Consulting for Redefine Properties
1. ESTABLISHED GREEN STAR AWARDS
WINNER: Sally Misplon, Misplon Green Building Consulting
Q: What inspired your career in the sustainable built environment?
SM: My passion for sustainability in the built environment traces back to my university thesis, which focused on the key drivers of green building practices in South Africa. Early in my career, I gained valuable experience in property management, overseeing a diverse portfolio of commercial, retail and industrial properties. A pivotal moment came with the introduction of the Existing Building Performance tool by Green Building Council South Africa.
Q: What key green building principles do you believe most significantly impact environmental sustainability?
SM: Energy efficiency – optimising energy performance through retrofitting systems, implementing renewable energy solutions, and using energy management technologies.
Water efficiency – reducing water consumption by installing water-saving fixtures, recycling greywater, and monitoring usage to improve efficiency.
Sustainable operations and maintenance – prioritising eco-friendly materials, waste reduction practices, and sustainable procurement in daily operations to minimise environmental impact.
Q: What do you think are the biggest barriers to the widespread adoption of green building practices, and how can the industry overcome these?
SM: Key barriers to adopting green building practices include high initial costs, lack of awareness and expertise, regulatory gaps, resistance to change and limited access to resources. These challenges can be addressed by providing education and incentives, enforcing clear policies, showcasing successful projects, improving supply chains and offering financial support to highlight long-term benefits and promote widespread adoption.
Q: What role do you see green building certifications and standards playing in the future, and how might they need to adapt to new sustainability goals?
SM: Green building certifications, such as Green Star, LEED and EDGE, play a critical role in setting sustainability benchmarks and ensuring accountability within the built environment.
To stay relevant, they’ll need to continue to expand their scope to include goals like carbon neutrality and climate resilience, focus more on real-world performance, and adapt to diverse regional needs.
Founder of Misplon Green Building Consulting, Sally Misplon holds an Honours degree in BSc Property Studies from the University of Cape Town. She brings a decade of expertise to the nexus of the built environment and sustainability, and excels in building operations, management and leasing, notably in commercial, retail and industrial sectors.
Sally’s contributions to the GBCSA’s Green Star rating system, including shaping the Green Star Existing Building Performance Tool, have earned her multiple Green Leadership Awards. With qualifications for both new and existing buildings and a record of 352 Green Star certifications, her leadership has firmly established Misplon as a leading green building consultancy.
RUNNER-UP: Annelide Sherratt, Solid Green Consulting
Q: What inspired your career in the sustainable built environment?
AS: During my architectural studies, one of my project assignments was a presentation on sustainable architectural design. I was struck by how sustainable architecture transcends mere aesthetic considerations – it embodies meaningful principles that significantly benefit future generations. This insight inspired me to pursue a career in the sustainable built environment, where I can lead professional project teams to create designs that are not only visually appealing and cost-efficient but also environmentally responsible. I gained valuable insights from Peet Botha, an electrical engineer, who at that time introduced me to Solid Green.
Q: What do you think are the biggest barriers to the widespread adoption of green building practices, and how can the industry overcome these?
AS: One barrier is the perceived cost of sustainability. Many stakeholders believe that incorporating sustainable features significantly increases the overall project budget, which can deter investment in green building initiatives.
However, GBCSA has been instrumental in addressing this barrier through the innovation of financial transparency. By targeting most projects to disclose the actual percentage of the Green Building Premium, GBCSA provides clear and transparent cost data. Annually, the GBCSA publishes the Green Building in South Africa: Guide to Costs & Trends, which reveals that most certified buildings fall within a 2-4% cost premium. This data helps demystify the financial implications of green building practices.
Many projects avoid targeting sustainability ratings due to the perceived high costs. However, my experience has shown that numerous projects can achieve various green building certifications, even up to a 6-Star level, with minimal additional costs.
Q: Can you share some successful project examples that stand out in terms of sustainability, or perhaps where you used an innovative approach to achieve a goal?
AS: The Oxford Parks Development stands out as a remarkable success story. The precinct comprises several buildings that our team has been actively involved in certifying. Starting with the first building, we targeted and successfully implemented a 5-Star green building certification. Building on this achievement, each subsequent building iteration saw improvements, demonstrating our commitment to advancing sustainability standards.
