Climate change is real, and everyone needs to work together to ensure a cleaner planet for the future generation.
This was the message at last week’s Green Building Rating Tools convention.
The Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) hosted the three-day event at the Century City Conference Centre.
The convention centre was decorated with plastic bottles, tyres, cardboard and other recyclable materials
Public Works Minister Patricia De Lille said her department was seeking the best ways to build facilities and infrastructure for green living.
“The transition to a green economy also aims to redress the adverse impact of the energy and carbon-intensive economy we are in.”
Her department was committed to working with the Green Building Council to create green living spaces, she said.
“I encourage the private sector to get involved in this initiative,” she said. “Urgent action is needed for climate change.”
CEO and an executive director of the GBCSA, Dora Modise, said we should all be conscious of how we dispose of our waste.
“The aim is to make sure we leave a better environment for the future generation. We want to encourage more buildings to be more green and be mindful of the environment.”
Chairman of the GBCSA, Nkosinathi Manzana, said the aim was for all buildings across the globe to have net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
“By 2030, all new buildings, infrastructure and renovations must have net-zero carbon emissions.
“This is a very noble cause and we are happy to have the Department of Public Works partnering in this initiative,” said Mr Manzana.