The one-day course provides a detailed overview of the Green Star SA green building rating system and provides an excellent introduction to green building.

“The response from the broader property industry has been overwhelming and demonstrates the thirst for green building education,” says GBCSA CEO Nicola Douglas. “Green building is no longer only being practised by a handful of dedicated experts, but starting to spread to the mainstream industry.” Participants in the course include developers, architects, engineers, property managers, product manufacturers, contractors etc from the corporate, private and government spheres.

The Green Star SA system is an environmental rating system for buildings – basically an assessment tool which certifies whether a building is “green” or not – and is based on the Australian Green Star tool which is similar to a number of international tools. It addresses eight environmental categories, including energy, water, materials and transport. The first Green Star SA tool, for commercial office buildings, was released in November and a second tool for retail buildings will begin development this month.

The Green Star Accredited Professional course trains property professionals on each category and credit in the rating system, emphasising the importance of an integrated approach from the entire consulting team when designing a green building.

After attending the course, an optional exam may be written online at testing centres nationwide, earning the successful candidates the designation of “Green Star SA Accredited Professional”.  The 32 professionals accredited to date, are listed on a searchable database on the GBCSA’s website at www.gbcsa.org.za.

“This designation is likely to become more important as major developers, including GBCSA Platinum Founding Member Growthpoint Properties, have indicated their preference for working with consultants who have attained this qualification,” explains Jason Buch, GBCSA Technical Manager and course facilitator.

Validated for CPD points for architects and engineers, the next round of courses take place in June in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Two courses will also be run in conjunction with the annual GBCSA Convention & Exhibition at the CTICC from 21-23 October, a major gathering of SA’s commercial green building industry with a strong contingent of international experts.