GBCSA announces Green Star Leadership Awards

"2012 marks our fifth year and through leadership demonstrated by committed green pioneers, the council has achieved many noteworthy milestones in its short history," said Brian Wilkinson, CEO of the GBCSA. "We recognise that our mission to lead the transformation of the South African property industry to environmental sustainability is ambitious, but we are inspired by the bold leadership that has been demonstrated in SA and, for this reason, we decided to initiate these awards - to acknowledge and commend the market leaders on the transformation exhibited so far. Whilst we believe that all Green Star-certified projects are, by definition, very special and demonstrate leadership and commitment, we wanted to use this opportunity to recognise those that have really pushed the limits and achieved real excellence."

Award categories for individuals

There are two categories under which individuals can enter, or be nominated by others. These include the Recognised Green Star of the first five years; and the Rising Green Star of the first five years. "These two categories are open to individuals only - those who are recognised within the industry, have a proven track record and who have contributed significantly to the green building movement over the last five years," explained Manfred Braune, technical executive of the GBCSA. "Motivation must be made as to why it is believed they were transformational to the built-environment industry, and the green projects and/or initiatives that they have led between 2008 and 2012 must be described."

Another important judging criterion is how a person has shared his ideas and green initiatives with others and how he has influenced others to shift their thinking and make a change.

Award categories for projects and organisations

There are two categories under which projects and organisations will be recognised. No nominations are required for these categories. These are the Highest Scoring Green Star SA project between 2008 - 2012 and the Best Quality Submission between 2008 - 2012.

"These awards apply to both 'Design' and 'As Built' Green Star SA-rated buildings," explained Braune, who also advises that the judging panel will comprise the GBCSA exco, representatives from the GBCSA assessors and technical teams, and the GBCSA Convention principal sponsor.

The winners of the various categories will be announced at the GBCSA Gala Dinner, to be held as part of the annual Convention and Exhibition taking place at the CTICC from 23 to 25 October, 2012. The deadline for nominations is Friday, 28 September, 2012, and submissions should be emailed to Thulani.kuzwayo@gbcsa.org.za

For more information about the entry criteria for the Green Star Leadership Awards, go to www.gbcsa-convention.org.za or email az.gro.ascbg@ofni.