Editor’s Note
Our first issue of 2026 showcases the achievements driving progress in the property sector. Awards play a vital role in the green building industry, acknowledging the projects and people who set new benchmarks for sustainability. Beyond celebration, they inspire innovation and collaboration.
We open with an interview with GBCSA CEO Lisa Reynolds, who has been integral in shaping the organisation into the cohesive force it is today. As she prepares to hand over to Georgina Smit in April, she reflects on her legacy and the future potential of the green building industry (page 10).
Last November’s Green Building Convention – themed “Stepping up to NEXT” – offered rich insights, lively panels and engaging discussions. The GBCSA Leadership Awards recognise projects that set new standards, submissions of exceptional quality, project owners who transform industry norms, and APs, Experts and Auditors who consistently go above and beyond. Joining the EDGE Residential Leader award this year were two new EDGE categories – Auditor Excellence and Commercial Leader. Learn more about the award recipients and their contributions on page 14.
From pee-cycling to the affordability of 3D printed recycled concrete walls, and the impact of greenwashing on building contractors, innovation and creativity shone through at the 2025 Greenovate Awards, held in November. The platform celebrated 10 years of giving top students the opportunity to present sustainability solutions for a better future – turn to page 44 for more.
The SAPOA Convention remains a key gathering for South Africa’s property leaders, with its Awards honouring excellence and innovation in the sector – meet the winners on page 52.
Our feature project on page 40 is Durban’s International Convention Centre, newly certified with a 4-Star Green Star Existing Building V1 rating. Nearly three decades old, the precinct continues to prioritise upgrades and sustainable choices, reinforcing long term commitment.
On the international stage, WorldGBC CEO Cristina Gamboa shares her perspective on the COP30 gathering held in Belém, Brazil (page 50), where the Global Mutirão package was unveiled amid record participation and inclusive climate progress.
Closer to home, the updated Green Star New Build V2 tool benefits from the expertise of GBCSA’s Industry Advisory Panel (IAP). On page 38, we introduce more of the IAP members who are driving the tool’s evolution.
As the year unfolds, we look forward to sharing more achievements, exploring challenges and opportunities, and celebrating the growth of sustainable building. To all those acknowledged in this annual Awards issue, we extend a resounding “Well done!” from the entire team.
Mariola Fouché
Editor
Chair’s Note
As you page through +Impact issue 35, I encourage you to reflect on the inspiring potential of those individuals celebrated for leading the way and having the courage to make a difference. Please take a moment to acknowledge the beautiful spirit that is Lisa Reynolds (even as I save my farewells for a later edition) and her invaluable contribution to our ecosystem.
In my first contribution to Chair’s Corner, it is only fitting that it begins with sincere thanks to André Theys for leading the GBCSA Board with consummate grace, clarity and purpose. To the GBCSA Board and staff, thank you for your trust and confidence. I am energised by what we can achieve together as we continue striving to embed sustainable thinking across the built environment.
My tenure as Chair began with the ceremonial handing over of the knobkerrie – a profoundly African ritual that not only symbolises the transfer of leadership and responsibility, but also anchors us in the essence of our place and our people. I fully appreciate the weight of this responsibility. My focus is to build on GBCSA’s leadership position, retain our relevance in an evolving market and enable a clear, pragmatic strategy for the future.
As a self-proclaimed sustainable capitalist, I feel it appropriate to draw on the words of John Maynard Keynes, the father of modern macroeconomics, who reminded us that “the difficulty lies not so much in developing new ideas as in escaping from old ones.” Looking ahead, we must recognise the immense effort required to break away from old paradigms and realise our shared vision of a sustainable world. We must also accept that this is a journey: its pace will differ and our measures of success may at times be imperfect.
Today, an expanding body of research and data, reinforced by growing policy and regulatory momentum, is unlocking remarkable innovation and delivering demonstrable positive impact. As the acknowledged leader in defining green buildings across Africa, we have a responsibility to provide a safe and constructive space for an increasingly polarised debate. It is incumbent upon us to show balance, to respect diverse viewpoints and to have the conviction to engage – even when the conversation becomes uncomfortable.
GBCSA has long proven itself an enabler of meaningful change. Our team has consistently demonstrated its capacity to adapt within a rapidly evolving landscape. Yet we operate in an inherently complex space. To remain relevant, expand our certification footprint and empower the green economy, we must continue to embrace innovation, maintain a sharp focus, and transparently measure both our financial and real-world impact.
Looking towards 2030, our challenge will be to communicate our strategic direction with clarity – anchored in our commitment to advocate for change while recognising and celebrating the uniqueness of each stakeholder we serve.
My personal mission is to help shape a world that better prices environmental and social risks, and in doing so, can accurately value environmental and social impact. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside people who genuinely believe in their ability to make a material difference.
Phil Barttram
GBCSA Chairman
