Green Building leaders unite to drive SA’s Green Revolution

More than 800 property and sustainability leaders will gather in Cape Town for the 19th GBCSA Green Building Convention, where investment returns, smarter buildings and practical climate solutions take centre stage.

Key highlights

• More than 800 industry leaders will gather in Cape Town from 27 - 29 October to accelerate sustainable property development.
• Green buildings mean better business, with energy efficiency, lower operating costs and stronger asset resilience driving investment decisions.
• Industry leaders from GBCSA, Balwin and Rand Water will showcase practical solutions spanning green homes, AI and water sustainability.

From ambition to action: The green building revolution

South Africa’s property and construction industries are preparing for one of the built environment’s most significant annual gatherings as the 19th Green Building Convention, hosted by the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA), takes place at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town from 27–29 October 2026.

Bringing together more than 800 property owners, developers, investors, architects, asset managers, facilities managers and sustainability specialists, the convention will explore how the next generation of buildings can deliver stronger environmental performance alongside measurable commercial value.

Under the theme “The Green Revolution: From Ambition to Action”, this year’s event moves beyond sustainability commitments to examine the technologies, investment strategies and proven solutions already transforming buildings and urban environments.

For property investors, the conversation is increasingly about financial performance: reducing operating expenses, improving resource efficiency, protecting asset values and meeting changing tenant expectations.

Why sustainability now makes business sense

According to Georgina Smit, CEO of GBCSA, the business case for sustainable buildings has become a critical driver of adoption.

“Most people are not going to go green simply because they think it is the right thing to do. They will do it if it makes business sense,” says Smit. “We now have the data to assure decision makers of this, and that is helping to drive change in the right direction.”

The convention will examine how sustainability is influencing property investment decisions through:

• Lower operating costs: Reducing electricity and water consumption.
• Stronger asset resilience: Preparing buildings for environmental and infrastructure risks.
• Improved tenant appeal: Responding to occupier expectations for efficient, sustainable spaces.
• Long-term property value: Protecting the competitiveness of buildings as standards evolve.
• Technology and AI: Exploring practical applications across design, construction and building operations.

The Buildings Track will also examine high-performance African buildings, the opportunities and limitations of artificial intelligence and the influence of human behaviour on the performance of green homes.

Balwin: Delivering sustainable homes at scale

A longstanding supporter of GBCSA, Balwin Properties will reinforce the importance of translating sustainability commitments into practical residential development.

Steve Brookes, founder and CEO of Balwin Properties, believes green building must deliver tangible benefits for homeowners. “For us, sustainability is not a badge on the wall. It is designed into the home from the start: lower electricity use, lower water use, lower operating costs and a better long-term product for the buyer,” says Brookes.

Balwin, which identifies itself as the world’s largest developer of IFC EDGE Advanced-certified homes, has demonstrated how resource-efficient residential developments can be delivered at scale.

The company is also supporting GBCSA’s Green Star New Build V2 rating tool, reinforcing the importance of measurable performance standards. “The industry has spoken about ambition for long enough. The next phase is about evidence, standards, delivery and accountability,” Brookes adds.

For residential developers and investors, the message is clear: sustainability increasingly forms part of the value proposition of new housing developments.

Global voices and fresh perspectives

The convention will feature an influential lineup of speakers bringing international perspectives, business innovation and practical sustainability experience.

Featured speakers include:

• Elizabeth Wathuti O.G.W: Kenyan environmentalist and founder of the Green Generation Initiative, sharing insights on climate leadership.
• Prince Mashele: Political scientist, author and commentator.
• Samantha Skyring: Founder and CEO of Oryx Desert Salt.
• Lorne Sulcas: Known as The Big Cat Guy, bringing perspectives on nature and leadership.
• Adam Levy: Entrepreneur behind Play Braam in Johannesburg, exploring how urban regeneration can transform underutilised buildings and revitalise city precincts.

Levy’s contribution will be particularly relevant to property developers and investors interested in urban regeneration, adaptive reuse and creating vibrant mixed-use destinations.

Water security becomes a property investment priority

While energy efficiency and carbon reduction have traditionally dominated green building discussions, water security is becoming an equally important consideration.

Rand Water, returning as a GBCSA partner for the fourth consecutive year, will champion its “Blue is the New Green” initiative. The programme highlights the importance of responsible water management in buildings and developments.

Key areas of focus include:

• Reducing potable water consumption.
• Improving the efficiency of building water systems.
• Expanding rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse.
• Using intelligent monitoring to identify waste and improve performance.
• Encouraging responsible water practices among property owners, occupiers and communities.

Smit also warns that climate risks increasingly extend beyond individual buildings to the infrastructure supporting them.

“An empty building is a property owner’s worst nightmare. Climate change is increasingly becoming one of the factors that can make a building or precinct untenable,” she says.

For investors, water resilience and infrastructure reliability are becoming important considerations in long-term property risk assessment.

A venue that demonstrates green building principles

The Century City Conference Centre provides a fitting setting for the convention. Located in Cape Town’s Bridgeways Precinct, the venue holds a 4-Star Green Star certification from GBCSA and was the first venue in Africa to achieve the international Green Key Eco-Label.

Its walkable precinct design, resource-efficient infrastructure and sustainability practices reflect many of the principles being explored during the event.

Why property investors and developers should attend

The Green Building Convention provides an opportunity to understand how sustainability is changing the economics of property ownership, development and management.

Delegates can expect insights into emerging technologies, operational efficiencies, green building certification, climate resilience and the investment case for future-ready buildings.

Importantly, the event connects decision-makers responsible for financing, designing, constructing and managing South Africa’s next generation of property assets.

The central message is that sustainable buildings are no longer simply an environmental ambition. They are becoming an increasingly important component of competitive, resilient and financially sustainable property investment.

Register now: GBCSA Green Building Convention 2026

19th Green Building Convention – The Green Revolution: From Ambition to Action

• Dates: Tuesday, 27 – Thursday, 29 October 2026
• Venue: Century City Conference Centre, Cape Town
• Registration closes: Tuesday, 20 October 2026

Join more than 800 property and sustainability leaders exploring the future of green buildings, investment performance and practical solutions for the built environment.

REGISTER NOW – SECURE YOUR PLACE AT THE GREEN BUILDING CONVENTION

https://www.gbcsaconvention.org.za/

View the full programme and download the event PDF from the convention website.

More information: https://gbcsa.org.za/