+IMPACT MAGAZINE ISSUE 27

GREENOVATE AWARDS
GREENOVATE AWARDS
PROPTECH CATEGORY AWARDS
IFC EDGE PRIZE
First prize: Oelinga by Songo Didiza and Zadok Olinga
Second prize: Kaizen by Rob Whiteley
Winner: Mahima Maharaj – UCT
Project: Growing bio-building materials from CO2
“Winning the Greenovate award has introduced our
cutting-edge technology to the real estate environment
in a meaningful way. With real-time data, our real estate
clients will be able to make informed decisions to reduce
their utility costs, carbon footprint and operating costs. We
believe that the timing of this technology is opportune as it
supports our clients plan for clean energy projects and thus
helps in circumventing their exposure to the carbon tax.”
This award is a step
forward in realising
a future where our
built environment
aligns seamlessly
with the principles
of sustainability.
From left: Grahame Cruickshanks (Growthpoint Properties), second-prize winner in the
Proptech category, Rob Whiteley for Kaizen, and Georgina Smit (GBCSA)
From left: Grahame Cruickshanks (Growthpoint
Properties), Yayeri Kisaame, Private Sector
Development , Swiss Government State –
Secretariat for Economic Affairs, IFC, EDGE
prize winner Mahima Maharaj, UCT student, and
Georgina Smit (GBCSA)
From left: Grahame Cruickshanks (Growthpoint Properties), first-prize winners in
the Proptech category, Zadok Olinga and Songo Didiza for Oelinga, and Georgina
Smit (GBCSA)
“The Greenovate award wasn’t just a pat on the back – it
was a launchpad. My RWA-backed STO, Kaizen, soared
into a vibrant hub of green champions – fertile ground
for sustainable real estate. Greenovate’s mantra ‘expose,
introduce, encourage’ resonated. It illuminated industry
needs, connected me to key players and ignited a passion
to build better, greener cities. Every future pitch will echo
their call: be an advocate for green buildings, a builder of
better futures. The fuel, the connections, the exposure
– Greenovate amplified my dream, propelling me from
entrepreneur to founder, from dream to reality. It gave
me a voice, purpose and platform: Revolutionizing Real
Estate Investment and Greening the Planet. One Building
at a Time.”
“For me, the true value of this award lies not in the personal
recognition but in the opportunity it provides to spotlight
the urgency of rethinking our approach to construction
materials. It is a reminder that our current practices are
not just unsustainable; they contribute significantly to
environmental challenges. My focus is on showcasing the
possibilities of cultivating bio-building materials using
carbon dioxide and bacteria, which not only addresses the
environmental impact but also opens avenues for innovative,
eco-friendly construction solutions. This award is a step
forward in realising a future where our built environment
aligns seamlessly with the principles of sustainability. It
is an invitation to join a larger conversation and work
collaboratively towards a greener, more sustainable world.”
Third prize: Learn Base Energy by Mokete Ratlabala
“The Awards mean a lot for Learn Base Energy, especially
showcasing the technology that has been built to industry
experts and to students in pursuit of their own technological
development – that they can also take a project from
university to a fully commercial product that can be
put out in the marketplace. Since participating in the
competition, Learn Base’s technology has become available
at major retailers.”
From left: Grahame Cruickshanks (Growthpoint Properties), third-prize winner in the
Proptech category, Mokete Ratlabala for Learn Base Energy, and Georgina Smit (GBCSA)
A WIN-WIN
Greenovate introduces young talent to the latest
sustainability concepts and connects them with top
sustainability influencers and property companies. This
opportunity serves as a launchpad for their careers and
expands the green talent pool for Growthpoint, the green
building movement and South Africa’s overall benefit. The
programme also fosters lasting networks and partnerships
among participants.
Students from all South African universities are invited
to participate in the Greenovate Awards and can register
at https://www.greenovatecompetition.co.za/register/.
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POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 27
POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 27
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