Ben Kodisang, SAPOA’s president, says:  “It will be in the industry’s long-term interest to ensure we shape the rating system through inputs across the sector.  That includes architects, engineers, consultants, building contractors, as well as property owners, developers, managers, large corporate tenants, product manufacturers and distributors, and relevant government departments. “

The GBCSA, formed to promote environmentally sustainable practices in the commercial and industrial property industry, is expected to release the pilot rating system in July, says Kodisang, managing director of Old Mutual Investment Group Property Investments, a founding member and sponsor of the council. 

Nicola Douglas, CEO of the non-profit GBCSA, says the Australian Green Star rating system has been adapted for South Africa.

“The system identifies measures that can be taken to produce a green building in the areas of management, indoor environmental quality, energy, transport, water, materials, land use and ecology, emissions and innovation. It sets targets to be achieved for the different measures, awards points for the achievement of targets, totals the points to give a score and then awards a rating on the basis of the score. “
 
The council’s aims also include providing educational courses, and developing a resource centre with case studies and information on green building.  It will be holding its inaugural conference and exhibition in November, with leading international figures in green building as speakers.  The convention will be followed by full-day ‘Green Star Accredited Professional’ courses.