Build your expertise in designing climate-resilient buildings for a low-carbon future with the Design for Greater Efficiency (DfGE). The built environment is responsible for a significant share of global energy use, water consumption and carbon emissions.

Developed and curated by IFC (International Finance Corporation), a member of the World Bank Group, and hosted by industry thought leaders from Solid Green Consulting, this course empowers building professionals and students to design buildings with reduced environmental impact, while making the business case for sustainability.

Why take the DfGE course?

• Improve your climate literacy
• Learn to design energy, water and carbon-efficient buildings
• Apply global best practice in bioclimatic and passive design
• Understand HVAC optimisation, lighting systems, PV integration
• Calculate efficiency metrics using the EDGE app
• Build the financial case for green buildings
• Training carries 3.0 CPD Credits for Architects and Engineers as validated by SAID
• Receive an IFC Certificate upon successful completion

Who should attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Senior students in architecture, mechanical engineering, civil engineering and related fields
• Architects, engineers, developers and sustainability professionals
• Building practitioners seeking to expand their expertise in green design

Participants should have working knowledge of:

• MS Excel or similar database software
• Architectural/engineering drawings
• Basic mathematics

Course Details

• Cost: R4,500 (Save R1,500 — down from R6,000)
• Dates: 4 May 2026 – 12 June 2026
• Format: Online (6 Weeks)

Group bookings: admin@greened.co.za

Lead the Transition to Climate-Resilient Design

As sustainability becomes central to development finance, regulation and market demand, professionals who understand green building principles will lead the future of the built environment.

Join the DfGE course and become part of the solution.

Register here.

Course Brochure

The post Design for Greater Efficiency (DfGE) appeared first on Solid Green Consulting.

Imveliso Foundation is a youth-focused empowerment initiative established by Solid Green with the purpose of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the sustainability sector. The foundation is committed to nurturing the next generation of Black female leaders by creating pathways into sustainability-related careers and supporting their educational and professional development.

The Imveliso Foundation invites applications for its Bursary and Internship Programme, aimed at supporting and empowering young Black South African women who are passionate about sustainability and the built environment.

What the Programme Offers

Successful candidates will receive:

• Financial assistance to cover tuition for a year.
• A structured internship placement providing hands-on experience within the built environment sector
• Mentorship and professional development opportunities with industry leaders focused on sustainability

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be Black South African females under the age of 35
• Be enrolled and registered in a final year or postgraduate program within the built environment (e.g. Architecture, Urban Planning, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Environmental Design, or related fields) at a South African University
• Demonstrate a strong interest or focus on sustainability, including:
  • Research in sustainability
  • A major or specialization in sustainability
  • Enrolment in a sustainability-focused program

What We’re Looking For

The Imveliso Foundation seeks candidates who are:

• Committed to advancing sustainable practices in the built environment
• Dedicated to creating social and environmental impact through their work
• Driven, innovative, and eager to contribute to transformation in the industry to a more sustainable future

How to Apply

Submit the following:

• A motivation letter (max 500 words) outlining your academic interests, career goals commitment to sustainability and why you should
• A current academic transcript
• A certified copy of your ID
• A curriculum vitae (CV)

Email applications to: info@imveliso-foundation.co.za cc: admin@imveliso-foundation.co.za

Deadline for applications: 30 March 2026

The post Imveliso Foundation Bursary Opportunity & Internship Programme appeared first on Solid Green Consulting.

Our Vision:

To lead the transformation of the built environment towards a future that is regenerative and resilient.

Available positions:

Senior Modelling Consultant

Modelling Consultant

If you are a motivated by this vision, get in touch.

The post We are hiring Energy Modellers! appeared first on Solid Green Consulting.

Welcoming Our New Team Members

Bea van Huyssteen joins Solid Green as Personal Assistant to Simon Penso. Bea is focused on providing efficient support and delivering quality work, ensuring that both Simon and the broader team are well supported in their day-to-day operations.

