SACO in South Africa has gone green, embarking on an eco-friendly journey to preserve our planet for future generations. As a Team of Companies, we acknowledge our duty to protect and continuously improve the environment. By shifting to green, we aim to shoulder the responsibility for our operations’ environmental impact, striving to comply with and exceed all local and international legislation.
Taking the green initiative further, SACO in South Africa has developed an innovative strategy map and emissions schedule. These strategic frameworks set clear monthly and yearly targets, ensuring regular monitoring, review, and prompt action to keep us on the green track. Through these initiatives, we aim to boost our sustainability efforts and contribute to a greener future. Recognizing the importance of ESG in business, we continually evaluate our practices. Our commitment is exemplified by the formation of our ESG committee, the Green Champions, who have introduced our resonant slogan, ‘Shifting to Green,’ echoing throughout our organisation and reaching our clients via diverse awareness platforms. By championing sustainable values, we aim to cultivate a greener future and make a positive impact in the business community and beyond.
SACO in South Africa has taken a significant step forward in its green journey by partnering with The Worldwide Alliance to launch the Greenovations pledge. As part of this commitment, all participating companies within the network are required to implement five essential pillars of action. These pillars include creating a paperless environment, embracing renewable energy sources in office operations, implementing comprehensive recycling programs for computer equipment, ink, batteries, food waste, paper, and plastic, banning single-use plastic utensils, and adopting the procurement of water only in sustainable containers. We have successfully implemented all these actions, with their progress diligently monitored by our dedicated Green Champions to ensure ongoing compliance and continuous improvement.
As part of our commitment, each employee has been provided with a reusable glass drinking bottle, which they can conveniently refill from the strategically placed water filtration units throughout our offices. This initiative not only promotes sustainability but also fosters a culture of personal responsibility among our staff. Other green initiatives include the use of an internal technology platform for all company communication, where we share informative awareness news, facts, statistics, and the importance of the company’s involvement in climate change and ongoing projects of change.
In 2023, we sprouted new roots by opening a facility in Durban and Gqeberha (Coega). During the design process, we were keen to incorporate sustainable measures that contribute to a reduced carbon footprint. These green changes include rainwater harvesting, motion sensor lighting to conserve energy, and a gradual transition to battery-operated forklifts with solar components, which will be implemented in the next phase of our plan.
In the same year we partnered with one of our esteemed clients, in launching an exciting initiative with Food and Trees for Africa. Under this project, we committed to planting 570 indigenous trees as a practical and symbolic gesture of sustainable environmental management at three different schools and other beneficiaries across Gauteng, Gqeberha (Coega), and KwaZulu Natal. It is with great excitement that we will be continuing this incredible initiative. As a Team of Companies, we adhere to the rules and regulations of the authorities and countries in which we do business. We wage the attention of our colleagues, partners, and clients to collaborate for the benefit of our earth.
