Waste segregation at Tshwane office allows Zutari to buy carbon offsets
“The recycling centre has also created full-time employment for a disabled individual from a disadvantaged background,” explains Sonja de Klerk, Lead of Quality, Environment and Sustainability. “This innovative approach enables us to promote a circular economy and climate change awareness simultaneously.”
Gold Standard was established in 2003 by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and other international NGOs to ensure projects that reduce carbon emissions adhere to the highest levels of environmental integrity and contribute to sustainable development.
The so-called Gold Standard for the Global Goals was launched with the adoption of the Paris Climate Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals, a best practice standard for climate and sustainable development interventions.
While the purchased offsets will not make Zutari entirely carbon neutral, it is sufficient to offset any emissions produced in several countries where the company operates for the 2022 financial year, explains de Klerk. The carbon footprint for the 2023 financial year (ending 30 June 2023) will be calculated soon, and Zutari again plans to procure carbon offsets with funds generated through recyclable waste.
Zutari and its heritage company have measured their carbon footprint since 2014. They have conducted various campaigns to sensitise staff about the emissions they produce through their daily work and how these can be reduced. “The first prize is always to avoid or reduce emissions, rather than offsetting them afterwards,” highlights de Klerk.
However, emission avoidance is not always possible. Zutari has therefore begun the journey to offset its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. The Gold Standard projects selected by Zutari for offsetting purposes reveal its commitment to the continent and its people.
The Kenya Biogas Programme supports Kenya’s endeavours to develop a commercially viable biogas sector. It facilitates the funding of biodigesters for families, particularly in rural environments. Domestic biodigesters provide a way for households with livestock to reduce their dependence on polluting firewood and expensive fossil fuels.
In the longer term, Zutari plans to expand the offsetting of the carbon emissions arising from its operations. However, the most significant impact it can have on climate change and the circular economy approach remains through its projects.
Ends
Notes to the Editor
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About Zutari
As an engineering and advisory firm, we believe infrastructure has unparalleled potential to create enduring impact. Never more relevant, this potential can be realised only if we plan, design, deliver and manage infrastructure in ways that maximise its value. Our work in water, transport, energy, resources, and built-environment infrastructure does just this – helping to nurture thriving communities, growing economies, and healthy environments.
At Zutari we understand that radical impact does not just happen; it requires more of us to connect differently, work smarter, and stay rooted.
We connect differently. Our broad collective of in-house experts connects across traditional disciplines to provide integrated results. We collaborate with clients, partners, and end-users, leaning into diverse perspectives to create superior solutions - together.
We work smarter. Our people lead the industry. We draw from deep technical skills, accrued over decades, and embrace the transformative power of digital technology to find simpler, better, and more innovative ways to deliver value.
We stay rooted. Few can rival our local capacity and understanding. Building on solid foundations, now 90 years in the making, we are trusted to shape locally relevant solutions through our extensive footprint in Africa and the Middle East.
At Zutari our people connect differently, work smarter, and stay rooted. Working in this way, we reliably deliver impact through infrastructure, making the world a better place – one project at a time.
Zutari Contact
Malebusa Sebatane
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Zutari
Email: Malebusa [dot] sebatane [at] zutari [dot] com
Tel: (012) 427 2000
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