Bea van Huyssteen

Thokozile Lubuta comes on board as a Junior Green Building Consultant. She is eager to contribute meaningful, sustainability-driven ideas, support innovative projects, and help Solid Green achieve its goals through dedication, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Thokozile Lubuta

We’re also pleased to welcome Jenni Lombard, our new Head of Department: Existing Building Performance. Jenni brings a people-oriented approach to working with both staff and clients, alongside a strong commitment to promoting sustainable building solutions that work in the everyday world.

Jenni Lombard

Joining the consulting team as a Junior Green Building Consultant is Sinazo Mbebe. Sinazo hopes to bring a strong commitment to sustainable development, practical environmental solutions, and collaborative support that helps teams and clients achieve meaningful, long-term impact.

Sinazo Mbebe

Milan Master joins Solid Green as a Sustainability Engineer and Green Building Consultant in the Sustainable Cities and Research Department. Milan brings valuable industry experience, an international perspective, and a refreshing willingness to reconnect our work more closely with Mother Nature.

Milan Master

We also welcome Lindokuhle Matsebula, who joins as a Junior Green Building Consultant. Lindokuhle brings a genuine passion for nature and a deep care for the environment, approaching every project with intention and a focus on creating healthier, more sustainable spaces.

Lindokuhle Matsebula

We’re thrilled to have each of you on board and look forward to the contributions you’ll make as part of the Solid Green journey.

Farewell and Thank You

At the same time, we say goodbye to Aadil Fayzoo and Thato Molapo, who both decided to take the next move in their careers. We would like to thank them sincerely for their contributions, commitment, and the positive impact they’ve had during their time with us. We wish them every success in their future endeavours and new opportunities ahead.

Thato Molapo

Aadil Fayzoo

Change is never easy, but it’s an important part of growth. Here’s to new beginnings, fond farewells, and continuing to build a more sustainable future together.

Want to join Solid Green? We currently looking for Modelling Consultants, please find the job description here.

The post Welcoming New Faces and Saying Farewell appeared first on Solid Green Consulting.

Trailblazing Recognition

Solid Green has long been a driving force behind South Africa’s sustainability movement, and recent awards have cemented our status as a leader in the field. Our dedication to pushing boundaries in green building and net-zero design was recently acknowledged by industry peers, reinforcing our role as a catalyst for change.

7 Parks Boulevard -credit GLH Architects

Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) Leadership Awards 2024

Solid Green has been consistently recognised by the GBCSA for our leadership in sustainable building design and certifications. 2024 was no exception. Below we feature a list of awards received:

Established Green Star

• Runner up: Annelide Sherratt

Transforming Tomorrow: moving the industry forward in asset-design projects

• Runner up: Oxford Parks Precinct, including the projects 7 Parks Boulevard (As Built) and 5 Parks Boulevard (Design)

Oxford Parks – credit GLH Architects

Net Zero Submission

• Winner: Liberty Two Degrees Net Zero Waste Retail Portfolio

EDGE Residential Leader:

• Joint winner: Balwin Properties (with Solid Green’s support)

Highest-Rates Building: for an existing operational performance project (Green Star EBP):

• Joint runner up: Anglo American (Interiors v1 certification)

Best Quality Submission: for an asset-rating design project

• Runner up: Anglo American (Interiors v1 certification)

We would like to congratulate all the projects and industry leaders who were recognised for their remarkable contributions to sustainable building practices! To find out more about the Awards, and to read Annelide’s insights on the pivotal role of Green Building Certifications, read this edition of Positive Impact magazine.

The post Solid Green’s Visionary Leadership Earns Industry Recognition appeared first on Solid Green Consulting.

From 1 March, Solid Green will have a physical presence in Cape Town, strengthening our ability to serve clients in the Western Cape. With increasing demand for in-person and local green building expertise, we are excited to have Jennifer Dean positioned in the Cape Town office. Jennifer will be managing projects, building relationships, and driving new opportunities to support the sustainable transformation of buildings across Cape Town and beyond.

Our new Existing Building Performance (EBP) team will also be based in the Cape Town office, bringing added depth to our service offering. Our new office is located in Urban Hub on Dorp Street in the city centre—a beautiful heritage building that aligns with our commitment to sustainability and adaptive reuse.

