Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson says his department has joined the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA).

Speaking at the GBCSA’s Green Building Convention in Cape Town this week, Macpherson noted that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) would pursue New Build 4-Star and Green Star certifications, as well as Sustainable Urban Precinct ratings for its developments.

The department would also begin to certify existing government buildings under the Existing Building Performance programme.

In addition, key departmental staff members were currently being trained as accredited green building professionals through the GBCSA Academy, in an effort to embed sustainability expertise within the DPWI.

Macpherson has also committed to personally enrolling in the GBCSA training programme to deepen his understanding of the subject matter.

“Our membership in the GBCSA is part of a number of reform efforts underway in the DPWI as we reposition it to become the economic engine of South Africa,” said Macpherson.

“Global research shows that for every 1% of GDP invested in infrastructure, we can unlock up to 1.5% in economic growth.

“But, if that infrastructure is green, resilient and future-ready, the returns are even greater, because we are not just building assets – we are building capability.”

Macpherson added that the DPWI would soon publish its first State of Public Works Green Building Report, which would provide yearly updates on progress in areas such as energy and water efficiency, renewable-energy adoption, waste management, green renewal and the socioeconomic impact of green infrastructure on job creation.

The DPWI would also introduce a Property Performance Report to measure and track space utilisation, energy consumption and resource efficiency across its portfolio.

This data would guide the department’s new drive to install solar panels on suitable State-owned buildings and roll out time-of-use meters for real-time monitoring of energy and water use.

“The steps we have announced send a clear message to the industry and our partners across government: we are raising the bar and we intend to hold ourselves accountable,” noted Macpherson.

“As the largest landlord in South Africa, we can play an important role in ensuring that buildings are efficient and that they contribute to the communities in which they are located.”