GBCSA partners with Greenpop to plant trees

The GBCSA joined the 'Treevolution' by working with Greenpop - a non-profit organisation that generates environmental awareness through the planting of trees. They identify areas in need of trees, create projects, and train beneficiaries on how to take care of their trees.

Given that worldwide, buildings are responsible for a third of all carbon emissions it makes sense that the GBCSA should actively support the planting of trees in order to mitigate carbon emissions from the built environment.

Landscaping around buildings

The council is not only all about green building structures, but also actively encourages developers to look at the buildings' natural surroundings and as part of the Green Star SA rating process for South African buildings, points are scored under the category of Land Use and Ecology which takes into account the landscaping around a building - such as the irrigation system, the use of water wise plants, indigenous plants and rooftop gardens.

"We are pleased and proud to be working with Greenpop and this tree planting event at the Thandokhulu High School marks World Green Building Week 2012 in a tangible, important and lasting way," said Brian Wilkinson, CEO of the GBCSA.

Greenpop will have a stand at the upcoming GBCSA Convention & Exhibition, taking place at the CTICC in Cape Town from 23-25 October 2012. The stand will be used to raise awareness of Greenpop and offer delegates, who are travelling from abroad and other parts of South Africa, the opportunity to offset their carbon footprint.