ABOUT US

Imbue covers the entire journey. With technical expertise and a deep understanding of sustainability in the built environment, Imbue Sustainability’s multidisciplinary team supports property developers, corporates, asset and portfolio managers, and institutions as they navigate the complexities of transforming their assets to achieve sustainability, peak performance, and profitability.

Imbue covers the entire journey for both new builds and existing assets – from feasibility and design, to implementation, maintenance and continuous monitoring – giving clients confidence that their environmental ESG commitments are met.

Based in Cape Town, working primarily in South Africa, Imbue has a firm footprint in Gauteng and other provinces. Additionally, Imbue’s services now extend to other African countries, with initial projects underway in Kenya and Botswana.

OUR TEAM

SIMON PENSO

ND Mech. Eng. – Director & Founder

  • A mechanical engineer by training, Simon mastered the management of transitioning ‘ordinary’ buildings into flagship examples of sustainability. His big picture approach to the planning and execution of sustainability initiatives across renewable energy and building performance, ensures outstanding outcomes and return on investment for clients. 

    While Simon works with a strong team to oversee all aspects of operations at Imbue Sustainability, he is also a Director of Solid Green, where he established and heads up the Solid Green Performance division. All green building consulting projects and certifications are undertaken by Solid Green, and Imbue Sustainability focuses on its industry-leading services in renewable energy solutions and utility optimisation. The collaboration between the two companies ensures a comprehensive and focused approach for every client.

    During his time as Managing Director of Spire Sustainable Solutions and National Facility Manager for Spire Property Management, Simon was involved in the positioning of the Tower Property Fund as a green fund: identifying the potential for and implementing green initiatives to transform the portfolio ahead of its listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange as a Real Estate Investment Trust.

    Simon serves as a Green Star SA Assessor, providing independent assessment services to the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA), and is a Green Star SA Faculty member. He presents green building training workshops on existing buildings, and is a member of the Green Star SA Technical Advisory Group for GBCSA. In 2023 Simon received the GBCSA Leadership Award: Established Green Star, recognising his significant contribution to sustainability initiatives in the built environment.

    Simon draws inspiration from the great outdoors, where he loves sailing, mountain biking, hiking, fly fishing and travel.

Jenni LombaRD

BSc. (Hons) – Head of Projects

Tobie Steyn

BSc.Eng (Chem) – Head of Data Analytics

  • From inception to completion and beyond, Tobie ensures sound qualitative and quantitative analysis to assess viability, risk, and ongoing performance to maximise financial, social, and environmental returns. Tobie continues to hone the company’s technical systems, tool development, and internal methodologies, focusing on accuracy and transparency in all of Imbue’s data work and reporting.

    In his free time Tobie pursues a host of hobbies in music, video media, writing, and fitness.

DANON Pina

BSc. (Hons) – Head of Projects

  • Danon started at Imbue as a Green Star consultant, but his focus quickly shifted to the renewable energy side of the company. Danon has now managed over 10 MWp of solar PV projects. His project and programme management skills are complemented by a strong foundation in operational oversight and business development, enabling him to align technical solutions with client objectives. Passionate about creating meaningful environmental impact, Danon combines his construction experience with sustainability-focused consulting to deliver projects that are both practical and future-focused. Outside of his professional work, he is an avid trail runner, outdoor enthusiast, and photographer.

  • Prior to this, Jenni spent 16 years in corporate interior design and facilities management, collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders to deliver innovative and functional workplace solutions. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong ability to motivate and lead teams, fostering collaborative environments that emphasise quality, efficiency, and sustainability.

    As the Business Partnership Lead at Imbue Sustainability, Jenni focuses on fostering strong collaborations with clients, contractors, and strategic partners to drive the integration of sustainable principles across all stages of the building lifecycle. Her approach emphasises aligning business objectives with environmental goals, ensuring that sustainability delivers both long-term value and measurable impact.

    Jenni is an avid runner who stops to admire the view, or to investigate small plants along the way.

Chelsea Botha

BA (Hons), LLB, PGDip – Operations Lead

  • Chelsea combines a background in environmental science, law, and property to bring operational structure and legal precision to Imbue’s solar operations. With an Honours degree in Environmental Science, an LLB, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice, she integrates scientific understanding with legal and organisational insight. At Imbue, Chelsea oversees internal and external operations, manages stakeholder relationships and performance, provides internal legal guidance and contract management, and supports the coordination and development of the company’s Solar Asset Management services. She streamlines systems and processes to ensure project efficiency, operational excellence, and seamless client communication.

    Driven by a passion for the environment, Chelsea has always sought to make a positive impact in her career. Her interdisciplinary interests in environmental and trade law and policy, carbon offsetting, climate science, and restoration ecology, shape her systems-thinking approach delivering exceptional value to Imbue’s clients with practical, lasting sustainability solutions.

Bea van Huyssteen

BSc. PGDip. – PA & Project Administrator

  • Bea is a sustainability graduate with a passion for integrating environmental principles into everyday business practice. With a Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Development and a BSc in Human Life Sciences from Stellenbosch University, she brings both analytical and human-centred thinking to her work.


    At Imbue Sustainability, Bea supports project coordination and operational excellence across the company, ensuring smooth alignment between the Director’s strategic goals and the team’s delivery. Her role spans project administration, client liaison, and organisational management. Her background in renewable energy recruitment sharpened her understanding of the sector’s evolving landscape and laid the foundation for her ability to navigate complex sustainability projects.


    Outside of work, Bea enjoys exploring the local art, design, and music scenes, often finding inspiration in creative spaces. She also loves crafting jewellery and spending time in nature, drawing balance between creativity and calm.

Zainodine Dawood

BSc.Eng (Mechatronics) – Jnr Project Eng

  • Zainodine brings a unique blend of analytical precision and creativity to his role at Imbue Sustainability. Currently pursuing a degree in Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Cape Town, he is driven by a passion for building a better, more sustainable future through innovative technical solutions.

    As a Projects and Developments Intern, Zainodine provides crucial support to the project implementation team. Working closely with Danon Pina, the Head of Projects, he assists in the delivery of renewable energy initiatives, with a focus on rooftop solar PV projects. He applies his engineering mindset and skills in problem-solving and schematic design to help turn complex project requirements into tangible assets that deliver both environmental and economic returns

    Outside of his work, Zainodine is a dedicated mentor in the Ikigai mentorship program and a proven leader, having served as captain for his basketball and soccer teams. His interests in painting and drawing fuel the collaborative and creative spirit he contributes to the Imbue team.