We are proud to announce this major milestone in sustainable infrastructure on the African continent. This pioneering effort demonstrates that sustainable, environmentally friendly public buildings are not only feasible but also essential for healthier communities.

Leading this initiative are Sinenhlanhla Primary School and Julius Sebolai Primary School, which now serve as exemplars in the education sector. These schools showcase how green practices can improve indoor environments, benefiting students and staff alike. In healthcare, De Wagensdrift Clinic and Kekana Gardens Clinic are paving the way to become the first clinics in Africa to earn this certification, emphasising the importance of healthy indoor environments for patient recovery and staff wellbeing.

GPDID’s commitment to sustainability is evident in these projects, which illustrate the social, environmental and economic benefits of green buildings. Achieving the Green Star rating highlights the potential for operational efficiency, environmental leadership, and the positive impact on future generations – especially since young students are the primary occupants, providing an early opportunity to instil sustainability awareness. For both schools and the clinics, this also means more resilient healthcare spaces and healthier learning environments where there are improvements in natural lighting, improved air quality, comfortable indoor temperatures and well-performing buildings.

Ms Ngcebo Nsimbini, Project Manager for Green Star Certification at GPDID, said:

Certifying and upgrading our public facilities to Green Star standards is a transformative step. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about creating spaces that support health, education, and sustainability in totality. For the DID, this demonstrates our commitment to improving existing buildings towards future ready public assets that serve communities responsibly.

Adapting the Green Star EBP framework for schools and clinics involved tailored strategies. Unlike traditional commercial buildings, these facilities consist of multiple structures with diverse functions – classrooms, offices, wards, and support spaces – that operate collectively. The certification process focused on spaces where occupants spend extended periods, such as classrooms, laboratories, wards, and waiting areas.

Key adaptations included:

• Certifying entire properties as single entities.
• Defining regularly occupied spaces, including work areas, large event spaces, and learning or treatment environments.
• Customising criteria for lighting, indoor air quality, and energy use across all buildings.
• Conducting occupant surveys with staff and patients to assess indoor environmental quality and comfort.
• Implementing sustainable policies, periodic audits, and energy monitoring systems to track efficiency.

Danika Taylor, Lead Accredited Professional (AP) at Solid Green, reflected:

One of the most rewarding aspects was seeing children’s excitement during the onsite measurements. It’s a reminder of how impactful green building practices can be, especially when engaging young minds. Adapting our approach for these typologies was both a challenge and an opportunity to develop new methodologies that could inspire more schools and clinics to pursue green ratings.

This collaboration underscores a shared vision: to lead by example in sustainable building practices. Whether in education or healthcare, these projects prove that green certifications are attainable and vital for fostering healthier, more sustainable communities. They set a powerful precedent for the future of public infrastructure across Africa.