By the time we reached the fourth building, we sought innovative strategies to elevate the certification from 5-Star to 6-Star. This was accomplished by integrating solar rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems and targeting a Net Zero certification for the base building. By incorporating no- to low-cost innovation points, we were able to achieve a 6-Star green building certification in a cost-effective manner.
The project known as 7 Parks Boulevard, with tenant Anglo American, has become the first project to achieve multiple high-level certifications, all of which were attained with a minimal Green Building Cost Premium of just 1.8%.
Q: Are there any trends or innovations – such as materials or technology – in the sustainability industry that excite you right now?
AS: Three key areas that stand out to me are:
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), which are becoming increasingly vital in benchmarking the energy used in an existing building over a period of one year, disclosing how efficiently energy is used, thus offering valuable insights for both owners and occupants. EPCs promote transparency and encourage owners to make informed decisions about energy improvements. As EPCs become a mandatory requirement in many regions including South Africa, they drive the market towards higher energy standards, incentivising the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and practices.
Embodied carbon – the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with the materials and construction processes throughout a building’s lifespan, from extraction and manufacturing to transportation and assembly. Addressing embodied carbon ensures that sustainability efforts extend beyond operational energy use, providing a more holistic approach to reducing a building’s overall environmental impact. The focus on embodied carbon is driving innovation in sustainable materials, such as low-carbon concrete, recycled steel, and sustainably sourced timber and other natural materials, which contribute to lower overall emissions.
Optimising strategies for existing buildings: while new constructions offer opportunities to implement cutting-edge sustainable practices, the vast majority of buildings already in use represent a significant opportunity for sustainability improvements through optimisation and retrofitting. Optimising existing buildings maximises the use of current resources and infrastructure, reducing the need for new materials and minimising waste.
Q: What role do you see green building certifications and standards playing in the future, and how might they need to adapt to new sustainability goals?
AS: GBCSA recently launched the V2 Pilot tool, which standardises sustainability criteria and paves the way for the African market to meet international sustainable benchmarks. I see the key future role of green building certification to simplify and integrate green financing and enhance environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting capabilities. Financial institutions and investors will rely on green certifications to assess the environmental performance of projects, thereby driving more investments into sustainable building initiatives. As ESG criteria become more central to business operations, green building certifications will play a crucial role in ESG reporting.
As cities across the continent continue to be built and developed, Africa is well-positioned to emerge as a global powerhouse in creating innovative and sustainable urban environments.
Annelide Sherratt is the Head of Green Building Certifications at Solid Green Consulting in Johannesburg,
bringing over 13 years of expertise in sustainable building design. She holds a Master’s degree in Energy
and Sustainable Building Design, graduating with distinction from De Montfort University, Leicester,
UK, and a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of Johannesburg.
Annelide is an Accredited Professional (AP) in all Green Star Tools (New Built, Interiors, Existing
buildings, Precincts and Net Zero), LEED (New Built, Commercial Interiors and Neighbourhoods), Well
AP, and an EDGE Expert and Auditor. Her outstanding contributions have been honoured with multiple
GBCSA awards, and she actively serves as a GBCSA faculty member and assessor for various tools.
2. RISING GREEN STAR AWARDS
WINNER: Mellissa Titus, Independent Quality Assurers (Pty) Ltd
Q: What inspired your career in the sustainable built environment?
MT: I started off my career at Group Five Buildings as a site engineer on civils and building construction projects. Just before the Covid pandemic, I was retrenched. Seeking a new challenge, I stumbled upon the green building environment by chance.
I love that in the sustainable built environment I get to be challenged, creative with new ideas, and innovative, with every project being unique. My desire is to make my own impact within the sustainable built environment in this country – now and for future generations.
Q: What key green building principles do you believe most significantly impact environmental sustainability?
MT: The efficient use of energy within buildings, water efficiency and waste management – as well as being able to influence occupant behaviour towards using and managing the building sustainably. In a design project, it’s imperative to involve the sustainability consultant in the initial phase in order to maximise the sustainable outcomes.
Q: What do you think are the biggest barriers to the widespread adoption of green building practices, and how can the industry overcome these?
