The State of Green Economy in South Africa

The Transformation Legacy is on the lookout for black woman-owned businesses in the Green Economy Sector. We will be taking these businesses through an intensive tailor-made Enterprise Supplier Development Programme to help them build sustainable businesses.

In this article, we are taking a look at Green Economy in South Africa, a couple of important Green Economy Sectors in South Africa. As well as how you and your business can be a part of our fantastic programme. 

Green Economy in South Africa

The South African government views green economy as a sustainable development path that addresses the interdependence between economic growth, social protection and natural ecosystems. Their approach is to support green economy programmes through a practical and implementable action plan which highlights the importance of building on existing good processes, programmes, initiatives and indigenous knowledge in key sectors. 

A more formal definition: “A system of economic activities related to the production, distribution and consumption of goods, and services that result in improved human well-being over the long term, while not exposing future generations to significant environmental risks or ecological scarcities.”

It implies the decoupling of resource use and environmental impacts from economic growth. Characterised by substantially increasing investment in green sectors, supported by enabling policy reforms. 

The Green Economy refer to two inter-linked developmental outcomes from the South African economy:

Important Green Economy Sectors

Carbon Footprint Verification

Allowing organisations to measure greenhouse gases emitted while performing their activities. Thus Carbon Footprint Verification can prove the commitment of the organisation to reducing climate change effects. 

It is no longer enough for organisations to merely state that they are eco-friendly and working on building sustainable practices. Carbon Footprint Verification provides organisations with proof of what they are doing for the environment. 

CDP Evaluations

The CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project) is an organisation based in the United Kingdom which supports companies and cities to disclose the environmental impact of major corporations. 

Since 2002 over 8,400 companies have publicly disclosed environmental information through CDP.

Waste Management

Includes the actions needed to manage waste; From its origin to its final disposal. Waste Management consists of the collection, transport, treatment and disposal of waste, together with monitoring and regulation of the waste management process. 

Waste Management is critical to a Green Economy. As waste is one of the most significant contributors to pollution and the destruction of the environment. 

Development of Green Economy Businesses in Gauteng and Cape-Town

If you or someone you know is a black woman-owned business in carbon footprint verification, CDP Evaluations or Waste Management. Get in touch with The Transformation Legacy to be a part of the programme that will help you grow a sustainable business. 

T: 010 005 5753

E: info@transformationlegacy.com 

Read more about the Green Economy Strategy of South Africa here.