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Environmental News

Businesses could enable environment-friendly future – consultants

By: Lumkile Nkomfe 22nd March 2024 Global professional services firm BDO South Africa asserts that the imperative for businesses to expedite their environmental commitments remains crucial to promoting sustainable growth. The firm identifies carbon emissions, energy use and landfill waste as major contributors to the climate... →

Forestry value chain innovations can help mitigate effects of climate change

By: Lumkile Nkomfe 22nd March 2024 Given the climate crisis in South Africa and around the world, tertiary education institution University of Pretoria’s (UP’s) Technology and Innovation senior lecturer Dr Schalk Grobbelaar argues that innovations in the forestry value chain will be key in safeguarding the environment. “When a... →

SCHALK GROBBELAAR When a tree grows, it takes in carbon dioxide, produces oxygen and uses the carbon as a building block for its growth

Zambezi river flow recedes amid reduced rainfall, El Niño

By: Sabrina Jardim 20th March 2024 The river flows at Chavuma gauging station, the first gauging station located in the North-Western province of Zambia and which measures river flows as the Zambezi river enters Zambia from Angola, have been increasing slowly this month, says the Zambezi River Authority. The slow increase has been... →

Thungela launches fish breeding facility in Mpumalanga

20th March 2024 Coal producer and exporter Thungela in February launched a fish breeding facility at the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve, in Mpumalanga, to mitigate some of the impacts of an uncontrolled release of mine-affected water in the area. Tasneem Bulbulia tells us more. →

Thungela launches fish breeding facility in Mpumalanga

Defy launches solar-powered off-grid fridge, freezer range

By: Sabrina Jardim 19th March 2024 Amid the compounding effects of loadshedding in South Africa and increasing concerns about climate change, appliance manufacturer Defy Appliances has launched its Solar Off-Grid fridge and freezer range to address local energy challenges and provide reliable ‘always-on’ refrigeration to ensure... →

An image depicting the Solar Off-Grid range

Conclusions in opaque IRP 2023 are ‘incorrect and economically damaging’

By: Terence Creamer 19th March 2024 In an excoriating assessment of the draft Integrated Resource Plan 2023 (IRP 2023), Meridian Economics points to serious problems with the modelling and cost assumptions used by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), which the consultancy says has resulted in “incorrect and... →

Unconstrained IRP would have far more wind and solar PV, analysis shows

Partnerships with the private sector, communities key to building climate-resilient infrastructure

By: Marleny Arnoldi 19th March 2024 The African continent needs an estimated $190-billion a year to meet its climate change mitigation and energy needs transition, but 57% of countries are in debt and unable to support the amount of investment required. These countries, therefore, need innovative finance mechanisms to advance... →

Deputy Finance Minister David Masondo unpacks how government is approaching climate-resilient infrastructure financing

Maltento aiming to bolster sustainability efforts

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 18th March 2024 Maltento CEO Dean Smorenburg and commercial director Dominic Malan were joined by Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis on a tour of the fly-farm’s facilities in Epping, Cape Town on March 18. This follows a recent announcement from sustainable functional... →

An image of Maltento CEO Dean Smorenburg, Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Cape Town premier Alan Winde

Maltento CEO Dean Smorenburg, Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Cape Town premier Alan Winde at the facility

Recycling initiative prioritises sustainability, promotes economic growth

By: Sabrina Jardim 18th March 2024 Manufacturer Ardagh Glass Packaging’s money4glass initiative – launched in July 2023 – has yielded positive results. From August 2023 to January this year, the company’s glass recycling depot at its Clayville facility, in Gauteng, received cullet tonnage close to 278 000, of which 35%, or 97 050... →

Rain-fed agriculture emissions research shows climate-smart interventions can help

By: Schalk Burger 15th March 2024 Preliminary findings of a two-year study from the University of the Free State (UFS) Kenilworth Experimental Farm indicate that climate-smart agriculture interventions, such as legume rotation and no-till practices, have the potential to reduce the intensity of greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions,... →

UFS agronomy researcher Dr Jerry Dlamini

New sustainable aviation fuels venture established by Sasol and Topsoe

By: Creamer Media Reporter 15th March 2024 A new venture focusing on the development and delivery of sustainable aviation fuels has been officially launched jointly by Sasol and Topsoe. Known as Zaffra and headquartered in Amsterdam, in The Netherlands, the joint venture will combine Sasol’s experience in synfuels plant construction and... →

Zaffra CEO Jan Toschka

Probiotic-based cleaning products now available

15th March 2024 In contributing to a healthier environment, biological cleaning solutions producer Bionetix International, a division of environmentally responsible corrosion control technologies developer Cortec, offers its new probiotic-based cleaning solutions which are environment-friendly alternatives to... →

A range of bottles filled with various colour liquids used for cleaning

A PRO AT CLEANING The new probiotic-based cleaning agents offer a more environmentally friendly solution than chemicals

