South Africa - International Franchise Association

For More Information
The U.S. Commercial Service in Johannesburg, South Africa can be contacted via e-mail at:
Johan.vanRensburg@ trade.gov; Phone: +27-11- 290-3208; Fax: +27-11- 884-0253 or visit
our website: http://export.gov/southafrica/index.asp
Green Building Technologies Return to top
Overview Return to top
Although no formal statistics are currently recorded for green building products in South
Africa, the current building and construction materials market is estimated at about
$11.88 billion per annum, with 60% sold direct to end-users and 40% via the
distribution/merchant network. Of this total of $11.88 billion, $2.12 billion (18%) of
materials would be used in the additions, alterations and home improvement market
(including unrecorded home improvement).
South Africa presents potentially lucrative opportunities for U.S. firms involved in Green
Building Technologies (GBT). By developed-economy standards, South Africa
continues to lag far behind in its adoption of green building practices. However, the
notion of green building is gathering momentum in South Africa with an array of projects
currently in the pipeline. This, in turn, is making green building an increasingly feasible
option with regards to longevity, efficiency, and the reduction of operation costs in the
long run.
The South African Government together with the private sector recognizes the need for
energy-efficient building systems and practices. To achieve a green and sustainable
building culture, South Africa requires extensive international, financial and technical
support. Green building technologies and practices from developed countries, such as
the U.S, are sought after.
The South African Government’s progressive green policy is exemplified in South
Africa’s involvement with the World Green Building Council (WGBC), where it utilized the
expertise and guidance of other nations in establishing the Green Building Council of
South Africa (GBCSA) in November 2008. The GBCSA develops rating tools according
to market demand, and has reported that the interest in green building and sustainability
has not slowed, despite the economic downturn.
GBCSA launched the Green Star South Africa rating tool for office developments, which
is freely available on the council’s website at www.gbcsa.org.za . It is set to provide the
benchmark against which sustainable building practices can be measured. This rating
tool draws from the original UK and U.S. systems (as well as, particularly, from
Australian and New Zealand systems owing to their similar climates), and aims to
provide objective measurements for green buildings.
Sub-Sector Best Prospects Return to top
Green Technologies in the following categories offer opportunities for U.S. companies:
• Natural Heating and Cooling; Natural Lighting (design of buildings to make
optimal use of day-lighting) and Energy-Saving Lighting technologies.