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Since Global Carbon Exchange (GCX) entered the South African market in 2008 – the company has grown exponentially. Apart from a highly successful consulting business which covers all sectors of environmental sustainability, the company now offers a comprehensive selection of courses for both individuals and the corporate sector. During 2012, there will be some exciting new developments at GCX.
 The primary shift for the company has been to develop greater partnerships with its existing client base, who are showing an increasing understanding of the value that GCX can add to businesses. Not only do training courses compliment the consultancy services offered, but the GCX's wealth of knowledge and experience allows companies to challenge their own paradigms in terms of their sustainability capabilities. 'Many clients are already conducting their third or fourth assessments with GCX, we therefore have benchmarks to measure performance against. We have noticed how sustainability language has entered into the strategies and DNA of our clients – it is not about green washing or complying, they passionately embrace sustainability and see the positive effect it can have on the bottom line.', says Fred Hagelberg, a Senior Account Manager at GCX. GCX is therefore teaching clients about how to use their eco advantage, increase their competitiveness and how to invest in a sustainable future.
Apart from the strategic growth of the company, geographically, the company is also expanding its reach – having appointed new account managers in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape, and also expanding to KwaZulu Natal. The first Carbon Footprint Analyst course was held in Port Elizabeth during the first week of November, whilst a number of courses have been scheduled for KZN for 2012. The flexibility of the team allows the company to adapt courses for specific organizations and industries, thereby providing relevant information which can be structured to ensure immediate results and practical skills for learners in the context of their working environment. In addition to the new regions being covered, GCX will replace its Residential Eco Auditor course with some exciting new courses over the next few months. A team of experts have analyzed client needs in terms of educational requirements, and are currently developing a range of new individual and corporate training courses to meet the growing demand in the field. This will be complimented by partnering with an environmental e-learning provider to offer specialist and customized online training to allow companies to up-skill and educate large volumes of staff removing the traditional challenges around the logistics of face-to-face training.
Beyond education, the company continues to push the boundaries of the sustainability industry. GCX will soon be launching programmes to help companies with monitoring and evaluation; as well as providing opportunities to offset their emissions through local and international carbon credits.
As sustainability gains momentum in South Africa and the world, it is inspiring to see a company flourish despite economic woes. The current success of GCX is a tribute to dedicated individuals, within and beyond GCX; who are passionate about change, committed to sustainability and who are prepared to play a collaborative leadership role in growing the Green Economy in South Africa.
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