Strengthening Our Expertise in Existing Buildings

In addition to our geographic expansion, we are reinforcing our expertise in existing buildings – an essential focus area for driving sustainability and operational efficiency. Solid Green is merging with Imbue Sustainability, and we are pleased to welcome Simon Penso and his team into the Solid Green Team. Simon will be joining Solid Green as a director and leading our newly established Solid Green Performance department. This strategic move allows us to offer comprehensive sustainability solutions for existing buildings, ensuring long-term environmental and financial performance.

Solid Green Performance builds on the long-standing collaboration between Solid Green and Imbue Sustainability. This new department consolidates expertise from both teams to focus on the sustainability performance of existing buildings, net-zero strategies, and operational efficiencies across South Africa and beyond. While Imbue Sustainability continues its focus on the implementation and monitoring of renewable energy projects, Solid Green Performance will leverage our well-established market leadership alongside Imbue’s deep operational expertise to offer a holistic, performance-driven sustainability service for existing building stock.

“This is a game-changer for the industry,” says Simon.

By uniting our strengths, we are better positioned to meet the increasing market demand and regulatory requirements for sustainable solutions. Together, we will set the benchmark for excellence in the field.

Marloes Reinink, CEO of Solid Green, adds:

The collaboration between our teams has evolved over the years, with Imbue Sustainability having always been a key partner for Solid Green in the Existing Building Performance space. The formalisation of Solid Green Performance was the natural next step. By combining forces, we will lead the way in shaping a more sustainable built environment in South Africa.

With a strong Johannesburg foundation and a new presence in Cape Town, Solid Green is excited to expand its reach and continue delivering impact-driven sustainability solutions across the built environment. Whether in Johannesburg, Cape Town, or beyond, we look forward to working with industry stakeholders to create a greener, more sustainable future.

Our One-Stop Shop for Sustainability Solutions

As we continue to grow, our vision is to establish Solid Green as the ultimate One-Stop Shop for sustainability in the built environment. Through the integration of Solid Green Performance, we are now uniquely positioned to provide end-to-end sustainability solutions—from new developments to existing buildings. Our comprehensive services cover green building certifications (Green Star, EDGE, LEED, WELL, etc), Energy Modeling and Simulations ESG strategies, energy and water efficiency consulting, carbon neutrality roadmaps, and operational performance optimisation.

By bringing together industry-leading expertise under one roof, we ensure a seamless experience for our clients, enabling them to meet regulatory requirements, achieve sustainability goals, and future-proof their buildings. Whether you are looking to certify a new development, enhance the efficiency of an existing building, or embark on a net-zero journey, Solid Green is here to support you at every step.

For more information about our services or to connect with our team, feel free to reach out. Let’s build a greener tomorrow, together!

Stay tuned for details about our official opening and launch party—we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

The post We’re expanding our Footprint and Expertise! appeared first on Solid Green Consulting.

To date, Solid Green has achieved a remarkable 216 Green Building certifications and has proudly received over 30 GBCSA Green Star Leadership Awards, solidifying our position as a leader in the green building sector. These certifications translate into 2,595,916 m² of Green Star certified space and an impressive 5,081,305 m² of EDGE certified space—a testament to the region’s increasing commitment to sustainable and high-performance buildings.

Since 2023, we have recorded a 74% increase in certified projects, highlighting both the rapid growth of the green building sector and the trust our clients place in us.

In 2024, Solid Green’s market share continues to demonstrate our leadership:

• Green Star New Buildings: Solid Green was responsible for 76% of all projects certified (13 out of 17).
• Green Star Interiors: We led 71% of all certified Interiors projects (5 out of 7).
• GBCSA Net Zero: Solid Green delivered 67% of all certified Net Zero projects (14 out of 21).

Below, we highlight some of the standout certifications awarded to our clients this year.

