Who we are
We are a team of passionate green building consultants and engineers dedicated to delivering measurable, high-performing, and people-oriented solutions.
Our founding story
Inspired by the coldest, driest place on Earth…
Ecolution was established by André Harms in 2011 in response to the need for market transformation and gaccountability encompassing more sustainable and responsible design, construction, operation and maintenance in the built environment.
André had spent over a year in Antarctica from 2010 to 2011 working for SANAP at the South African Antarctic base as the team leader and head engineer. It was there that his passion for the environment was brought face to face with the critical situation we are facing on our planet. Living for 14 months in complete isolation with his small team, he became acutely aware of humankind’s reliance on energy, as well as our propensity to produce waste. He returned to South Africa and founded Ecolution as the first step in the right direction.
Our Vision & Values
We believe businesses must be a force for good.
That’s why we partner with clients who share our commitment to reimagining the built environment through transforming buildings into future-ready investments that preserve, inspire, and endure. We also actively implement the principles we recommend to our clients within our own operations and always aim to live by our values:
Passion | Lead with purpose and bring others along
Adaptability | Stay curious and find the best path forward
Authenticity | Step into truth and do it with care
To learn more about our internal sustainability head to our sustainability page.
Meet the team
The Ecolution Consulting team is based in Cape Town and Johannesburg. A dedicated group of individuals who not only apply sustainability in their business approach, but in their day-to-day lives. It is the infectious passion of each team member at Ecolution Consulting that makes the success of the business, and its positive impact, possible.
André Harms
Founder, Director & Sustainability Engineer
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BEng Electro-Mechanical Engineering (UCT)
Renewable Energy Professional (REP)
Qualified Commissioning Process Provider (QCxP)
Green Star SA Accredited Professional (GSSA AP+ for New Build, Existing Building Performance, Sustainable Precincts)
Net Zero Accredited Professional
EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) Expert & Auditor (GBCSA)
Assessor, Reviewer, Technical Advisory Panel & Faculty Member (GBCSA)
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Founder, director and lead engineer, André Harms, has a degree in Electro-Mechanical Engineering and a passion for the environment. This is a fundamental combination that has led André into the field of green building and sustainability consulting in the built environment.
Having worked in various engineering sectors for several years André has racked up valuable experience. Areas of experience include a few years in industrial design, homologation and 14 months in Antarctica as mechanical engineer and team leader of the SANAE overwintering expedition. André is a certified Renewable Energy Professional and is recognised by The Association of Energy Engineers. André has also served on the Technical Advisory Panel for the contextualisation of the Green Star SA sustainable precincts tool and was a lecturer and external examiner for the Environment and Services course of the 2nd and 3rd year architecture students at UCT.
When not in the office you are likely to find André enjoying the outdoors through various avenues such as camping safaris, hiking and rock climbing among others.
Ayesha Nakhwa
Sustainability Engineer
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BEng Chemical Engineering (UCT)
MSc Eng Chemical Engineering (UCT)
Certified Measurement and Verification Professional
EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) Expert
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Ayesha Nakhwa has a Masters degree in Chemical Engineering with previous consulting experience. With a keen interest in efficiency and developing solutions to complex problems she joined Ecolution Consulting to be able to see the positive impact of her work.
In her spare time, Ayesha enjoys spending time with her loved ones, baking and going for walks.
Sibulele Candy Jonas
Business Administrator
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National Higher Certificate in Accountancy – Cost and Management Accounting (CPUT)
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Sibulele obtained a National Higher Certificate in Accountancy (Majoring in Cost and Management Accounting) at CPUT.
Previously employed as an administration clerk at the Department of Health, Afrika Tikkun and Lewis group, she then decided to expand her knowledge in accounting, business management and sustainability by joining Ecolution consulting. She is very excited about joining the team because she believes in being environmentally responsible.
In her spare time she enjoys reading books, spending quality time with her family and friends and trying out new recipes in the kitchen.
