What initiatives or efforts is your company implementing to actively address and combat the issue of climate change by reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainability?

The Importance of Reducing GHG Emissions in Business

It has been over two years since the Paris Agreement was established to address the issue of climate change and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on a global scale. In response, South Africa has drafted regulations to manage GHG emissions, as published by the Minister of Environmental Affairs.

Not only is monitoring and controlling GHG emissions important for environmental reasons, it is also a requirement of the law to avoid penalties. As a result, businesses must assess their processes and production for their contribution to climate change.

Despite South Africa’s strong climate change policy and investment in renewable energy, GHG emissions in the country are higher than average compared to other G20 developing countries. The regulations for climate change management aim to improve this and reduce emissions for South African businesses.

Are You Complying with the Regulations?

The regulations for GHG emissions have been made publicly known and businesses that potentially result in GHG emissions must be aware of them and comply if necessary. The regulations include aspects such as defining the boundaries of operation, reporting GHG emissions separately for CO2, CH4, and N2O, and reporting energy and resource consumption. Companies must be registered and submit an annual emission report, with the 2017 report due by March 2018.

Getting Help with Compliance

Implementing processes to comply with the new GHG regulations can be complex, and it is recommended to seek the help of a reputable environmental management company. Gondwana Environmental Solutions can assist by conducting a full climate change assessment and developing an air quality management plan to monitor and reduce emissions. This will ensure adherence to regulations and peace of mind for the company.