Transforming the built environment within the African region – Green Building Convention 2016

This year’s Green Building Convention is being held in Johannesburg , South Africa’s financial district, at the Sandton Convention Centre from the 26th – 28th July, with the full programme extending 5 days to include workshops and tours.

Across its overarching theme ‘Build a better world now’, the conference sessions are guided by three sub tracks. Track 1 begins first thing on Wednesday the 27th of July 2016 entitled, ‘Building bold and visionary leadership now’:

“Bold and visionary leaders are needed to create the opportunities necessary for effective sustainability-driven strategy that focuses on a holistic economy benefitting humans, the planet and the financial market.”

Track 2 happens on Thursday the 28th of July 2016 entitled, “Building innovative and disruptive technology now’:

“Technology is no longer being applied in isolation but is starting to serve a higher purpose of social conscience and sustainability.”

Track 3 closes day 4 on the 28th of July 2016 with ‘Building collaborative cities and communities now’:

“Building green is not only about minimising negative impacts, but should also consciously encourage positive influences on both indoor and outdoor surroundings”

Keynote speakers include John Elkington, described as a true green business guru, and owner of the future-focused company, Volans; and Dr. Ian McCallum, director of the Wilderness Foundation and a trustee of the Cape Leopard Trust, and author of the award winning book Ecological Intelligence – Rediscovering Ourselves in Nature, addressing the interconnectedness of all living things. Read about more of the speakers here.

The purpose of a convention such as this is offer a platform for the GBCSA and forward thinking green experts to lead the transformation of the South African property industry, and beyond, to ensure that buildings are designed, built and operated in an environmentally sustainable way; and is described as, “THE date on the the sustainability calendar. It is considered the definitive event where experts and decision makers gather to effect environmental transformation in the built environment within the African region.”

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Photo & info courtesy of http://www.gbcsaconvention.org.za/