Biobased plastics launched to transform auto sector

15th March 2024 A consortium led by sustainable technology innovator Sonichem has been granted nearly R14.6-million in funding from UK government agency Innovate UK’s 'Resource efficiency for materials and manufacturing' (REforMM) programme. The funding will accelerate the development of the proprietary Sonichem... →

An info graphic Car with Green parts manufactured from petrochemicals

GOOD CARMA The production of renewable, cost-effective alternatives to petrochemicals commonly used in the production of plastics, resins and composites within the automotive industry

Campaigns can help maximise water recovery – firm

By: Lumkile Nkomfe 15th March 2024 In light of the recent surge of waterborne disease outbreaks, water shedding, supply disruptions and emerging water scarcity, water-solutions company Talbot positively embraces this year’s Water Week theme of Water For All. This year’s National Water Week is scheduled to take place from March 20... →

An image of a Talbot water treatment plant in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal

Talbot CEO Carl Haycock discussing the water crisis ahead of this year’s National Water Week. Recording: Lumkile Nkomfe. Editing: Shadwyn Dickinson. Recorded 16-02-2024

Company aims to accelerate provision of basic human right

By: Lumkile Nkomfe 15th March 2024 Amid South Africa’s water infrastructure crisis, global water solutions company Xylem says improving public awareness on water scarcity, quality and sustainability remain crucial in fast-tracking collective efforts to safeguard the provisioning of potable water. The company commends the Water for... →

HOLISTIC APPROACH REQUIRED Water connect organisations and the communities they serve. It's not effective to focus only on narrow areas

Firm offers expertise on water use applications

15th March 2024 Global mining consultancy SRK Consulting hails the introduction of the Department of Water and Sanitation’s (DWS’s) Electronic Water Use Licence Application and Authorisation System (E-WULAAS). The company regards this as an important aspect of the water application process. This electronic... →

An image of SRK principal environmental scientist Avril Owens

AVRIL OWENS Structured and agreed upon communication protocols with DWS officials are vital

Promoting access through collaboration

15th March 2024 Global water solutions and technology company Xylem is undertaking a strategic collaboration partnership with the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) to help increase access to safe drinking water and sanitation solutions. The two organisations have a memorandum of understanding... →

Private-equity investments could address water challenges

By: Lumkile Nkomfe 15th March 2024 Mid-market private equity firm Agile Capital asserts that investors have a great opportunity to make sizable investments in the water sector and contribute towards the advancement of sustainable water solutions. The firm invests across several industries in South Africa and uses its networks... →

LIZ KOLOBE For the private sector to invest, and to ensure good business principles are implemented, is a win-wi

Bespoke reservoirs could enhance water security

By: Lumkile Nkomfe 15th March 2024 In light of the water crisis and the growing demand for water supply in the country, leading solutions-based water reservoir manufacturer Videx asserts that the construction of tailor-made water reservoirs can make a positive difference in addressing the growing challenges. The company says water... →

GROWING DEMAND Videx maintains that the construction of water reservoirs can make a sizable difference in addressing water security

Pipe network needs upgrading – association

15th March 2024 Industry body Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association (Sappma) is calling for government to prioritise an investment in plastic pipes as a sustainable solution to South Africa’s water infrastructure challenges. The association highlights its presence as a key player, representing... →

JAN VENTER The intersection of National Water Week, Human Rights Day, World Water Day and Earth Hour, serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnected nature of water, human rights and environmental sustainability

Energy industry’s methane emissions near record despite pledges

By: Bloomberg 13th March 2024 Global methane emissions from fossil fuels held near a record high last year, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in its annual 'Methane Tracker' report, renewing concerns that governments and industry aren’t doing enough to stem releases of the devastating greenhouse gas. While the... →

Methane emissions in the oil and gas industry

Championing women’s empowerment at Forbes Woman Africa summit

By: Creamer Media Reporter 11th March 2024 Political party African National Congress Treasurer General Dr Gwen Ramokgopa delivered a powerful keynote speech to open the Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit 2024, held in Johannesburg on Friday. The event marked one of the largest female summits convened in honor of International... →

Circular economies can foster inclusivity in Africa, address social challenges – IWMI

By: Sabrina Jardim 8th March 2024 Through resource efficiency, circular design, water reuse, repair and recycling, African nations can customise their economic systems to maximise social benefits and sustainability, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) Southern Africa states. Circularity models can foster... →

DFFE publishes latest biological invasions report

By: Natasha Odendaal 8th March 2024 The latest ‘National Status of Biological Invasions and their Management in South Africa’ report paints a sobering picture of the multitude of alien species that have taken root in – and threaten – South Africa’s biodiversity ecosystem, Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Barbara... →

