Green Star Leadership Awards launched to recognise sustainable building champions

Brian Wilkinson, CEO of the GBCSA

Aiming to recognise the South Africa's sustainable green building development, Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) has launched the Green Star Leadership Awards.

Are you a pioneer in the field of green building?  A Rising Green Star?

To celebrate the 5th birthday of the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA), and in recognition of the significant transformation that has taken place in South Africa, the GBCSA has announced the launch of the ‘Green Star Leadership Awards’ which will acknowledge green building champions who have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the green building movement.

Great strides in five years
“2012 marks our fifth year and through leadership demonstrated by committed green pioneers, the Council has achieved many noteworthy milestones in its short history,” says Brian Wilkinson, CEO of the GBCSA.  

“We recognise that our mission to lead the transformation of the South African property industry to environmental sustainability is ambitious, but we are inspired by the bold leadership that has been demonstrated in SA and for this reason we decided to initiate these awards - to acknowledge and commend the market leaders on the transformation exhibited so far.

Whilst we believe that all Green Star certified projects are, by definition, very special and demonstrate leadership and commitment, we wanted to use this opportunity to recognise those that have really pushed the limits and achieved real excellence.”

The award categories for individuals
There are two categories under which individuals can enter, or be nominated by others. These include the Recognised Green Star of the first 5 years; and the Rising Green Star of the first 5 years.  “These two categories are open to individuals only – those who are recognised within the industry, have a proven track record and who have contributed significantly to the green building movement over the last five years,” explains Manfred Braune, Technical Executive for the GBCSA.  “Motivation must be made as to why it is believed they were transformational to the built environment industry, and the green projects and/or initiatives that they have led between 2008 and 2012 must be described.”

Another important judging criterion is how a person has shared their ideas and green initiatives with others and how they have influenced others to shift their thinking and make a change.

The award categories for projects and organisations
There are two categories under which projects and organisations will be recognised. No nominations are required for these categories. These are the Highest scoring Green Star SA project between 2008 – 2012 and the Best quality submission between 2008 – 2012.

“These awards apply to both “Design” and “As Built” Green Star SA rated buildings,” explains Braune, who also advises that the judging panel will comprise of the GBCSA Exco, representatives from the GBCSA assessors and technical teams, and the GBCSA Convention principal sponsor. 

The winners of the various categories will be announced at the GBCSA Gala Dinner, to be held as part of the annual Convention and Exhibition taking place at the CTICC from 23 – 25 October 2012. 

The deadline for nominations is Friday 28 September 2012 and submissions should be emailed to Thulani.kuzwayo@gbcsa.org.za.

“We urge individuals to enter or nominate worthy candidates  so that due recognition and accolades can be awarded for the efforts they have made to move South Africa towards a greener, and more sustainable built environment,” concludes Wilkinson.