MT: A lack of awareness, where stakeholders may not understand how to use sustainable technology or how to apply sustainable methods. Then there’s the misconception that green building materials and processes can be expensive, and resistance to change: people may be unwilling to change their existing procedures or behaviour. And finally, the belief that the return on investment for green building projects is long term.
These can be overcome through increased awareness and education on sustainable building practices, such as GBCSA training and advice from a sustainability consultant – and conducting a detailed cost-benefit analysis, where the short and long-term savings and environmental impacts for the projects can be measured and identified.
Q: Can you share some successful project examples that stand out in terms of sustainability, or perhaps where you used an innovative approach to achieve a goal?
MT: Precinct-wide waste management: a project that stands out is where the property developer, being committed to reducing pollution and diverting waste to landfill, has established a Waste Recovery and Recycling Centre within the precinct. The centre is an on-site waste collecting, sorting and recycling facility for all the waste generated within the precinct. Over time, it became evident that there was a substantial decrease in the amount of waste sent to landfill.
Tenants are encouraged and incentivised to recycle and manage waste responsibly, which is monitored through regular inspections. An initiative was also implemented to reduce the amount of single-use plastics and plastic pollution overall within the precinct. This great initiative contributes to a cleaner precinct and inspires others to take similar actions towards a more sustainable future.
Q: Are there any trends or innovations – such as materials or technology – in the sustainability industry that excite you right now?
MT: The implementation of small wind turbines within urban areas as a renewable energy resource without CO2 emissions: with a slim design, the wind turbine can start moving at low wind speeds, and silently and reliably produce electricity. Due to the helical structure of the turbine, the wind always hits the same feed surface, no matter the direction from which it comes.
I’m also excited about the growing interest and
move towards net zero for building projects to help curb climate change.
Q: What role do you see green building certifications and standards playing in the future, and how might they need to adapt to new sustainability goals?
MT: As the existing buildings stock far outweighs that of new buildings, I believe green building certifications and standards will play a valuable role in measuring the operational efficiency and performance of these existing buildings.
They will also act as a guide for stakeholders towards green design and sustainability for future construction, helping to mitigate climate change and to preserve natural resources.
Passionate about sustainability, Mellissa Titus is a civil engineering technician by training and has been in the built environment since 2014. She has worked as a site engineer for Group Five Building on multi-storey developments and on local schools.
Mellissa is a GBCSA Green Star Accredited Professional (AP) for New Buildings, Existing Buildings, Interiors and Net Zero ratings.
Having started working in the green building industry in 2021 as a Green Star Existing Building AP, she has since completed numerous Existing Building certifications, and has worked as a supporting AP on New Build, Interiors and Net Zero Waste projects.
RUNNER-UP: Mary-Anne Fechter, Zutari
Q: What inspired your career in the sustainable built environment?
M-AF: From a young age I was drawn to a career in the built environment where I could see meaningful and tangible impact on people’s lives. Combining this with a passion for preserving and enhancing the natural environment led me to a career in the sustainable built environment.
Q: What key green building principles do you believe most significantly impact environmental sustainability?
M-AF: Many green building principles – such as energy efficiency, water efficiency, sustainable materials and site sustainability – collectively impact environmental sustainability. It’s important to recognise that the principles are interconnected and should not be considered in isolation. Similarly, when assessing the environmental impact of a building, you cannot focus on just one stage of its lifecycle.
Among green building principles, I believe lifecycle thinking is one of the most significant – it evaluates the environmental impacts of different options throughout each stage of a building’s lifespan. This approach allows designers and decision-makers to gain a broader perspective and ensures that sustainable choices are made for better long-term environmental outcomes.
Q: What do you think are the biggest barriers to the widespread adoption of green building practices, and how can the industry overcome these?
M-AF: A major barrier is a lack of awareness. While we have seen a significant increase in green buildings and the adoption of green building practices over the past two decades, many in the built environment are still unaware of the benefits and/or hold misconceptions. I believe
those who are aware of the benefits have adopted green building practices, but a large portion of the industry still has limited understanding.
A powerful way to overcome this barrier is to showcase success stories. Highlighting real-world examples with concrete evidence can effectively demonstrate the benefits of adopting green building practices and address misconceptions.
Q: Can you share some successful project examples that stand out in terms of sustainability, or perhaps where you used an innovative approach to achieve a goal?
