More than eight hundred professionals from the property and sustainability sectors are set to travel to Cape Town next week for the Green Building Council South Africa’s 19th annual convention. The gathering is scheduled for 27-29 October 2026 at the Century City Conference Centre. This year’s theme, “The Green Revolution: From ambition to action,” reflects a sector that has largely proven the value of sustainable buildings and now must demonstrate its capacity to deliver at scale. Registration ends on 20 October via gbcsaconvention.org.za.
The business case for green buildings
Georgina Smit, who spent over five years at GBCSA as head of technical and executive director before assuming the chief executive role in May, replaces Lisa Reynolds, who had steered the body since 2020. Smit’s opening remarks to the convention adopt a practical tone, positioning green construction less as an environmental crusade and more as a sound commercial strategy.
“Most people are not going to go green simply because they think it is the right thing to do,” Smit said ahead of the event. She added for owners, “An empty building is a property owner’s worst nightmare.” Sustainability increasingly aligns with the metrics landlords prioritize—occupancy rates, tenant demand, operating expenses and asset valuations. Smit emphasized that “green building certification does not have to be a cost; it can actually be a competitive advantage.”
The GBCSA can substantiate that claim with figures. The MSCI Green Annual Property Index, issued in June in partnership with GBCSA and Growthpoint Properties, examined 242 prime and A-grade office assets valued at a total of R54.8 billion, of which 122 carried green certification. Over the ten-year span ending December 2025, certified offices generated an annualised total return of 6.98%, versus 5.26% for non-certified counterparts—a differential of 172 basis points per year, equating to a cumulative outperformance of 28.2% across the decade.
2025 operating data further highlight the advantage of sustainable sites. Gross income per square metre is 34% higher for certified offices. Monthly net operating income averages R152/m² for green buildings compared with R102/m² for those without certification. The cost-to-income ratio stands at 41% for green assets versus 48% for others, while vacancy rates are 10.3% versus 13.1%. Valuations reflect this gap as well, with green offices priced at R21 251/m² against R14 510/m² for non-certified properties.
For investors, landlords and developers, the convention arrives at a key juncture. A decade of data now underpins the commercial rationale. MSCI’s statistics provide asset managers with concrete evidence to present to investment committees when advocating for certification expenses or green retrofits. Large corporate tenants, particularly multinationals with net-zero pledges, are increasingly demanding certified space to satisfy reporting requirements. Buildings that cannot meet these expectations risk falling behind in the leasing market, echoing Smit’s “empty building” warning.
Speakers and the practical agenda
The program showcases a varied lineup of presenters. Kenyan environmental activist Elizabeth Wathuti, founder of the Green Generation Initiative, will address climate leadership. Recognised as one of Africa’s prominent young climate voices, her participation signals GBCSA’s intention to situate South Africa’s green-building narrative within a broader continental framework.
Read Also: Architects push to lead Ireland’s modern construction shift
Political scientist, author and commentator Prince Mashele also appears on the agenda. With South Africa’s municipal elections looming, his insights are pertinent, as local authorities hold key responsibilities for building approvals, service delivery and the infrastructure that underpins sustainable construction.
South Africa’s municipal elections are approaching, and local government plays a central role in building approvals, service delivery and the infrastructure that green buildings depend on. Samantha Skyring, founder and CEO of Oryx Desert Salt, is also listed among the speakers.
Water sustainability on the agenda
Water issues accompany energy topics this year. Rand Water partners with GBCSA for the fourth year running, promoting a message gaining traction nationwide: “Blue is the New Green.”
The utility aims to embed water stewardship alongside energy efficiency and carbon reduction. Its Water Wise programme encourages prudent water use among households, businesses and developers.
Residential focus and venue details
Balwin Properties will feature at the convention. The residential developer, which recently delisted from the JSE after shareholders approved a PIC-backed buyout, has built much of its brand around sustainable apartment living. Founder and CEO Steve Brookes claims Balwin is the world’s largest developer of IFC EDGE Advanced-certified homes.
Property Flash readers will recall recent coverage of Craft Homes’ Riverstone Wetland Estate in Fourways, a development that secured preliminary EDGE certification earlier this month.
The convention will take place at The Century City Conference Centre, located in Cape Town’s Bridgeways Precinct. The venue itself holds a 4-Star Green Star rating from GBCSA and was the first African site to earn the Green Key Eco-Label.
