Durban – 30 November 2011 – In advance of the COP17 in Durban, the South African government released its National Climate Change Response White Paper, in which it has affirmed its intention to implement a regulation on carbon emissions. Indeed, national emissions per capita are among the highest in the world, with 90% of South Africa’s electricity being generated from coal. In light of this, the government has committed to a 34% reduction of net emissions levels by 2020, thereby forcing the reduction of emissions to the forefront of business agendas across the country.
To ensure the efficacy of the transition to a low-carbon society, it is essential that South Africa fully address socio-economic needs within the impending legislation, while concurrently respecting current responsibilities related to other environmental protections, such as clean water and biodiversity.
Within this context, many companies have begun to develop strategies to address emissions levels. According to the global science company DuPont, such strategies do not necessarily need to be capital intensive.
“By taking action to identify sources of carbon waste, optimise energy efficiency and empower employees to reduce waste, it is possible for companies to not only reduce emissions in advance of the new carbon regulatory regime, but also maximize carbon efficiency, increase productivity and reduce cost associated with energy spend,” says Davide Vassallo, Global Practice Leader for Environmental Management for DuPont Sustainable Solutions.
“Contrary to popular opinion, substantial reductions ranging from 15 to 30 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions can be achieved without massive investments in new technologies or capital projects,” continues Mr. Vassallo. “It is possible to significantly reduce emissions by transforming the company culture that drives operational and energy efficiency principles, as we have done, having reduced net emissions by 55% since 1990. Certainly, the cultivation of operational discipline and a thorough understanding of energy needs and usage allow companies to affect change with little to no investment.“
DuPont Sustainable Solutions is a partner of choice for key industries across South Africa. Leveraging its own experience in reducing carbon emissions and maximizing energy efficiency as an owner/operator, DSS is in a unique position to help others on their journey to excellence in sustainability. DSS has been operating in Africa for over a decade, and has successfully assisted both national and multi-national companies in addressing challenges related to safety, sustainability and operational performance.
As environmental performance is increasingly being scrutinized by governments and civil society – and consequently informing customer preference and market share – it is vital that companies take visible, substantial actions towards improving environmental performance. DuPont Sustainable Solutions aims to facilitate such actions, as well as progress towards the greater goal of addressing climate change and the societal cost of poor environmental performance.
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DuPont Sustainable Solutions is one of 13 DuPont businesses. Bringing customers the benefits of an integrated global services and technology delivery enterprise, it applies DuPont’s real-world experience, history of innovation, problem-solving success, and strong brands to help organizations transform their workplaces and work cultures to create safer, more efficient and more environmentally sustainable workplaces. Additional information is available at www.sustainablesolutions.dupont.co.uk
DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit www.dupont.com.
For further information, please contact:
Seydou Kane
DuPont de Nemours South Africa (PTY) LTD.
1st Level Block B, 34 Whiteley Road
Melrose Arch
ATHOLL 2196
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 218 8638
Email: seydou.kane@zaf.dupont.com
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DuPont International Operations Sarl
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