M-AF: An example that stands out for me is an existing project in which the building underwent sustainability improvement initiatives over several years – because of the commitment shown by the building owner and project team to improve performance through several measures and then effectively track the performance. Through extensive monitoring and tracking of consumption, a notable improvement was clearly demonstrated. The improvement shown by data assisted in showing how effective the improvement initiatives were.
Q: Are there any trends or innovations – such as materials or technology – in the sustainability industry that excite you right now?
M-AF: Smart buildings are an exciting trend in the sustainability industry. Integration with advanced technologies – such as sensors, smart meters, automated systems, advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning – enable optimised resource efficiencies, user experience and building management, ultimately improving the sustainability of buildings.
Q: What role do you see green building certifications and standards playing in the future, and how might they need to adapt to new sustainability goals?
M-AF: Sustainability increasingly experiences a demand for action from many parties – government, financial institutions, consumers and businesses. As the call to action grows, increased transparency and accountability is required, and the importance of robust and clear reporting becomes critical. In the built environment, certifications will continue to play a critical role in setting standards and providing ways to measure, validate and communicate a building’s sustainability.
Over time, goals and regulations become more ambitious in addressing pressing challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. As goals become increasingly ambitious, certifications and standards will need to adapt to meet industry and societal expectations. This could mean including latest technologies and broader challenges such as climate resilience.
Mary-Anne Fechter has experience and knowledge in both the built and natural environment. This broad knowledge means that she understands the impacts of the built environment on natural resources and how to integrate sustainability into all phases of buildings and infrastructure projects.
Mary-Anne holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering) degree from the University of Pretoria and a Master of Science degree in Spatial Development and Natural Resource Management from the Technische Universität Dresden. She is a Green Star Accredited Professional and currently works for Zutari as a sustainability consultant in the built environment.
3. TRANSFORMING TOMORROW: ASSET PROJECTS
WINNER: NEWINBOSCH NEIGHBOURHOOD ESTATE
1 Newinbosch Boulevard, Stellenbosch, Cape Town
Accredited Professional Company: Ecolution
“Winning this award for the Newinbosch project is both humbling and inspiring. It affirms the team’s dedication and effort in reimagining a sustainable, people-centric, and amenity-rich neighbourhood, setting a new standard for what is possible in South Africa.” – Ecolution
• Well-integrated, non-motorised and pedestrian-prioritised transit routes connecting residents with biodiversity routes, green avenues, parks, and a sports and leisure hub
• Remote working opportunities facilitated by site-wide fibre – most homes designed to promote remote working with street-facing office pods
• Efficient sanware fixtures and monitoring software to detect water leakages
• Approx. 40% of landscaping irrigation water is supplemented by stored rainwater and greywater collected from the apartment blocks
• 65% of the neighbourhood’s energy will come from renewable sources
• A site-wide operational waste management plan, and each house issued with bins for waste separation of waste
RUNNER-UP: OXFORD PARKS PRECINCT
5 and 7 Parks Boulevard, Dunkeld, and Anglo American, 144 Oxford, Rosebank, Johannesburg, Gauteng
Accredited Professional Company: Solid Green Consulting
“We’re honoured to receive this award, reflecting Intaprop’s visionary leadership in driving sustainability at Oxford Parks Precinct. Their commitment to achieving cost-effective, high-level Green Star certifications has been transformative, with 5 Parks and 7 Parks Boulevard as standout projects, supported by our Accredited Professionals Jennifer Dean and Elri Syfert.”
– Solid Green Consulting
5 Parks Boulevard, Oxford Parks
7 Parks Boulevard, Oxford Parks
4. TRANSFORMING TOMORROW: EXISTING BUILDING PERFORMANCE
WINNER: REDEFINE PROPERTIES
For continued integration of EBP certifications into its portfolio, with some buildings receiving their third certification this past year.
