Energy Saving News
South Africa to get Mandatory Energy Efficiency Standards
Businesses in South Africa can expect mandatory energy efficiency standards, for both fuel and buildings, in a new climate change policy being drawn up, environmental lawyer and consultant Andrew Gilder told a conference in Johannesburg yesterday.
Regulations for mandatory emissions monitoring and reporting would also be developed as part of this process, he said.
South Africa has committed to reducing its emissions trajectory by 34% by 2020, and by 42% by 2025, calculated on a business as usual scenario. This means local emissions will increase, but at a lower rate.
The climate policy process should explain how this lower rate of emissions growth will be achieved. A green paper is expected in June, with a white paper on climate change by the end of the year.
Sharmini Harrington, an environmental affairs adviser for Sasol , said there was a lack of emissions data within industry sectors. “We need to understand sectors before we can do anything,” she said.
In a video address to South African CEOs, UK economist Sir Nicholas Stern said parts of South Western Africa had already experienced substantial drying, with a temperature increase of 0,8º C compared to the 19th century.
Facing climate change required innovation and creative investment from businesses, and those that moved first would see the benefit. “There are so many exciting opportunities.” He said the possibilities for business development were “almost unlimited”.
Thursday 18th March 2010
