My attendance at the Sustainable Energy day, part of Sustainability Week hosted by the CSIR in Pretoria, offered tangible evidence of a long held personal view: to get traction in ‘sustainability’ we have to utilise the power of commerce. I believe the burgeoning Green Economy has the potential to direct our behavior towards a sustainable future. The conference participants … [Read more...]
An eco logical approach to packaging
Like packaging, which preserves and protects products, Nampak preserves and protects the environment against the impact of packaging manufacture and waste. “As Africa’s largest and most diversified packaging company, we participate in extensive recycling initiatives and continue to invest significant resources into the development of more sustainable products so that … [Read more...]
Does Africa hold the key to the world’s energy crisis?
Africa has some of the most exciting and innovative solutions in the realm of renewable and sustainable energy and now these innovations could be rewarded too. The Zayed Future Energy Prize was established by the United Arab Emirates government to inspire and ignite the great minds of the 21st century to come up with innovative solutions and implement projects that can … [Read more...]
Natural Building part 1: What is it?
Natural Building means different things to different people. Personally, I can’t view natural building in isolation from sustainability and sustainable building, writes Peter McIntosh, natural builder, in the first article in his series about this topic. Sustainability requires that we view ourselves as part of an ecosystem. In a sustainable system the materials your house … [Read more...]
Inspiration and effort recognised in KZN
Nikki Brighton received a certificate for outstanding commitment and contribution to the natural environment of KwaZulu Natal, in recognition of her efforts to promote the cause of conservation in the province. This happened at the KZN Conservancies Association AGM recently. Despite being relatively new to the Conservancy movement, Nikki has had a big impact. Dargle … [Read more...]
French energy minister promises 100,000 green jobs
Segolene Royal, appointed French energy and environment minister this month, said she planned to create 100,000 jobs in the next three years with a drive for green growth. Royal told a news conference she wanted to accelerate investment in renewable energies like wind, solar, biomass and marine energy, as well as in insulation of buildings. In coming days, Royal will make … [Read more...]
Time for transition in South Africa
“In Transition 2.0” is a film that offers hope and resilience in challenging times. It was a pleasure to be part of the audience at the Eco Film Festival this month at the Labia in Gardens. For me the film presents a tried and tested opportunity for change. Very real change from a grassroots movement that is starting to gain ground in a time when we are looking for answers to … [Read more...]
Cape Town crowned the world’s Earth Hour Capital for sustainability efforts
Cape Town is the World Wide Fund for Nature’s (WWF) Global Earth Hour’s City Capital for 2014. The announcement was made at a ceremony in Vancouver, Canada – which won the award in 2013. This accolade is a prestigious honour that recognises the city’s innovative actions on climate change and its dedication to pursuing the goal of a sustainable urban environment. Cape Town … [Read more...]
New showers ensure water saving for cyclists
Annually, Hansgrohe Africa joins forces with the Absa Cape Epic as the official shower accessories sponsor. Currently in its third year running, all the riders and crew members who partake in the exhilarating eight day event have the pleasure of using the shower trucks at the end of a long day. The Hansgrohe shower trucks are equipped with EcoSmart overhead showers to ensure … [Read more...]
Hang up your heels for gumboots
The Miss Earth South Africa Women Empowerment and Leadership Programme once again promises to be one jam-packed with environmental milestones, sustainable achievements and green dreams as the organisation embarks on their annual search for South Africa’s next green beauty. Young women between the ages of 18 and 26 are invited to submit their applications for the 2014 … [Read more...]
GRI Performance Indicators Workshop
Aim of the workshop This one-day workshop is presented in conjunction with the GRI Certified Training Programme on Sustainability Reporting. Whilst the GRI Certified Training Programme focuses primarily on the principles, processes and stakeholders of the sustainability reporting process, this workshop addresses more specifically the disclosure requirements for a GRI … [Read more...]
Green products get their own space at this year’s Rand Show
The Rand Show is South Africa and Africa’s biggest one-to-one consumer show, with a legacy spanning 120 years. For generations, they’ve been entertaining people, connecting them with brands, showing them what’s new and exciting, hooking them up to great show bargains, and creating memories. As both a shopping and an entertainment event, the Rand Show delivers an affluent … [Read more...]
Sustainability Reporting course
This course is aimed at improving the skills of participants for managing the sustainability reporting process, and sharpening their skills to contribute to the report. By doing so, their ability to assess and evaluate sustainability reports will also be enhanced. The course covers the following topics: Conceptual introduction to sustainability reporting Planning the … [Read more...]