Accredited Professional Company: Misplon Green Building Consulting
“Winning this award signifies not just the culmination of our hard work and commitment to ESG in everything that we do, but also the strength of our execution and collaboration. The award recognises Redefine as a leader for the continued certification of existing building performance (EBP) throughout our portfolio, with several buildings achieving their third recertifications this year. These certifications reflect the innovative measures we’ve embedded across our operations to improve energy and water efficiency and reduce our environmental footprint.” – Redefine Properties
JOINT RUNNER-UP: WESTERN CAPE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT – DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE
For: 9 Dorp Street; 1&3 Dorp Street; and 27 Wale Street, Cape Town CBD, Western Cape
Accredited Professionals: internal APs at Western Cape Provincial Government – Department of Infrastructure
“The recognition signifies the emphasis placed by the WCG Department of Infrastructure on sustainable buildings. As custodians of public infrastructure in the province, we have recognised the significance of ensuring our existing building portfolio functions as efficiently as possible. We are honoured to have been recognised by GBCSA in the Transforming Tomorrow Category.” – Western Cape Provincial Government – Department of Infrastructure
JOINT RUNNER-UP: GAUTENG DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
For: Julius Sebolai Primary School, ext 9, 13251 corner Sagewood and Willow streets, Soweto; Sinenhlanhla Primary School, 1279 Iqwaningi Street, Rethabiseng, Bronkhorstspruit; De Wagensdrift Clinic, 79 Moloto Road (R573), De Wagensdrift, Cullinan; and Kekana Gardens Clinic, 2798 Block L4, Kekana Gardens, Hammanskraal, Gauteng
Accredited Professional Company: Imbue Sustainability
“Winning the Green Star certification award for existing buildings highlights the Department of Infrastructure Development (DID), as an agency of the Gauteng Province, achieving a significant milestone in environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. The 4-Star rating denotes a ‘Best Practice’ level, emphasising the Department’s commitment to green building standards. This accomplishment marks a promising beginning towards enhancing the sustainability of many other buildings within the Gauteng property portfolio, paving the way for broader environmental impact and leadership in green infrastructure development.” – Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development
5. NET ZERO SUBMISSION
WINNER: LIBERTY TWO DEGREES NET ZERO WASTE RETAIL PORTFOLIO
For: Eastgate Shopping Centre, 43 Bradford Road, Bedfordview, Gauteng;
Liberty Midlands Mall, 50 Sanctuary Road, Chase Valley, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal;
Liberty Promenade, Cnr Morgenster & AZ Berman drives, Mitchell’s Plain, Cape Town, Western Cape;
Botshabelo Mall, Cnr N8 and Jazzman Mokgothu roads, Botshabelo, Free State
Accredited Professional Company: Solid Green Consulting
“Liberty Two Degrees, a business line of the Insurance and Asset Management business unit of the Standard Bank Group, is proud to have received recognition from GBCSA, testament to our bold commitment to reducing our environmental footprint. These awards are a culmination of years of strategy, planning and execution, and it’s extremely rewarding to have received this recognition.” – Liberty Two Degrees
RUNNER-UP: DISCOVERY NET-ZERO WASTE OFFICES, DISCOVERY
For: 1 Discovery Place, Cnr Katherine Street & Rivonia Road, Sandton, Gauteng
41 Imvubu Park, Riverhorse Valley Business Estate, Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal
Sable Park, Century City, 1 Bridgeway, Century City, Cape Town, Western Cape
Accredited Professional Company: Zero Waste Technologies
“These accreditations mark a significant achievement in environmental sustainability, showcasing Discovery’s dedication to consistently minimising company-generated waste sent to landfills. Attaining Net Zero Waste status is essential not only for reducing our environmental footprint but also for enhancing our corporate responsibility. Discovery is determined to be an exceptional employer, excellent partner and a good corporate citizen. We are also deeply committed to nation building and protecting our planet.” – Discovery
6. EDGE RESIDENTIAL LEADER
JOINT WINNER: BALWIN PROPERTIES
“We are very honoured to receive the EDGE Residential Leader Award as it highlights our dedication to sustainability in the residential sector. It acknowledges our efforts in energy-efficient, water-efficient and reduced embodied carbon developments. This recognition inspires us to continue leading the way in creating sustainable housing developments across South Africa.” – Balwin Properties
JOINT WINNER: CENTURY PROPERTY DEVELOPMENTS
“Winning the EDGE Residential Leader award at the GBCSA Convention is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainable and innovative development. This recognition inspires us to continue shaping environmentally conscious communities that leave a lasting positive impact on future generations,” says Japie Vos, Quantity Surveyor Executive and Project Manager at Century Property Developments.
