GREEN BUILDING
Mary Ann Constable
GBCSA
As demand grows for buildings that can showcase their strong ESG performance, South Africa’ s leading green building certification authority, the Green Building Council South Africa( GBCSA), has introduced training on its new Green Star New Build V2 rating tool for new construction projects and significant refurbishments. It represents a next-generation green building certification framework – the first major update to the Green Star tool since its initial development in 2008.
“ Buildings are shaped by people. The Green Star New Build V2 training will equip developers, professionals, and contractors with the knowledge and frameworks to shape the buildings of tomorrow,” says GBCSA Head of Technical and Executive Director, Georgina Smit.“ Green Star New Build V2 is designed to go beyond mere building efficiency. It provides a framework to ensure green buildings are resilient to energy insecurity, water scarcity, and rising temperatures.”
The launch of the Green Star New Build V2 training happens at a pivotal moment for South Africa’ s property sector. Certified property assets consistently outperform their non-certified counterparts, with investors and tenants increasingly favouring proven sustainability.
According to the 2024 MSCI South Africa Green Annual Property Index, certified prime and A-grade offices generated a return of 10.1 %, compared to 8.9 % for non-certified buildings( total return).
Meanwhile, the 2025 edition of the GBCSA’ s Green Building in South Africa: A Guide to Costs and Trends reports that the average premium for certified offices has fallen from
Balwin – Thaba Eco-Village Lifestyle Centre – 6 Green Star World Leadership rating. 48 summer 2025-26 | www. tobuild. co. za