Global Green Building Convention to feature stellar speakers

Sponsored by Nedbank Corporate Property Finance, and one of the highlights on the South African property and sustainability calendar, this anticipated event has been revitalised with the thought-provoking theme 'ReWire - Connecting Minds. Building Value.' The Green Building Convention is well-respected for delivering a quality and captivating programme by securing thought leaders from around the world. The line-up is designed to deliver inspiration for a more sustainable future, insight into the latest trends that are changing the way we think and do business, and practical implementation to effect change on the ground.

Eminent green leaders

Several eminent international and local thought-leaders on sustainability and global green building trends have been confirmed as speakers for the 2013 programme. Experts from the United States, Australia, England, Belgium and Africa will join local speakers to facilitate two days of compelling keynote speeches, robust discussions and thought-provoking conversations around themes such as sustainable cities and transport, food security in urban areas, affecting policy, affordable housing as well as measuring the success of building green. The event is complemented by a premier exhibition of sustainable innovation.

Amongst those eagerly anticipated in the programme line-up are Richard Fedrizzi, founding chairman of the US Green Building Council and current Chairman of the WorldGBC; Romilly Madew, CEO of the Australian Green Building Council - voted as one of Australia's top 100 most influential people in 2012; Gunter Pauli, entrepreneur, author and initiator of the Blue Economy concept; Cameron Sinclair, the co-founder and CEO of Architecture for Humanity and co-author of the bestselling book "Design Like you Give a Damn"; Jason Drew, an entrepreneur, passionate environmentalist and visionary who advocates for the sustainability revolution and shares his clear vision and blueprint for successful business in the 21st century; and Lewis Pugh, an ocean advocate, pioneer swimmer and explorer who was named as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum for his potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world through inspiring leadership.

A refreshing local addition to the programme is Dion Chang - an innovator with an ability to see the world from a unique perspective and gauge trends ahead of the curve. He is a sought-after trend analyst, and while his feet remain firmly planted on African soil, he uses a global perspective to source new ideas, gauge the zeitgeist and identify cutting-edge trends.

"This year's programme is designed to strike a captivating balance between inspiration and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing. I am particularly eager to hear my Australian colleague, Romilly Madew's presentation on the findings of a study, done by the Green Building Council Australia, illustrating the economic and environmental benefits of green buildings as assessed over a ten year period. The report provides empirical evidence from a more mature market that allows us to forecast South Africa's future transformation more accurately. The quantified results are assured not only to inspire but to catalyse accelerated uptake of green building practices in the local sector and beyond," says Brian Wilkinson, CEO of the GBCSA.

Green minds think alike

Gunter Pauli is a well-respected thought leader and well known for his Blue Economy concept - a plan to develop 100 manufacturing innovations with viable business models that could generate 100 million jobs in 10 years - all with zero emissions and no waste.

Cameron Sinclair is the co-founder and CEO of Architecture for Humanity, a non-profit initiative that brings the skills of architects and designers to those who would otherwise not be able to afford it - using design to alleviate poverty and providing access to water, sanitation, power and essential services; bringing safe shelter to communities; mitigating the effects of rapid urbanization in unplanned settlements; and reducing the footprint of the built environment. It was through Architecture for Humanity that the Football for Hope Centre was developed in Khayelitsha for Grassroots Soccer - a South African-based, non-profit organisation that uses football to educate young people about HIV and Aids and empower them with the knowledge to live HIV-free.

Jason Drew, business man turned green warrior, is a tireless campaigner who engages on how to take business thinking, vision and action into the 21st century and adopt profitable game-changing solutions to the new business paradigms we face.

"Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this world class event and to connect with and learn from leading sustainability experts and other like-minded trailblazers in this space," concludes Wilkinson.

For more information or to book for the convention go to www.gbcsa-convention.org.za/.