JOINT WINNER: COSMOPOLITAN PROJECTS
“Winning this award highlights our dedication to sustainability in South Africa’s residential sector. It underscores our efforts to deliver innovative, environmentally conscious developments that benefit both communities and the planet, setting a benchmark for responsible and sustainable building practices.” – Cosmopolitan Projects
JOINT WINNER: INTERNATIONAL HOUSING SOLUTIONS
“It’s an honour to continually be recognised as leaders, advancing climate mitigation and resource efficient buildings, through the EDGE global standard and certification programme. Green residential units have a direct financial benefit for end user tenants and owners, therefore we remain committed to EDGE and impacting the lives of affordable housing residents across the African continent,” says Blake Bowden, Technical Specialist, International Housing Solutions.
7. HIGHEST-RATED BUILDING FOR AN ASSET-RATING DESIGN PROJECT
WINNER: ANGLO AMERICAN FIT-OUT AT 144 OXFORD
144 Oxford Road, Rosebank, Melrose, Gauteng
Accredited Professional Company: Zutari
“Our involvement with this project began in 2016, when the concept design development of 144 Oxford was initiated. The collaboration and dedication of all parties involved have resulted in a project that embodies South African excellence – with a 5-Star Green Star rating for the base building – and global leadership, as demonstrated by a 6-Star rating for the interior. The recognition at the GBCSA Leadership Awards, in which the project and our team received accolades for the highest-rated building and best-quality submission, reflects our team’s commitment to delivering excellent service and impactful solutions centred on economic, environmental and social value.” – Zutari
The design of the Anglo American fit-out, at 144 Oxford Road premium-grade offices development in Rosebank, incorporates many environmentally sustainable initiatives in line with GBCSA’s Green Star Office V1.1 and Interiors V1 rating tools. These include zoned lighting, energy-efficient building services and systems, water-efficient fixtures, rainwater harvesting for use in toilets and landscape irrigation, water-wise landscaping, abundant fresh air and low-VOC interior finishes to ensure a high level of indoor air quality. The performance-glazed facade lets in a generous amount of natural light and offers extensive views to the exterior.
Both its location and design encourage the use of alternative transport modes. The development is conveniently located on the doorstep of the Rosebank Gautrain Station, close to many retail, banking, and health and leisure facilities. In addition, the design provides dedicated parking for fuel-efficient vehicles (hybrids and electric cars), mopeds or scooters, as well as convenient cyclist facilities for staff and visitor bicycle racks.
JOINT RUNNER-UP: ANGLO AMERICAN
7 Parks Boulevard, Dunkeld, Johannesburg, Gauteng
Accredited Professional Company: Solid Green Consulting
“Our approach to environmental stewardship applies ecosystem thinking to promote lasting, positive environmental outcomes for the areas in which we operate. Our Head office is no exception.”
– Anglo American
JOINT RUNNER-UP: NEWINBOSCH NEIGHBOURHOOD ESTATE
1 Newinbosch Boulevard, Stellenbosch, Cape Town
Accredited Professional Company: Ecolution
“We’re deeply thankful for this recognition from GBCSA, celebrating the collaborative journey of so many who came together to create Newinbosch. Like a ‘confluence of rivers’, it reflects a shared vision of sustainability, innovative design and exceptional quality of life.”
– Similan Properties
8. HIGHEST-RATED BUILDING FOR EXISTING OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
WINNER: SERRA SERVICES, MEADOWBROOK ESTATE
14 Lascelles Road, Meadowbrook, Germiston, Gauteng
Accredited Professional Company: Imbue Sustainability
“We are incredibly proud of this achievement and the strong partnership with Serra® that has made it possible. Growthpoint is committed to providing relevant spaces that support occupants while addressing key global and local efforts in response to environmental concerns.”