Green Star Certifications – 2024 Highlights

Commercial & Office Buildings

• V&A Signal View – 5-Star Green Star Office Design v1.1
  Client: Investec
• Barloworld Irene Building A – 5-Star Office As Built v1.1
  Client: Abland, Giflo Developments, SOM
• Irene Building C & D & E – 4-Star Office As Built v1.1
  Client: Abland, Giflo Developments, SOM
• First Capital Bank, Zambia – 5-Star Office Design v1.1
  Client: First Capital Bank
  
• Prime Plaza II, Botswana – 5-Star Office As Built v1.1
  Client: Primetime Holdings
  
• Galileo Tower, Waterfall City – 4-Star Multi-Unit Residential Design v1
  Client: Waterfall City

Interiors

• 7 Parks Boulevard – Ikusasa (Anglo American) – 6-Star Interiors v1
  Client: Intaprop / Anglo American
• Vodacom South Africa – Interiors v1
  Client: Vodacom
• Nedbank: Alex Mall & Fox Street – Interiors v1
  Client: Nedbank
• Rockefeller Foundation – Interiors v1
  Client: WebLimited

7 Parks Boulevard – credit GLH Architects

Nedbank Alex Mall

Residential Projects

• Menlyn Maine Residential, Pretoria – 4-Star Multi-Unit Residential Design v1
  Client: Menlyn Maine Investment Holdings

Menlyn Maine

Retail & Mixed Use

• Liberty 2 Degrees – Multiple Malls (5x) – Net Zero Waste Level 2
  Client: Liberty 2 Degrees

Liberty 2 Degrees NetZero

Industrial & Custom Projects

• Nexus Waterfall City, Building 2 – 4-Star Custom (Hotel Design) – Design & As Built
  Client: Attacq
• Plumblink Industrial – 4-Star Custom Industrial v1.1 Design
  Client: Attacq
• The Matus Office & Warehouse, Germiston – 4-Star Custom Industrial v1.1 Design
  Client: Bidvest

Net Zero & Green Star Combined

• Balwin Thaba Eco-Village Lifestyle Centre
  • 6-Star Custom Design
  • Net Zero Carbon Level 1 (Design)
    Client: Balwin Properties
• Balwin Headquarters
  • 6-Star Office As Built v1.1
  • Net Zero Carbon Level 1 (Design)
    Client: Balwin Properties

Thaba Lifestyle Centre

Balwin Properties’ headquarters

EDGE Certifications – 2024 Post-Construction Highlights

Residential

• De Zicht, Milnerton – Balwin Properties
• The Reid, Linbro Park Sandton – Balwin Properties
• Greencreek Phase 1, Pretoria East – Balwin Properties
• Kikuyu, Midrand – Balwin Properties
• Green Parks, Boksburg – Balwin Properties

Commercial & Mixed Use

• Pick n Pay Distribution Centre, Kempton Park – Pick n Pay
• Units on Jorissen, Johannesburg – Eris
• Barloworld, Gaborone – Barloworld
• The Lincoln, Johannesburg – Leogem Property Developments
• The Mallard, Johannesburg – Leogem Property Developments
• Capricorn Corner, Namibia – Bank of Windhoek
• 19 Girton, Johannesburg – Caliber Properties
• World Bank, Lusaka – World Bank
• St Davids, Johannesburg – Caliber Properties
• Idwala, Johannesburg – Caliber Properties

PnP Eastport

The post Solid Green’s Certifications in 2024 appeared first on Solid Green Consulting.

There are many stories as to where the name Giant came from. Our generally agreed theory was that it was because he was a self-styled Giant of the game of chess. He joined Solid Green as a modelling technician, responsible for drawing models used for the various types of energy modelling we do. By the end he was heavily involved in doing various modelling for Green Star and Sans10400 XA.

To date, we have only had one event at the home of one of the members of the Solid Green family, and it was at Giant’s house. Last year, he invited everyone at Solid Green to celebrate Heritage Day at his house in Soweto. His excitement at being able to share his home with his colleagues, and educate them in general about life in Soweto and the history of the area, will forever be a lasting memory in all our hearts.

His pride at having the best kept garden in his neighbourhood and an energy efficient home spoke to how he lived, taking on so many of the values we hold dear at Solid Green. He had experienced some health issues in the last year but, on that Heritage Day, he was more like his old self than he had been in a long time.

