Green building conference, exhibition offers sustainable living

Sponsored by Nedbank Corporate Property Finance, the convention will also host a pre-conference education day, with master classes and discussions, as well as a cocktail party and a convention dinner providing plenty of opportunity for interaction and networking.

"Green buildings can reduce energy consumption by more than half, but even existing businesses and homes can benefit substantially from the latest, greenest leaps in sustainability," says Bruce Kerswill, executive chairman of the GBCSA. "Never has there been a time when sustainable green living is more imperative, not just for the sake of the planet but also for the sake of our pockets. Green building makes sense and cents."

Speakers

Sustainable design guru Jason McLennan, chief of the International Living Building Institute, founder of the Living Building Challenge and author of four books, deemed one of the most influential people in the green building movement on the planet, will discuss the future of building design.

Internationally acclaimed Professor Gerhard Hausladen, who founded the philosophy of ClimaDesign - the development of buildings offering maximum comfort with minimal energy use - and author of several books on environmentally-conscious construction, innovative technology and renewable energy, will address the convention on climatically-appropriate design, which is relevant in South Africa.

A key aspect of the council's mandate is exploring real solutions for the electricity shortages, water shortages and other pressing issues faced by local authorities, which have a direct effect on businesses.

For more information, go to www.gbcsa-convention.org.za.