Patel meets with EV manufacturers, investors during visit to China

By: Sabrina Jardim 8th March 2024 Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel and a high-level delegation recently completed a four-day working visit to Shanghai, Nanjing and Beijing, in China, during which they met with government officials, investors and a number of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) and battery... →

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel and Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao

eWasa reaches 31% polystyrene recycling target

By: Schalk Burger 7th March 2024 During the 2022/23 reporting period, a 31% recycling rate for polystyrene was achieved, registered producer responsibility organisation the Extended producer responsibility (EPR) Waste Association of South Africa (eWasa) says. This milestone underscores the effectiveness of the organisation's... →

Strong penalties for exceeding carbon budgets needed for effective Climate Change Act, says Just Share

By: Schalk Burger 6th March 2024 It is critical that the failure to comply with carbon budgets and greenhouse-gas (GHG) mitigation plans by companies emitting GHGs attracts meaningful penalties to ensure that polluters make progress in addressing GHG emissions, says shareholder activism organisation Just Share. The Climate... →

NCPC-SA launches circularity programme in North West

By: Sabrina Jardim 5th March 2024 The National Cleaner Production Centre South Africa (NCPC-SA) launched an Industrial Symbiosis Programme (ISP) with the North West provincial government and local municipalities to enable sustainable waste disposal in that province. The programme has now been implemented in all nine provinces,... →

The NCPC-SA national programme manager Victor Manavhela

African Risk Capacity marks ten year anniversary

By: Darren Parker 5th March 2024 Parametric insurer African Risk Capacity is commemorating its tenth anniversary. The company was founded in 2014 with the sole mandate from the African Union heads of States to provide insurance and other risk transfer solutions to African countries. →

African Risk Capacity CEO Lesley Ndlovu

Eskom says it is on track for permanent repair of Kusile stack by December

By: Terence Creamer 5th March 2024 Eskom insists it is on track to complete the repairs to the ducts in the west stack at the Kusile power station by December 2024, ahead of the March 31, 2025, deadline set by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) when it last year authorised the use of temporary stacks... →

Africa to be $2.5tr short of climate finance by 2030, UN says

By: Reuters 5th March 2024 Africa will be $2.5-trillion short of the finance it needs to cope with climate change by 2030, a UN official said on Monday, adding that the continent has contributed the least to greenhouse gas emissions while seeing some of the worst impacts. Africa attracts only 2% of global investments in... →

Mathe Group expands capacity to produce more rubber crumb for roads

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 4th March 2024 The use of large amounts of recycled rubber crumb for the manufacture of road surfaces and related products is propelling South Africa towards a circular economy where waste products are used to address key infrastructure needs, Hammarsdale-based radial truck tyre recycler Mathe Group CEO Dr... →

An image showing a factory worker with a tyre at the Mathe Group factory

Mathe Group factory where truck tyres are processed into rubber crumb

Energy-related emissions increased in 2023, but grew by less than 2022, IEA reports

By: Schalk Burger 1st March 2024 Global energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions rose less strongly in 2023 than the year before, even as total energy demand growth accelerated, with continued expansion of solar photovoltaic (PV), wind, nuclear power and electric cars helping the world avoid greater use of fossil fuels.... →

South African researchers trawl through death records to assess coal impact

By: Bloomberg 29th February 2024 South African scientists plan to examine about 8.5-million death certificates to ascertain how many people the country’s dependence on coal for electricity is killing. The review is the first of its kind in Africa in that it will depend on actual data rather than modeling the effects of air... →

Multi-Party Charter reveals its plans to end loadshedding if ANC can be ousted

By: Darren Parker 28th February 2024 The 11 political parties that are members of the Multi-Party Charter (MPC) for South Africa have voiced a unified plan to end loadshedding once and for all if only they could collectively oust ruling party the African National Congress (ANC) at the upcoming national elections on May 29. The MPC... →

Watch Engineering News' coverage of the Multi-Party Charter (MPC) for South Africa's briefing on how it plans to end loadshedding, along with an exclusive interview with DA leader John Steenhuisen.

Spar Group advancing sustainability initiatives to reduce plastic waste

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 28th February 2024 JSE-listed retailer Spar Group is undertaking several initiatives to curb the environmental impact of plastic packaging materials. This commitment aligns with the group’s dedication to phasing out harmful plastics and is expected to contribute significantly to the reduction of non-recycled... →

The Spar Group sustainability executive Kevin O’Brien

Heineken invests R2.3bn in returnable glass programme in South Africa

By: Schalk Burger 27th February 2024 Multinational beer producer Heineken has invested R2.3-billion in its returnable bottle programme in South Africa, more than doubling its share of returnable glass beer bottles, as part of its goal to move to 65% returnable glass bottles. The move towards increased returnable glass aligns with... →

Company Announcements

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SEW-EURODRIVE'S ECO2 design prioritises ecology, economy

Sungrow Southern Africa Announces Principal Sponsorship of powerelec Nigeria Exhibition 2025

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