EXXARO HELPS EMPLOYEES GET ON THE DECARB BUS
Exxaro is committed to being carbon neutral by 2050 and we need everyone to get on the decarb bus. To help make this happen, we recently launched our Decarb Climate Change campaign that delivers a powerful Climate Change masterclass and a 10-week decarb challenge for all employees.
Exxaro’s vision is to produce resources that “power a clean world”, and is guided by our purpose to “power better lives in Africa and beyond.” Being carbon neutral is a big part of this. That’s why Exxaro teamed up with aNewSpring to create an online Climate Change training course to help us understand the importance of climate change and how Exxaro’s Sustainable Growth & Impact Strategy is helping Exxaro, not only become carbon neutral by 2050 (scope 1 and 2 emissions) but go beyond compliance to deliver a positive social, economic and environmental impact.
What did the first Climate Change masterclass deliver?
The first Climate Change masterclass was introduced by Dr Lerato Khumalo, Exxaro’s leading climate change expert and vice-chair for the Industry Task Team on Climate Change (ITTCC).
The masterclass unpacked the types of Greenhouse Gases (GHG) (scope 1, 2, 3), Exxaro’s carbon emissions profile and our approach to decarbonisation. Participants learnt how crucial renewable energy and energy efficiency is to our decarbonisation journey for scope 1 and 2. Some of these key activities include the Cennergi wind farms in the Eastern Cape, Solar PV in Tshikondeni and forestation in Hlobane. As Dr Nombasa Tsengwa reminds us: “We know that there is a better place to be tomorrow, than where we are today.”
What is decarbonisation?
Decarbonisation refers to all measures a business takes to reduce its carbon footprint to minimize its impact on climate change.
Watch our award entry video here for a short synopsis of Exxaro’s world class Climate Change course that aims to bring change.
The training was a huge success, and not just with participants. Exxaro’s Climate Change training material on the MyNexxt learning platform was recently shortlisted for an aNewSpring award under the category “Best Learning Experience”. This is no small feat. Submissions for this category were received from over 20 different countries around the world. Dr Lerato will be part of the jury but has been excluded from judging South African entries.
What is Scope 1, 2 and 3?
Direct GHG emissions from sources owned or controlled by a company, for example emissions from company-owned vehicles, or from the generation of electricity.
Indirect GHG emissions from electricity purchased for own use.
Indirect GHG emissions generated up and down the value chain, but not controlled by a company, for example emissions as a result of employees business travel, waste disposal and contractor-owned vehicles.
10-WEEK DECARB CHALLENGE CELEBRATES EMPLOYEES’ WINNING WAYS
A key part of Exxaro’s Decarb Climate Change campaign is to encourage everyone to “play your part today”. To achieve this, a fun and engaging competition was built around 10 weekly decarbonisation challenges, each encouraging and rewarding a range of planet-saving behaviours like recycling, being energy wise, eating clean, growing your own food, even dressing and travelling sustainably, and more.
Each week’s challenge is set around a specific behaviour and employees are challenged to share how you play your part to stand a chance to win eco-friendly prizes.
Here are the first four winners and how their actions turned into winning ways.
Sibusiso reuses his water to wash his car.
Winner of a new Goldair 6kg front loader washing machine.
“Even though water eventually returns to the earth through the water cycle, it’s not always returned to the same spot or in the same quantity and quality. By reducing the amount of water we use, we can better protect against future drought years.”
Neo’s diet is made up of
70% vegetables and fruits.
Winner of a new CADAC compact gas braai & an all in one solar rechargeable bluetooth speaker, FM radio, LED flashlight.
“Eating healthy is important to me because it makes me low risk for certain illnesses, such as diabetes, and helps boost my immune system. Eating less meat also reduces my carbon footprint.”
Stan eats home grown foods.
“Organic eating contributes to a healthier planet. By avoiding the use of synthetic chemicals, we reduce the pollution of soil, water and air. The taste and quality is also superior because there are no preservatives.”
Sibusiso separates his rubbish and recycles it.
“Recycling is important because it reduces and eliminates pollution, especially plastics which end up blocking our rivers and oceans.”
A reminder to enter the weekly competition and “play your part” through Exxaro’s mobi platform, LetsConnect.
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