Ashley Champion
Sustainability Consultant
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Bachelor of Architecture (NUST)
Master of Science in Sustainability and Behaviour change (LJMU)
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Ashley’s background in architecture ignited a passion for biophilic design, where nature seamlessly integrates into the built environment. This, coupled with a growing awareness of the construction industry’s impact on our planet, led her to pursue a Master of Science in Sustainability and Behaviour at LJMU (CAT). She finds that being able to leverage these combined passions for green building is a dream come true!
Her Master’s delved into the captivating relationship between building design, occupant behaviour, and societal norms, with a particular focus on how these elements influence and are influenced by sustainability policies. This deeper understanding of the intricate link between behaviour and policy empowers Ashley to craft effective sustainable design solutions that not only consider the physical environment but also encourage positive occupant behaviours that contribute to a building’s overall environmental performance.
When Ashley is not working on creating greener spaces, she enjoys keeping active with Pilates, and is always seeking new ways to connect with nature, whether it’s a scenic hike or a picnic on the beach.
Dr James Joubert
Senior Sustainability Engineer & Engineering Operations Manager
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PhD Mechanical Engineering (SU)
MSc Eng Coastal Engineering (SU)
BEng Civil Engineering (SU)
EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) Expert
SANS 10400 XA Competent Person
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James’ love of the ocean and passion for sustainable development solutions guided him to pursue a postgraduate studies in wave energy conversion, where he also gained valuable consultancy experience.
Since then, the desire to find practical ways to implement measures that reduce the impact of development on the natural environment has led him to the sustainable- and green building industry. First as a project manager for an eco-residential property developer and currently applying his problem-solving engineering skills to sustainable development at Ecolution.
When not working, I enjoy being outdoors in nature – either surfing, playing football with friends or walking/running in the mountains with my dog Sprout.
Obayd Hoosain
Sustainability Consultant
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BSc Construction Studies (UCT)
BSc Honours Quantity Surveying (UCT)
Candidate Quantity Surveyor (IT7530)
EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) Expert
Green Star Accredited Professional (Green Star AP New Build)Green Star SA Accredited Professional (Existing Building Performance)
PGDip Sustainable Development (SU)
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Obayd is a qualified Quantity Surveyor with a B.Sc. in Construction Studies and B.Sc. Honors in Quantity Surveying. After working within the engineering and build environment for several years, he then returned to his studies to embark on a journey which led to following his passion in completing a Post-Grad in Sustainable Development. With a background in Quantity Surveying, engaging in roles within property development and consultancy realms has definitely exposed him to an array of project experience. Having worked within the green building sector, he has utilized his prior knowledge and new skills sets to guide and co-ordinated multiple project teams to achieve EDGE certifications. This has defined his focus on incorporating sustainable practices within the engineering and build environment. When asked why he pursued becoming a Sustainability Consultant :‘I decided to embark on a journey with like minded people that hopes to see sustainable change beyond the status quo”.
In his spare time you can find Obayd outdoors hiking and running in the mountains, or taking full advantage of the surf breaks around Cape Town when he’s not chasing down sunrises and sunsets with his camera.
Justine Powrie
Senior Sustainability Consultant
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Green Star SA Accredited Professional (GSSA AP+ for New Build & Interiors)
Designing for Greater Efficiency (DfGE)
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Justine began her career in interior design, specialising in corporate and high-end residential projects. Later she transitioned into construction project management and sustainability consulting, where she applied a holistic approach that spans from concept design to operational delivery. With a strong passion for green buildings and user comfort, she is committed to finding practical and innovative solutions that benefit both people and the planet.
Outside of work, she enjoys being outdoors, cooking, and spending quality time with her loved ones and pets. She values her ability to laugh and find happiness in all situations, which helps her stay positive and enjoy every present moment.
Anja Oosthuysen
Sustainability Consultant
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BDES Environmental Design (Inscape)
BDES Hons (Inscape)
BCom Management Sciences (SU)
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Anja’s profound passion for the environment has consistently been the key motivator for her decisions, personally and professionally.
After earning her BCom from Stellenbosch University, she ventured into sustainable design and achieved an honours degree in Environmental Design. Her thesis explored the potential of nature-based solutions for regenerative architectural design, aiming to restore local ecosystems. Graduating with distinction, she became part of the Ecolution Family, contributing to the EDGE department.