– Errol Taylor, Head of Asset Management: Logistics & Industrial Property, Growthpoint Properties
Sustainable building features include:
• A large solar photovoltaic system on the roof
• Energy and water-monitoring systems to accurately report on consumption and highlight trends and problem areas
• Periodic audits and occupant surveys to ensure sufficient fresh air, optimal lighting levels and comfortable temperatures are achieved that all translates into a healthier, more productive space
• An extensive Building User’s Guide for the facility’s operations, including recommendations to provide the most efficient, healthy and enjoyable working environment
RUNNER-UP: NO. 5 SILO, V&A WATERFRONT
No.5 Silo, Silo Square, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
Accredited Professional Company: Sow & Reap Consulting
“This building underpins operational efficiency through effective resource management, leading to cost savings, improved occupant comfort and reduced environmental impact.” – Mareli Cloete, Senior Manager of SHE – Sustainability & Utilities, V&A Waterfront
9. BEST-QUALITY SUBMISSION FOR AN ASSET RATING
WINNER: ANGLO AMERICAN FIT-OUT AT 144 OXFORD
144 Oxford Road, Rosebank, Melrose, Gauteng
Accredited Professional Company: Zutari
Sustainable building features include:
• Fit-out located within a 5-Star Green Star New Construction As-Built-certified building
• High-performance facade
• Energy-efficient HVAC and electrical systems
• Water-efficient appliances and rainwater harvesting
• Environmentally and user-friendly materials and products with third-party eco certifications
• Lighting, thermal and acoustic comfort
• Responsible environmental and waste management practices during construction
RUNNER-UP: ANGLO AMERICAN
7 Parks Boulevard, Dunkeld, Johannesburg, Gauteng
Accredited Professional Company: Solid Green Consulting
“As Intaprop and Oxford Parks, we are proud to be associated with Anglo American and wish to congratulate Anglo on this magnificent achievement. The 7 Parks Boulevard development and Anglo American are exceptional additions to the Oxford Parks Precinct. We would also like to thank our professional team and contractor for delivering this pioneering sustainable development.” – Intaprop Property Development and Investment
Sustainable building features include:
• Environmental strategies to enhance wellbeing of building users
(e.g., external views, plenty of natural daylight)
• Sub-metering of major energy and water-consuming systems; water-efficient installed to limit occupant water usage; thermal comfort
• To minimise greenhouse gas emissions associated with operational energy consumption, an energy model of the building was generated during the design stage, helping ensure a high-performing building
• Solar panels to reduce the building’s reliance on coal-derived energy
• A basement waste recycling storage area to help reduce waste to landfill
10. BEST-QUALITY SUBMISSION FOR EXISTING OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
JOINT WINNER: WOODMEAD ESTATE
1 Woodmead Drive, Woodmead, Johannesburg, Gauteng
Accredited Professional Company: Zutari
“This prestigious award reflects the valuable contributions of accredited green building professionals, our business partners and the team at Growthpoint. It underscores our dedication to creating sustainable, environmentally responsible properties that benefit our stakeholders, and especially our tenants and the communities we serve.” – Engelbert Binedell, Chief Operations Officer, Growthpoint Properties
JOINT WINNERS: ABSA ZEERUST and ABSA CATHEDRAL SQUARE
Corner Church Street and President Square, Zeerust, North West,
and York Road, Norwood, Mthatha, Eastern Cape
Accredited Professional Company: Zutari
“Winning these awards is a wonderful recognition of the entire team’s dedication, expertise and commitment to sustainable building practices. It inspires us to continue advancing quality green building solutions.” – Zutari
JOINT RUNNER-UP: N1 MOTOR CITY
Corner Frans Conradie Drive and Vasco Boulevard, Goodwood, Cape Town, Western Cape
Accredited Professional Company: Imbue Sustainability
“At Imbue Sustainability, being recognised for the work we do is always rewarding for the team. The client Boxwood has really embraced the Green Star rating process, and this shows. The working relationship between the whole project team is key to achieving high-quality submissions, and the Imbue team, led by Danika Taylor, really excelled.” – Imbue Sustainability
JOINT RUNNER-UP: ACCORD HOUSE
13 Flanders Drive, Mount Edgecombe, KwaZulu-Natal
Accredited Professional Company: Misplon Green Building Consulting
“Winning the Best Quality Submission award at the GBCSA convention is a huge honour for Misplon Green Building Consulting. It means so much to have our work recognised by industry peers. This achievement is a true team effort, and we’re incredibly proud of everyone who contributed!” – Sally Misplon, Misplon Green Building Consulting
