Closer collaboration between construction and commercial real estate companies could help provide more cost-effective, efficient solutions to challenges such as the ongoing energy crisis in South Africa.

One of the region’s biggest construction conferences - Big 5 Construct Southern Africa - has partnered with Broll Property Group for the key industry gathering, which will take place from 27 to 29 June at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

Chief Operating Officer of Integrated Facilities Management at Broll Property Group, Batabile Sibaca, says the partnership presents an opportunity for both sectors to collaborate in game-changing ways.

“The construction company builds a facility, it hands it over to us and we maintain it - and that’s it. There has never been a partnership throughout the whole building process. But what if facilities management (FM) tapped into the process during the design phase, and had more engagement with architects, consultants and project managers?

“If you look at the energy crisis, an FM company could advise on how to incorporate the likes of solar and utility systems before a building is constructed. Then you have a structure that you know is going to meet the needs of clients and be fitted for optimal management from the beginning.”

Organisers behind this year’s Big 5 Construct Southern Africa, Amedzo Trading and Projects, say they approached Broll because they were searching for a relevant partner in the real estate space.

Dr Julia Petla, MD of Amedzo Trading and Projects, says this year’s Big 5 Construct Southern Africa will be focused on helping the industry future-proof amid a myriad of challenges - a global economic crunch and ongoing concerns about energy, amongst others.

“Some key trends in the construction space in the South African context include combatting loadshedding and its effects on the business of construction and a focus on sustainable development.

“Many construction leaders, such as ourselves at Amedzo, are looking to partner with global property players like Broll to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. This partnership can help the construction industry to tap into new markets, gain access to supply chains, and leverage data-driven insights for making better business decisions.

“A key way to navigate difficult times is through strong partnerships,” said Petla.

Director of Strategy and Consulting at Cushman & Wakefield | Broll, ‘Mantsi Moiloa, says the collaboration with Amedzo on the event is also an important first step toward getting construction and commercial real estate to join forces to advocate around issues that are affecting both sectors.

“Nobody can deliver premium quality by thinking they’re an island. You have to open the doors and initiate conversations.

“If we succeed and we are able to create an environment where portfolios continue to operate and continue to be a good asset class for investment, that directly impacts future pipelines on construction.

“So we’re invested in each other’s futures whether we like it or not,” Moiloa said.