The 18th Green Building Convention (GBC) takes place from 11–13 November 2025 at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town, bringing together global leaders, innovators, and sustainability champions. Hosted by the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA), the event centres on the theme “Stepping Up to Next” — a bold call to action urging the industry to push beyond existing standards of sustainability and embrace a regenerative future.
What “Stepping Up to Next” Means
The theme challenges the built environment sector to raise the bar. Instead of merely reducing harm, buildings and cities must now actively restore ecosystems, strengthen resilience, and enhance human well-being. It is about moving from sustainable to regenerative design, integrating cutting-edge technologies, and setting new global benchmarks for innovation.
As GBCSA CEO Lisa Reynolds notes, the convention is a platform to “shape the next chapter of green building and pave the way for an industry that leads with purpose and impact.”
Programme Highlights
Across three dynamic days, the convention blends keynotes, workshops, and interactive sessions with networking opportunities and inspiring celebrations.
Day 1 (11 November) opens with architect Michael Pawlyn’s keynote on regenerative design. Parallel sessions cover timber innovation, integrating wellness and green standards, and the Women in Green Building Awards. The day closes with the much-anticipated Trashion Show, turning recycled materials into high-energy eco-fashion.
Day 2 (12 November) focuses on resilience, finance, and urban innovation. Tracks include climate adaptation strategies, green investment tools such as carbon credits, and water resilience solutions for cities. Workshops will examine the true cost of green building and financing models. The evening’s Gala Awards Dinner honours leaders and trailblazers shaping tomorrow’s sustainable spaces.
Day 3 (13 November) shifts attention to people and technology. Sessions highlight the human role in building performance, climate risk and insurance, and interior design for wellbeing. The Closing Plenary features AI expert Dr Jacques Ludik, architect Olajumoke Adenowo, and political commentator Justice Malala, alongside the official launch of the 2026 convention.
Diverse and Inspiring Speakers
The convention features a powerful line-up of voices across disciplines. Among them are Dr Adenike Akinsemolu, pioneering African environmental educator; Olajumoke Adenowo, award-winning Nigerian architect and philanthropist; Jose Vilandy, barista champion and community entrepreneur; Alexandra Notay, international housing and ESG strategist; and John Vlismas, comedian turned equity strategist unpacking climate justice.
They will be joined by business leaders, policymakers such as Minister Dean Macpherson, and sustainability experts from Standard Bank, FNB, PwC, and beyond.
Why Attend?
The Green Building Convention 2025 is more than a conference — it is a movement. By “stepping up to next,” professionals will help redefine the role of the built environment in addressing climate change, social equity, and technological transformation.
Whether you are an architect, policymaker, financier, or student, this is your chance to be part of a collective push toward a regenerative, inclusive, and resilient future.
For registration and full details, visit gbcsaconvention.org.za
