Programme Committee
Research and Content Manager, GBCSA
Abi Godsell serves as research and content coordinator for the GBCSA. She is passionate about showcasing South African excellence in the green arena, engaging with researchers, and supporting the next generation of bright minds in our local sustainability space. Their urban planning background, and city spatial policy experience grounds the hope they hold for a greener global future, led by South Africa’s built environment experts, and partners across the continent. Linkedin
Chief Operations Officer, Jozi My Jozi
Diale Lodi is a qualified Urban and Regional Planner with over 20 years of experience in urban and development planning. His expertise spans spatial and collaborative planning, land use planning, GIS, urban policy, and intergovernmental planning. He began his career in the private sector, then moved into development cooperation and academia before transitioning to government, where he held senior roles in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape. At the national level, he played a key role in implementing the Integrated Urban Development Framework and the District Development Model at the Department of Cooperative Governance. Linkedin
Head of Sustainable Finance, Absa CIB
Heidi heads up the sustainable finance team at Absa CIB, based in Johannesburg. She has over 10 years of banking experience. Within Banking, her experience spans retail and investment banking, inhouse consulting and Debt Capital Markets. Heidi developed and built the Absa Sustainable Finance capability within Absa and has delivered client focused sustainable finance solutions across the African continent. Heidi holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Industrial Engineering from the University of Pretoria and an MPhil in Engineering for Sustainable Development from the University of Cambridge. Linkedin
Managing Director, Green Gap Consulting
Linus is a seasoned leader and environmentalist with a Doctorate in Chemical Engineering focused on waste and energy solutions in emerging economies and is completing an MBA in Leadership and Sustainability. As Managing Director of Green Gap, he drives sustainability consulting, having previously spent over a decade at the Don’t Waste Group, overseeing sustainability, software, and business development. He is also a director of the Zero Waste Foundation, advocating for waste minimisation and environmental conservation. A Net Zero Accredited Professional with the Green Building Council of South Africa, Linus specialises in sustainability strategy, circular economy, and Net Zero and Net Positive Waste Certifications. Linkedin
Sustainability Architect & Managing Director, MSSA
Chosen as one of the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans in 2023, Marc Sherratt is an award-winning Architect and Net Zero Accredited Professional that started his practice MSSA in 2017. He has grown this practice into an industry leader that has completed some of the most pioneering green buildings in South Africa. Marc holds a Master’s in Architecture (MTech Arch Tech Prof – Distinction Dissertation) from the University of Johannesburg and is currently completing a second Master’s in Sustainability Leadership in the Built Environment (MSt IDBE) through the University of Cambridge. Linkedin
(Photo Credit: Boitumelo Mazibuko)
Technical Principal, MPAMOT
Mike Aldous has over 29 years of experience in the Built Environment, with expertise in sustainability, climate resilience, and energy efficiency. He holds an MSc in Built Environment Sciences, a BCom in Property, and professional qualifications in civil engineering and project management. His work spans over 60 healthcare facilities, major projects like the 6-Star Department of Environmental Affairs Office and 2010 World Cup stadia, and contributions to GBCSA rating tools. Passionate about BIM and smart technologies, he integrates digital tools, AI, and data analytics to enhance sustainability and optimise built environments, with a strong focus on regenerative design and minimising environmental impact. Linkedin
Co-founder, Green Building Design Group
Songo Didiza is an Environmental and Sustainability (E&S) professional with over 15 years of experience in green infrastructure, ESG advisory, and sustainable municipal development across Southern Africa. As Co-founder of Green Building Design Group, she specialises in climate resilience, energy management, and public service improvements. Skilled in stakeholder engagement and ESG strategy, she helps clients achieve meaningful sustainability outcomes while aligning with local and global standards. She’s also a proud fur baby mom. Linkedin