Outside of work, Anja enjoys hiking Cape Town’s scenic trails, spending time with her rescue cats, or experimenting with new recipes. Her research interests span biomimicry, vernacular architecture, natural building, and ecology.
Dr Edmund Meyer
Sustainability Engineer & Energy Modeller
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PhD in Civil Engineering, which was upgraded from a Masters in Structural Engineering
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Edmund is a qualified Civil Engineer with a PhD in Civil Engineering, which was upgraded from a Masters in Structural Engineering. During his post-graduate studies, his exposure to sustainable design and love for façade engineering led him to pursue a career in sustainability engineering.
Edmund joined Ecolution to complement his technical knowledge of building thermal performance with real-world project problem-solving and the application of sustainable solutions.
In his spare time, he is found buying new toys for his cat, listening to a podcast, and visiting cafés and restaurants with his wife.
Asanda Gwala
Sustainability Consultant
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BSc Honours in Quantity Surveying (Wits)
BSc in Construction Studies (Wits)
EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) Expert
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Asanda holds a BSc in Construction Studies degree and a BSc Honours in Quantity Surveying degree, both earned from the University of the Witwatersrand.
During his final year, Asanda co-authored a research paper titled “The Perceptions of Relevant Stakeholders in the Use of Artificial Photosynthesis for Carbon Capture,” which received 2nd place in the Property category at the 2022 Greenovate Awards hosted by Growthpoint Properties in collaboration with The Green Building Council of South Africa. This study explored how Artificial Photosynthesis Technology can serve as a renewable energy solution in buildings, with the aim of reducing carbon emissions in the construction industry. This research significantly fueled his passion for sustainability in the built environment.
Additionally, Asanda has completed the EDGE Expert training to further strengthen his qualifications in Green Building and Sustainability. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer with friends and experimenting with new cooking recipes.
Nonhlanhla Mathabela
Sustainability Consultant
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Bachelor of Architectural Studies (UKZN)
Green Star SA Accredited Professional (GSSA AP+ for New Builds)
Eco Districts Accredited Professional
EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) Expert
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Nonhlanhla has a bachelor’s degree in architecture and while working in a few architecture firms, she saw the need for sustainable solutions to improve the overall efficiency of buildings. This led her to working in the Sustainability/Green Building industry. Her motivating force is her passion for sustainability and participating in reducing and redressing the negative impact of buildings on the environment.
Her technical background and experience in architectural firms equipped with a solid foundation for tackling advanced sustainable performance questions as a Green Star SA AP has contributed towards numerous Green Star SA certifications and building performance modelling projects.
When not in the office, Nonhlanhla can be found spending time with her family and friends, trying out recipes at home, going to restaurants or coffee shops, travelling and taking walks.
Wendall Coenraad
Sustainability Engineer & Energy Modeller
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BSc Hons Laser Physics (SUN)
BSc Physics (SU)
BEng Mechanical Engineering (SU)
SANS 10400 XA Competent Person
Design Builder Modeller
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Wendall is a qualified mechanical engineer and laser physicist. His love of the environment and keen interest in green transport led to a career as a simulation engineer in the motor vehicle industry developing South Africa’s first electric vehicle, where he specialised in thermal comfort and cooling systems. His insatiable curiosity and need to expand his mathematical analysis skills set him off on a path towards laser physics where he specialized in modelling, simulating and testing high resolution optical
imaging techniques.
After graduating with degrees in laser physics, he joined the Ecolution team as a sustainability and energy modelling engineer.
This move came after bouts of self reflection saw him yearning to return to his roots and look for ways to address the very apparent problem of climate change. Here he hopes to apply his varied skillset to help with their drive towards meaningful change in the building space.
He spends much of his spare time out for walks, cycling, reading or socialising with friends and family. Always trying to make
full use of the glorious natural surroundings of his home in Cape Town.
Work with us
As the industry grows and demand for our services increases, we are often looking for more talented and skilled individuals to join our team. Are you interested in joining us on our mission? If so, drop us a line.