This New Buildings: Green Policy (NBGP) is the first of its kind in South Africa specifically for net zero carbon buildings. This policy will create an ‘enabling framework’ to support implementation of the policy goals that would include regulatory elements, awareness, capacity development and net zero carbon design guidance manuals for the public. The eThekwini Municipality aims to ensure that this policy will be responsive to sector needs and contains a process for evaluation and review. As a result, the findings and learnings will be shared with other South African and international cities. Additionally, every effort will be made to improve the ease of doing business in the eThekwini Municipal Area and for purposes of this policy, this includes the development of building design tools that supports uniformity of application documentation and ease of compliance monitoring ​

The eThekwini Municipal Council granted authorisation for the eThekwini Municipality in September 2020, to engage in a Public Consultation Period to seek comments on the New Buildings Green Policy. The consultation period was open from 24 October 2020, and closed on 15 January 2021. The Final New Buildings Green Policy was adopted on 29 April 2021.

The Final Policy can be found here​​.