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Carbon emissions
This is the sixth consecutive year that the Imperial group has measured and reported its carbon footprint. We recognise the potential business risks posed by extreme weather patterns that may arise from global warming. South Africa’s Carbon Tax will also have an impact on our bottom line, adding R53 million to our cost base.
We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint wherever possible and measure the carbon emissions of all operations on a monthly basis through our sustainability management system. In addition, a globally recognised environmental consultancy assisted in determining our carbon footprint measurement, using a customised calculation tool based on the World Business Council on Sustainable Development’s greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting protocol.
Data collected from site level is internally verified at company and divisional level and consolidated into a group-wide GHG data matrix. Certain businesses within the Automotive and Industrial division also obtained third-party assurance of their carbon footprint.
| Tonnes CO2 per division |
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During the year, each division developed CO2 reduction targets, based on tonnes of carbon output per head and tonnes of carbon output per million rand turnover.
The initiatives to reduce electricity and fuel consumption will necessarily have the biggest impact on our carbon footprint, and are detailed in the energy section on page 35.
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 CASE STUDYGreen Award for eight vessels of the IMPERIAL Shipping GroupDuring the year Imperial Shipping Group received eight Green Awards from the Dutch Green Award Foundation in recognition of its environmentally friendly inland fleet of vessels. The awards are widely recognised as an international benchmark for quality, safety and environmental protection standards among shipping and oil companies. The criteria require both main and auxiliary engines to meet CCNR standards (Central Commission for Navigation on the Rhine), which regulates emission limits for inland waterway engines. In addition, vessels must have a clean and dry engine room, closed propeller shaft seals both inside and out, a closed grey water system and an environmental plan. Furthermore, skippers need to have completed a course for energy-efficient navigating. The certificate is obtained on the voluntary basis and is valid for three years. Among the Imperial Shipping Group, the eight vessels that received certification during the year are three modern gas tankers – LRG GAS 87, LRG GAS 90 and LRG GAS 91. Measuring 110 m in length, the modern tankers are suitable for canal operation. They are driven by engines generating 634 kilowatts of power with very low gas consumption. |
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CASE STUDYAfrica Logistics awarded for work in greening African supply chainsAfrica Logistics’ business practice is based on the principles of environmental responsibility and triple-bottom line sustainability. This ethos is driven at the highest level by the CEO, Marius Swanepoel, who is well recognised as an industry leader in this regard. During the year he was awarded the Nedbank Capital Sustainability Leadership Award for his role in greening African supply chains. The company’s sustainability approach is underpinned by the belief that green initiatives should clear three hurdles. They should be acceptable financially, environmentally and socially. The company’s journey to green supply chain transformation has been a three-step process that began with sustainability education before moving towards full measurement of its carbon footprint. From there, the company identified levers for sustainability change and embarked on a number of business case supported ecoeconomic initiatives. These include, among others:
Africa Logistics’ approach has enabled it to continuously pick up trends, understand change drivers and engage with business partners to green its customers’ supply chains, as well as its own business. |