What We Do

The Council for the Built Environment (CBE) is a Schedule 3A Public Entity that reports to the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. It is a regulatory body established under the Council for the Built Environment Act (No. 43 of 2000) (the CBE Act). The CBE was established for the purpose of instilling good conduct within built environment professions, mobilising transformation in the built environment professions, protecting the interest of the public and advising the South African Government on Built Environment related issues.

Our Mandate

The mandate of the CBE, as stated in section 3 of the CBE Act 43 of 2000 is to:

a. promote and protect the interest of the public in the built environment;
b. promote and maintain a sustainable built environment and natural environment;
c. promote ongoing human resources development in the built environment;
d. facilitate participation by the built environment professions in integrated development in the context of national goals;
e. promote appropriate standards of health, safety and environmental protection within the built environment;
f. promote sound governance of the built environment professions;
g. promote liaison in the field of training in the Republic and elsewhere and to promote the standards of such training in the Republic;
h. serve as a forum where the built environment professions may discuss the relevant
  • required qualifications;
  • standards of education;
  • training and competence;
  • promotion of professional status; and
  • legislation impacting on the built environment; and
  • ensure uniform application of norms and guidelines set by the councils for the professions throughout the built environment.