Our director, Chilu Lombe, accompanied by two of our HOD’s Makhosazana Mthetwa and Wardah Peters, spent the week in Nairobi, delivering the course to a delegation of Kenyan Sustainability Professionals. Developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the DfGE course equips built environment professionals with the tools and knowledge to design climate-smart, resource-efficient buildings.

As a proud member of the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) and supporter of the KGBS, Solid Green brought its technical expertise and practical experience to the training, ensuring participants received both deep theoretical insights and practical application skills. Turner & Townsend, a valued member of both GBCSA and KGBS, also provided strategic support, further strengthening the programme’s impact and reach.

Said Wardah Peters:

As a facilitator, the experience was highly rewarding — guiding participants through interactive sessions, case studies and hands-on exercises. It was fulfilling to witness their growing confidence in applying sustainable design principles, engaging in lively discussions, and successfully completing the final project, leaving them equipped to apply greener building practices.

A First for Cross-Continental Collaboration

What made this session truly remarkable was both its technical depth and the spirit of collaboration it fostered. For the first time, members of KGBS and GBCSA came together in a formal training setting to engage with material on a technical level, but also to learn, engage and envision a future where green building leadership is united under the banner of One Africa.

This moment reflected a growing momentum across the continent. It was a key indicator of shared goals and highlights how joint learning platforms can accelerate Africa’s green transition.

The Impact: Knowledge, Networks and Next Steps

Solid Green believes that capacity building is not just about transferring knowledge, it is about shaping leaders who can adapt, innovate and inspire change in their communities and in the communities of those they interact with.

The programme, accredited with 3 CPD credits, concluded with a final design project and IFC certification. Participants gained knowledge in bioclimatic strategies, resource efficiency, and financial feasibility. They left the three-day course with:

• Enhanced technical competence in applying climate-smart design principles.
• A shared network that bridges national boundaries, enabling ongoing collaboration between East and Southern Africa.
• A renewed commitment to advancing sustainable development goals in their respective contexts.

Gratitude and Looking Ahead

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the KGBS, Turner & Townsend, and all the passionate professionals who joined us in this transformative experience. The Nairobi session is just the beginning. As we look ahead, Solid Green remains committed to deepening our partnerships and driving green building innovation across the continent.