His passing has left a significant sadness within our work family. For years we have had nothing but celebration and joyous occasions. Dealing with this tragedy is something very new for us and it will take some time to adjust to the loss of one of our own. The messages and tributes from his family, church and general community showed just how many lives he touched and the extent of his involvement in everything in which he took part.

A poem by Giant:

Some expectations are too hard to be fulfilled and met as at when deal. You all expect to hear about my birth, growth, school, tertiary etc. Take one thing home today that is:
I strived to be a son in a family of many sons. I strived to excel at school & tertiary amongst other students. I strived to make it in world of business by stretching my knowledge through a pen and paper. I put mansion and established foundations through my technical architectural knowledge. I strived to be a good neighbour amongst good neighbours. I father my beautiful daughter Thando through the love of my life, Ntokozo. My name is Mthokozisi Vezubuhle Nxumalo. I lived my life as a giant in all that I did because I strived to be seen in a blurry world. As I fare all thee well, my sunset has come but remember me through the journey that we once took together. I am Giant

Isidlakela sikaSidi sobolo
UmfokaMncane, isilo sezibani
ZakwaBulawayo, umthunzi ophumula amatshitshi namajongosi,
Udlembe oludla ukhula,
Iguqa elidla mankonyane
uJongilanga ka JimJimani,
Yimina imbewu kaMkhithika,
OmaThebe Amahle,
Yena owasamazi kuMzilikazi ngozipho,
Yimina uZwide kalanga
Unkabanhle,
Yimina ufulathela zimbuke izintombi,
Mnguni kaNgungunyane owangungunya amadoda nabafazi babantu
Usomaphunga ongaphungeki
Yimina okaSothondose
Umthondo wegolide owathundela abafokazana
Somhlola
Zwide kaLanga……….

Mthokozisi Vezubuhle Nxumalo

The post In loving memory: Mthokozisi ‘Giant’ Nxumalo appeared first on Solid Green Consulting.

Our relationships with our clients, colleagues, suppliers and team have always been the foundation of our business. Over the last twelve months, we collaborated closely with our ecosystem to achieve sector-leading project certifications. These include achievements in South Africa as well as other African countries.

• The Greenbay Lifestyle Centre in Gordon’s Bay achieved both 6-Star and Net Zero certifications, highlighting the project’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being.
• dsm-firmenich achieved a notable milestone as the first GBCSA certified, Net Positive Ecology Level 2 – Operational Ecology (Measured) project in South Africa. It also received a 6-Star Interiors rating in 2022, and is targeting Net Positive Carbon, Water and Waste certifications.
• The fit-out for ENS, Africa’s largest law firm, achieved a commendable 5-Star Green Star Interiors v1 certification, underscoring the clients commitment to collaboration, productivity and user wellbeing.
• Lapalala Wilderness School, a non-profit, public benefits organisation in the Waterberg District of Limpopo Province, inspired us with its Green Star Net Zero Carbon Level 2 certification.
• Redefine continued to demonstrate sector leadership when three of its properties in Gauteng were awarded Net Zero Carbon Level 2: Building & Occupant Emissions (Measured) certifications – namely 2 Pybus and 90 Rivonia in Sandton, and Rosebank Link in Rosebank.
• Oxford Parks’ 5 Parks, developed by Intaprop, set a new benchmark for sustainable and innovative workspaces by achieving a 6 Star, Green Star Office v1.1 certification and targeting a Net Zero Carbon Level 1 (Modelled) certification.
• Developed by Gateway Real Estate Africa (GREA) in partnership with GRIT Real Estate Income Group, The Precinct in Mauritius received the country’s first Ecodistrict certification.
• The First Capital Bank Head Office in Lusaka was awarded a 5-star Design rating, making it the first building in Zambia to achieve a Green Star rating.
• The Nedbank Head Office Campus in Windhoek was awarded a 6-star New Build Office As-built rating by the GBCSA, making it the first 6-star building in Namibia to receive this certification.
• The new headquarters of Fuchs Lubricants in Kempton Park, with a usable floor area of 2554m², received a Net Zero Carbon certification from the GBCSA.

