Editor’s Note

Working together towards a healthier, more resilient planet means embracing a mindset that views people, technology and nature as interconnected and mutually dependent. So, while sustainability has transformed architecture and design by prioritising resource efficiency, preserving our natural resources and minimising our carbon footprint, today’s pressing ecological and social challenges increasingly call for a more human-focused approach, one that fosters mental, emotional and physical well-being.

In line with the built environment’s ever-evolving approach to sustainability – integrating the importance of people, places and communities – GBCSA’s Green Star standard for sustainable African buildings has received a giant boost. GBCSA has guided a joint, intensive effort to reimagine the Green Star New Build V2 tool, which you can learn more about on page 16.

Interior architects and designers play a key role in shaping sustainable, energy-efficient green buildings in South Africa. In addition to mindful material selection, the integration of smart technology, and innovative solutions to enhance energy efficiency and indoor air quality, and conserve water, our article on page 24 explores the growing demand for wellness-orientated spaces and their positive effects on the health and well-being of their occupants.

And then, in the first of this issue’s thought leadership articles (page 32), Executive Director of the Presidential Climate Commission, Dorah Modise, delves into the role that the commission plays in overseeing South Africa’s response to climate change and facilitating a just transition.

As global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion and rapid urbanisation intensify, biomimicry offers a way to design and build in harmony with the natural world, says Solid Green’s Thato Molapo. On page 36, he shares insight into how this discipline offers a transformative approach to engineering and design, taking its cue from nature to address complex human challenges.

Moving further afield, Ethiopia’s Roha hospital (page 40) project is positioning Addis Ababa as a regional hub for comprehensive and preventive healthcare – this building marks a first for the country, having achieved accreditation from GBCSA for sustainability under the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) programme.

In his piece on artificial intelligence (AI), architecture and indigenous design thinking,
Dr Sechaba Maape reflects on how, in his work on how indigenous cultural practices can inform architectural design, his perception of AI shifted from “obedient servant” to becoming more of a creatively collaborative tool (page 48).

Managing director of Green Building Design Group (GreenBDG Africa), Songo Didiza, expands on the unique opportunity that property managers have to influence energy use, water consumption, waste management and building certifications – ultimately driving significant operational savings (Page 52).
For commercial and industrial property owners, says Country Lead for Candi Solar South Africa, Richard Flamand, the question is not whether to shift to solar but rather how to finance the move in a way that maximises value while minimising risk. He addresses this question on page 56, looking at modern finance models that can help ease solar energy adoption.

And finally, staying true to its commitment to harnessing resources more efficiently, addressing climate change, and creating healthier and more productive environments for its tenants, shoppers and communities, property investment company Liberty Two Degrees has achieved a second round of EBP certifications for its retail portfolio. Read more about the impact of continuously sustainable properties such as these on page 58.

We hope you enjoy this edition’s diverse and thought-provoking content – here’s to doing less harm – and more good – together.

Mariola Fouché
Editor

Chair’s Corner

The pressure to transition from fossil fuel-based energy to renewable sources is driven by the urgent need to mitigate climate change and promote environmental sustainability. Regular readers of this column will know that I advocate for a cautious and balanced approach: such a transition must be managed carefully to avoid unintended consequences such as energy poverty and economic instability. A rapid and unplanned shift can lead to increased energy costs, infrastructure challenges and social inequalities, particularly affecting vulnerable populations.
Energy poverty refers to the lack of access to affordable and reliable energy services, which impacts heating, air conditioning, lighting, the preservation of foodstuff and the use of appliances essential for a reasonable standard of living. While renewable energy aims to provide cleaner alternatives, a sudden transition can inadvertently intensify energy poverty. In nations like the United States, the shift to renewable energy typically involves incentives such as tax subsidies, benefiting homeowners who can afford PV solar installations or heat pumps. In practice, however, private utility providers and/or municipalities have raised prices to compensate for revenue losses, increasing energy bills for other customers and pushing low-income families into energy poverty. This scenario highlights the need for policies that address both emission reduction and social equity to prevent widening inequalities during the energy transition.
Moving from fossil fuels to renewable energy without proper planning can disrupt economies in several ways. Firstly, it can surface large infrastructure challenges. Existing energy grids, designed for centralised fossil fuel-based power generation, require significant upgrades to accommodate decentralised and intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar. Insufficient infrastructure can lead to reliability issues and necessitate expensive backup or energy storage systems, resulting in increasing consumer prices.
Secondly, and most pertinent to South Africa, is possible economic disruption. Fossil-fuel industries provide employment and economic stability in many regions. A rapid transition can lead to job losses and economic turmoil, particularly in areas reliant on fossil-fuel extraction. Thirdly, it could result in severe strain on material and commodity supply chains. Renewable energy’s increasing demand for materials like lithium, cobalt and other rare earth minerals can lead to shortages and inflated prices, further escalating costs for consumers, not to mention exploitation in developing economies.
The experiences of Europe and the United Kingdom illustrate the complexities of a “too-rapid” renewable energy transition. In Scotland, inadequate electricity grid infrastructure meant that energy generated by wind turbines could not always reach consumers in other regions. This bottleneck led to situations where the wind farms were paid to shut down during periods of excess production, resulting in wasted potential and increased costs.
Critics argue that the current overzealous approach to achieving net-zero emissions in the United Kingdom may lead to high electricity costs and reliance on costly gas, contributing to industrial decline. They suggest that without feasible costs and realistic job creation tied to the energy transition, the economic impacts could be detrimental.

To ensure a just transition that balances environmental goals with economic and social considerations, it is imperative to consider the following strategies:

Engagement with diverse stakeholders, including marginalised communities, in the policy-making process to ensure that energy transition strategies address the needs of all levels and demographics of society;
Investment in grid infrastructures to manage the variability of renewable energy sources, incorporating advanced battery energy storage solutions or inertial devices to maintain reliability, manage energy transients and prevent cost escalations;
Investment in the development of programmes to retrain workers from fossil-fuel industries, facilitating their transition to employment opportunities in the renewable sector and mitigating economic disruptions;
Subsidies and incentives that are accessible to low-income households, preventing the exacerbation of energy poverty and ensuring that the benefits of renewable energy are widely shared; and
The implementation of gradual transition timelines that consider technological readiness and economic impacts, allowing for a balanced shift that minimises adverse effects on societies.
By adopting inclusive and equitable strategies, societies can achieve a just transition that not only addresses climate change but also protects economies and jobs.

André Theys
GBCSA Chairman