Candice Marsh , a highly experienced building services engineer , took the initiative to establish the Gibraltar Sustainable Buildings Group ( GSBG ). With six years of expertise in the field and a specialization in Low Carbon Design , she recognized the common concern amongst building professionals – the need for change in the building and construction industry . Alongside a diverse group of 50 , including architects , engineers , developers , contractors , and lawyers , she founded GSBG to drive sustainable practices in Gibraltar ' s building sector .
Through numerous conversations , the group formed informally , aiming to find solutions . As the discussions progressed and ideas flourished , it became evident that GSBG could offer more than just internal benefits — it could serve the wider community as well .
GSBG ' s core objectives are multifaceted . Firstly , the group strives to represent the voice of the industry , advocating for transformative change . They aim to clarify the concept of net-zero in the built environment and raise awareness about sustainable buildings . GSBG also plans to provide valuable information , tools , and resources to both its members and the community at large . Additionally , the group is committed to developing and supporting Gibraltar ' s roadmap for decarbonizing the building sector , improving every stage of a building ' s life cycle , and ensuring long-term societal contributions and improved quality of life .
GSBG has already made significant progress with their endeavours , participating in notable events such as the Green Week Gibraltar organized by OTWO Magazine in June 2023 and the ASPIRE Conference organized by the Department of Environment . Plans are now underway to transform this group into a formal , NGO and they are also eagerly preparing for their upcoming launch event later this year , which promises to be a milestone in their journey .
So , what exactly constitutes a sustainable building ? Often referred to as green or eco-friendly buildings , sustainable buildings are designed and constructed using practices and materials that minimize their negative impact on the environment while maximizing efficiency , durability , and occupant comfort . Key areas of focus include energy efficiency , water conservation , waste reduction , the use of environmentally friendly materials , and the creation of healthy indoor environments . A sustainable , low-carbon building takes into account the entire life cycle of the structure , including material production , operation , end-of-life considerations , and beyond .
In 2020 the operational carbon emissions of buildings in Gibraltar accounted for a staggering 41.5 % of the total carbon emissions . This statistic highlights the urgency to reduce the environmental impact of buildings and underscores the significance of GSBG ' s mission .
To stay updated on GSBG ' s activities and join the sustainable building movement , follow them on Instagram at @ gi _ sustainablebuildings . Together , we can transform Gibraltar ' s building sector for a greener and more sustainable future .