GBCSA set to ReWire thinking on sustainability

ReWire is all about renewing, refreshing, innovating, shifting paradigms and connecting like minds. Underpinned by the theme, several new exciting side-events will take place as part of the convention and exhibition offering. This year's gathering will also be distinctive as South Africa has won the bid to host to the World Green Building Congress - the largest international network influencing the green building marketplace, comprising 92 global councils, which will all be integrated into the local programme. This will be the first ever to be hosted on the African continent.

Calling all BrainWaves

A brand new feature is 'BrainWave', a talk stage located within the exhibition and designed to add an energizing dimension to the event by creating a platform for fresh and challenging ideas that are worth sharing. "BrainWave will feature a series of punchy, fast-paced compelling presentations and live demonstrations on topics such as the environment, sustainability within the built environment, green building, valuing green, efficient technologies and new sustainable products that are pushing boundaries, stimulating the green economy, or can potentially change the way we do business," explains Rosanne Mitchell, marketing executive for the GBCSA.

The GBCSA is calling for submissions from emerging thought-leaders to present their ground-breaking concepts on BrainWave. "Anyone that feels they have an innovative idea worth sharing can apply," says Mitchell. "We are also calling for Masters students from relevant faculties at the universities, business schools and sustainability institutes that wish to showcase their thesis research, as well as confirmed exhibitors at the event who would like to do a live demonstration or visual presentation on an innovative green/sustainable solution that is inventive, energy efficient or just simply brilliant."

To apply, submit your application online on the Green Building Convention website by 10 July 2013.

"Some of the criteria for evaluating the quality of ideas will include originality, clarity of application, applicability and vision and we are eagerly anticipating some fresh ideas from passionate advocates of sustainability solutions," says Mitchell.

Sustainability side-events

The Reclaim Camissa Tour is a fascinating walk through the 'place of sweet waters'- an ancient Khoi name for Cape Town. Delegates will meander along Cape Town's waterways, whilst hearing some of the historic and cultural stories associated with our water system and debating the possibilities of finding a more sustainable water future in Cape Town.

The Sustainable City Tour will be led by the City of Cape Town, and showcases the sustainable initiatives that the city is currently rolling out. In addition to the walking tours, delegates will be able to undertake building tours of various Green Star SA rated buildings in Cape Town and see first-hand what sets these buildings apart.

"The Global Green Building Convention is the one annual event that brings together like-minded professionals across all disciplines that are passionate about galvanising the movement towards environmentally and socially responsible building practices. It not only provides a platform to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practises, but also presents real business opportunities to meet the relevant decision-makers at the right time, and all under one roof - delivering tangible business returns and value. With the integration of the World Green Building Congress, exposure and networking capability will be amplified - powering one exceptional global event, and one not to be missed," concludes Mitchell.

This premier sustainability event is sponsored by Nedbank Corporate Property Finance.

For further information, go to www.gbcsa.org.za.