Leading drilling solutions provider Rosond has introduced a management and analysis framework designed to track the risk and opportunities related to sustainability issues. This is especially important, as South Africa is currently ranked 95 out of 182 countries assessed under the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative Index for vulnerability to climate change and preparedness to enhance resilience.
“Climate change in South Africa and the recent spike in severe weather events has destroyed infrastructure, displaced civilians and, in some instances resulted, in fatalities,” comments Rosond ESG Champion and Legal Advisor Zwelibanzi Nkomo. Therefore, agreements to which South Africa is a signatory, such as the Paris Agreement on climate change, deem it critical for industrial companies to adopt a culture of awareness and business practices that assist to save the environment for a sustainable future for all.
“By embarking on an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) programme, we have adopted a proactive approach to establish our baseline as an organisation in terms of our net greenhouse gas emissions,” highlights Nkomo. At present the company is tracking its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions throughout its operations, providing invaluable data to implement environmental mitigation strategies for its drilling operations.
Nkomo states that the goal is to gear the business towards net zero or net neutral objective, with a potential target of net zero emissions by 2050. “Our target is to implement a strategy based on the technology we use and the practice we adopt to ensure we are among the leading company with the lowest greenhouse gas emissions in the drilling industry.”
Rosond and its partners exchange important information regarding ESG data, specifically around environmental impact. Clients conduct Environmental Impact Studies (EIS) prior to any drilling operations commencing. The EIS is a prerequisite to obtaining a licence issued by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) upon approval.
Such studies aim to assess the impact that drilling and mining operations have on the environment, including, but not limited to, establishing mitigating and aggravating factors. Finally, the EIS also stipulates measures required for land rehabilitation after drilling operations have been completed.
Looking at water use, Nkomo points out that Rosond collect its water from community sources that have been issued with water licences and that have the necessary DMRE approval to use the water for its designated purpose. “We specifically use grey water for drilling purposes,” notes Nkomo.
Rosond integrates sustainability principles into its day-to-day activities and decision-making processes. For example, it has invested in greener alternative energy sources such as solar power at its head office, contributing positively to alleviate the pressure on the electricity grid. “We have installed 30 solar panels at our head office producing 1 500 kWh of electricity per month on average,” highlights Nkomo.
The company owns vacant land zoned for agricultural purposes in an industrial park that is currently being used by the local community for subsistence farming and vegetation. “The property is serving the local community by providing an aquatic stream and fertile land to grow crops,” says Nkomo.
In addition, urban vegetation has a positive effect on the aesthetic appeal of an area and reduces air pollutant concentrations in the immediate environment. In terms of waste management, Rosond ensures that all its paper is disposed of in paper recycle bins at its head office, with all waste collected at regular intervals by a waste management company.
The company also uses plastic sheets placed strategically placed under its machinery on-site to prevent any leakages spilling onto and seeping into the soil. The chemical products that leak onto the plastic sheets are carefully collected and disposed of in a manner that does not negatively affect the environment. The disposal process involves the use of oil kits such as sponge material to absorb any oil spills or chemicals. In addition, Rosond also employs chemicals that neutralise or break down any waste material for disposal.
In terms of oil disposal, Rosond has a system in place geared towards safe disposal of oil at its sites. All used oil is collected in barrels on-site and transported to the company’s Midrand workshop. Thereafter the barrels are collected by a waste management company that annually awards Rosond a certificate of compliance in good waste management practices.
“We are aware of the water scarcity in South Africa and have developed recycling measures in our day-to-day operations,” says Nkomo. For example, the water used to transport the chemicals used for drilling is pushed back into sumps, the mud and sludge is separated from the water and disposed of, and the water that remains is reused for drilling.
“This is a critical recycling method because it reuses the water that is not lost in the hole drilled. The overall benefit is premised on repeatedly recycling this precious resource throughout the drilling process,” explains Nkomo.
He adds that an ESG programme is critical reduce risk and enhance credibility. “Addressing environmental and social issues helps build trust with stakeholders and the public. ESG-conscious investors are increasingly looking for companies that align with their values.
Having a robust ESG strategy can attract these investors, leading to long-term sustainable profits. It also promotes a resilient and adaptable organisational culture, while high-quality talent is drawn to companies committed to sustainable and ethical values,” concludes Nkomo.
Ends
- Rosond embraces a comprehensive ESG programme_approved
Rosond embraces a comprehensive ESG programme_approved -
Zwelibanzi Nkomo, ESG Champion and Legal Advisor at Rosond
Zwelibanzi Nkomo, ESG Champion and Legal Advisor at Rosond