Our milestones this year

We are extremely proud of our team who, once again, excelled in delivering top notch Green Star submissions. At the GBCSA’s Green Building Convention in November, the Nedbank Head Office Campus in Windhoek, with Elri Syfert as Accredited Professional (AP), was Winner of the Highest Rated African Green Star Submission as well as Runner-up for the Highest Rated Building (Asset Rating Design Project). Elri was also Runner-up for the Rising Green Star award. And Rewardsco Block A, with Makhosazana Mthethwa as AP, was Runner-Up Best Quality Submission.

Another huge achievement was the completion of our office renovation! The vision was born in 2019 with the purchase of an old house in Parkhurst. The journey took a little longer than expected, but we now have a beautiful space crafted to our exact needs. Together with a thriving garden and tranquil outdoor seating area, this supports our team and visitors to our office with a light, bright environment in which to work and enjoy each other’s company.

Solid Green offices

Our people have always been our greatest asset and, this year, we were delighted to welcome five new team members on board – Kayce Theunissen, Elri Syfert, Bosa Mochotlhi, Thato Mohale, and Hannah Watt (from intern to real employee).

Our shared commitment

As we continue to drive transformation and sustainability in the built environment, we are deeply grateful for the commitment that we share with you towards a more regenerative future for both people and planet. We look forward to continuing this journey in 2024, and wish you and your loved ones a relaxing and enjoyable holiday season!

The post 2023 – WHAT A JOURNEY! appeared first on Solid Green Consulting.

During the opening plenary Lisa Reynolds, CEO of the GBCSA, introduced attendees to the “Step Change”. Green buildings are not only for the elite anymore. If we are planning on meeting the set goals, everyone must embrace the concept of green. Dr Sara Candiracca, Associate Director from Arup, reiterated this concept by stating that we need to find solutions that address different age groups, social climate conditions and genders to create spaces that address specific needs, but at the same time benefit everyone.

Adrie Fourie from Solid Green Consulting presented on the value of places and how to design for sustainable wellbeing, which tied in very well with the theme. According to Adrie, people must be placed at the forefront of design, with focus on the integration of buildings into the urban fabric while delivering places that increase social cohesion. Andre Harms from Ecolution shared a success story with the delegates, Newinbosch, that speaks to this way of design.

Worldwide the focus is on switching to renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. However, with unlimited renewable energy we will consume more, develop more and expedite planetary pressure. In his discussion, John Vlismas from OGO Creative suggested that we are not treating the real problem. We have to listen to the “have lesser”. Their economies are working much more efficiently than ours.

Cebisa Mafukuzela from Solid Green’s presentation continued this discussion. She encouraged the delegates to look within for inspiration, to look at their communities, to look at history and place and use it as a driver to inspire more sustainable design in buildings, not only environmentally but also culturally.

With day zero always on the horizon, we saw water taking the center stage. Water is a precious and essential resource, but in South Africa it has become a source of concern. According to Murendeni Mafumo, CEO and Founder of Kusini Water, the nation’s water issues are multifaceted and require a coordinated effort to ensure a sustainable and equitable supply for all. Furthermore, water should be priced correctly, and overuse should be disincentivised. This will mean mandatory monitoring and reporting to a set standard.

The convention was not all work and no play. Paper and pencils were provided by the GBCSA. Delegates were encouraged to doodle their learnings and pin their sketches up for everyone to see.

Solid Green, together with industry partners, arranged an AP Connect Party for the Wednesday evening. The event provided an excellent opportunity to reconnect, share insights, and foster meaningful connections within our professional community. Attendees were also challenged to find 10 people with the same colour sticker and to take a selfie. This served as an excellent ice breaker!

The Gala Dinner on Thursday evening was sponsored by Balwin Properties. Everyone cleaned up nicely in their white/red attire. The Leadership Awards for 2023 were also presented at the Gala Dinner and Solid Green walked away with a whopping 4 awards.

It was a convention for the books. We were reminded that how we think about and define spaces is important! It has a direct and significant impact on people and nature. Space moves, it builds, it grows, it teaches – it is a transformative part of our everyday lives. It’s through rethinking space that we’re bringing buildings and places to life that redefines the built environment.

The post Y/OUR SPACE – Green Building Convention 2023 appeared first on Solid Green Consulting.