Premier World Green Building Convention opens for bookings

The Green Building Convention is not only about knowledge-sharing – it’s also about like minds connecting, says Brian Wilkinson, CEO of the GBCSA.

The leading green building event in South Africa - the 6th annual Green Building Council Convention - is officially open for registration.

This year this popular event has not only been revitalised with the thought-provoking theme “ReWire” – Connecting Minds. Building Value - featuring several exciting new offerings, but will also integrate with the World Green Building Congress – powering one, exceptional global event.

A collective of visionary leaders convene
Being held on African soil for the first time ever – this year South Africa will play host to the largest international network influencing the green building marketplace, comprising 92 global councils – making this the most distinctive sustainable building gathering ever hosted on the continent.

The WorldGBC Congress will run in parallel with the premier Green Building Convention at the Cape Town International Convention Centre making it an incomparable opportunity for global green building thought leaders, industry professionals, innovators, environmentalists and students to exchange ideas, build capacity and accelerate the green building movement. Sponsored by Nedbank Corporate Property Finance, this premier event consistently delivers cutting edge and global best practice in green building.

“Nedbank is not only at the leading edge of enhancing value, profitability and sustainability through green building practices in our own buildings, we are also ensuring that our clients, and the local property industry as a whole, have access to the latest trends, information and technology through the Green Building Council of South Africa Convention and Exhibition, allowing them to harness fully the business benefits of green building,” says Frank Berkeley, Managing Executive of Nedbank Corporate Property Finance.

Connecting Minds – visionary speakers in line-up
One of the highlights on the South African property and sustainability calendar – the Green Building Convention in highly regarded for delivering an engaging programme by securing thought leaders from around the globe.  The line-up is designed to deliver inspiration and insight into the latest trends worldwide.

Already confirmed in this year’s line-up of impressive speakers are: Richard Fedrizzi, founding chairman of the US Green Building Council and current Chairman of the WorldGBC; Romilly Madew, CEO of the Australian Green Building Council – voted as one of Australia’s top 100 most influential people in 2012; Gunter Pauli, entrepreneur, author and initiator of the Blue Economy concept - a plan to develop 100 manufacturing innovations with viable business models that could generate 100 million jobs in 10 years - all with zero emissions and no waste; Lewis Pugh, an ocean advocate, pioneer swimmer and explorer who was named as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum for his potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world through inspiring leadership; and Cameron Sinclair, the co-founder and CEO of Architecture for Humanity, a charitable organization which seeks architectural solutions to humanitarian crises and brings professional design services to communities in need.  Leanne Manas, an accomplished South African radio and television presenter, finance journalist and motivational speaker best known for hosting the SABC2 breakfast news show Morning Live, will host as the MC.

“The Green Building Convention is not only about knowledge-sharing – it’s also about like minds connecting,” says Brian Wilkinson, CEO of the GBCSA.  “We have created plenty of opportunity for delegates to engage with captains of industry and key decision-makers and opportunity to browse stands showcasing the latest in green building innovation.”

Building value – what to expect
An engaging programme has been designed to both challenge and shift paradigms, which will be enriched by a world-class exhibition - created to encourage business to business opportunity, stimulate the green economy and inspire both our global network local and international colleagues.

Underpinned by the ‘ReWire’ theme this year offers several exciting new activities such as city walking and building tours.

The Reclaim Camissa Tour is an inspiring walk through the ‘place of sweet waters’ - an ancient Khoi name for Cape Town.  Delegates will meander along Cape Town’s waterways, whilst hearing some of the cultural stories associated with our water system and debating the possibilities of finding a more sustainable water future in Cape Town.

A Sustainable City Tour, will be led by the City of Cape Town, and showcases the sustainable initiatives that the city is currently rolling out.  In addition to the walking tours, delegates will be able to undertake building tours of various Green Star SA rated buildings in Cape Town and see first-hand what sets these buildings apart.

The early bird gets the prize
Delegates are incentivised to book before the end of June to stand in line to win some great prizes.  To register as an early bird visit www.gbcsa-convention.org.za.

“Cape Town will experience the convening of some of the most influential and visionary green leaders from around the globe in one space at a once-off meeting of like minds.  You are invited to join us as we continue to galvanise and accelerate the adoption of environmentally and socially responsible building practices,” concludes Wilkinson.