Barrows reduces Absolute Co2 emissions while growing revenue

In early 2010 Barrows, retail marketing specialist with its head office in Durban, South Africa commissioned Global Carbon Exchange (GCX) to conduct a carbon footprint assessment of their business. The concept of sustainability is nothing new at Barrows; it’s something the company has been passionate about for nearly a decade and significant strides have been made during this time to ensure the company consistently enhanced their environmental strategy.

GCX partners in World Cup Offset Project

Global Carbon Exchange is the official local partner to Do-inc and Lemnis Lighting for the LED retrofit programme that will be used as one of the carbon offset projects for the FIFA World Cup 2010.

“This is a watershed project for GCX and we are proud to be associated with the World Cup 2010 in South Africa while being amongst the first South African carbon project initiators to undertake a programmatic CDM project”, said GCX Director Kevin James.

GCX’S own carbon footprint

“We have a footprint!!!!” boasts GCX after concluding their baseline footprint with an incredibly low total of 56.2 tonnes CO2e for 2009. Since conducting a carbon footprint for their first ever South African client, St Elmo’s in 2008 GCX had been in a position of ‘the cobblers child never has shoes’ but can now act as inspiration to their clients and the market place alike. CEO, Kevin James, comments that, "GCX is proud of the fact that we have been able to keep the impact of our commercial activities on the environment down to a minimum as it is critical to be able to lead by example when addressing the impact of our clients businesses on the environment".

New GCX Residential Eco-Auditor Course

GCX’s new Residential Eco-Auditor course will be launched in September this year and is the first of its kind in the country. Once completed, learners will have the skills to convert any home into an efficient, low impact, cost effective household and will be able to identify solutions across all areas of sustainability.

The course is filled with practical exercises and examples and the topics are as follows: Energy – Heating and cooling, Lighting, Appliances, Hot water systems, Pools and spa’s; Water; Waste Management; Domestic Contaminants; the Eco-audit and an introduction into renewable energy.

GCX on US Booms, Busts and the Great Recession-

Over the last 20 – 30 years the US has seen tremendous wealth creation as a result of the financial and housing markets success, as fueled by a huge credit bubble.  Vast amounts of money leveraged by borrowing flowed from sector to sector through hedge funds and institutional investors – to the point that it had nowhere to go – domestically or globally.  

GCX Courses: What past students say

GCX brought their first course, Carbon Footprint Analyst (CFA), to market just less than 1 year ago. With fresh content, and South Africa’s leading carbon professionals delivering the course, the impact on market was instant. Having certified over 150 individuals from vastly different backgrounds, the reasons for why people choose to become certified differ as greatly as their backgrounds.

You Save More (Energy) With Clicks

Clicks Group Limited, one of GCX’s most committed and progressive clients, is at the forefront of carbon and energy management in South Africa. Aware of the future risks of inaction, Clicks consulted with GCX  to help them design the most effective Climate Change Response strategy for the group. To start off, GCX conducted a carbon footprint assessment of Clicks’ operations for the financial year 2007/8, which revealed that 68.3% of annual emissions were as a result of electricity use.

Is the US awakening to the Importance of Sustainability?

Part 1- US Business and the Influence of Employees & Customers

by Paris Arey - GCX President - USA

This is a six-part series that will explore the complex question of “Is the US awakening to the Importance of Sustainability.   When viewed through an environmental lens, sustainability can be defined as the way a business creates value for its stakeholders and society by maximizing the positive and mitigating the negative effects on the environment in order to grow revenue, reduce costs, manage risk and grow goodwill.  This definition gives focus to the foundational drivers of a business while adding the new dimension of environmental impact, which we all know has ranked low on the American agenda and so any ranking change will only occur when a multitude of events intersect to create tangible and non reversible momentum.  

A Carbon Emission Reduction Plan by GCX MD, Ed Gluckman

A wise person once told me that “every ocean begins with a drop of water” which is another way of saying that even small steps are progress if taken in the right direction. A shining example of this truth is the journey that many companies embark on to gain their “Eco-Advantage”. I define Eco-Advantage as a company’s opportunity for growth and profitability through a focus on environmental sustainability.

Most companies begin this journey by promoting recycling in the work place and installing labelled recycling bins which have a tangible and positive impact on reducing the amount of waste that reaches landfill. This also creates awareness amongst their staff which hopefully filters into the homes of all their employees.

SA organisations leading the environmental training pack

A growing number of SA’s big names and government departments have opted to up-skill staff through carbon and energy training despite no current legislation and a “failed” climate change deal in Copenhagen last year. By building internal capacity to measure, reduce, monitor and report on greenhouse gas emissions, South Africa is demonstrating clear commitment to fighting climate instability.

Learning your carbon ABCs for the green-collar future

GREEN-collar workers are the new black. If the government’s proposal to encourage the environmental goods and services industry of SA comes off, it will, according to the spokesman for the minister of water and environmental affairs, Sputnik Ratau, create an estimated 114000 new jobs.
And it is not only about creating new jobs. The propagation of green skills is also an increasingly urgent management issue for organisations — big, small and everything in between.
Countless other green-collar skills and responsibilities of varying degrees and at every level of employment will be required when it becomes mandatory for companies to complete and submit the department’s highly anticipated greenhouse gas emission reports. A discussion document to investigate measures to implement carbon taxes is due to be released later this year.

GCX launches training  in Calgary Canada, with Failsafe Inc

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - 02/22/10) - Failsafe Canada Inc. today announced that it has finalized Licensing agreements, with the Global Carbon Exchange.(GCX), an International Corporation, that will capitalize on International legislation regarding the Carbon and Green house gas offset market. The new agreement will provide for the delivery of the GCX Certified Carbon Footprint Analysis course curriculum in Canada.

SA business urged to take climate action early

Operating in a "carbon-constrained world" brought up issues of innovation and competitiveness that business in South Africa would need to recognise and decide how it would be involved.

"I believe that the window is open for the South African economy to get in on things that will change the energy economy worldwide," stated Department of Environmental Affairs deputy director-general Joanne Yawitch.

Speaking at the University of South Africa Press trialogue panel discussion in Midrand on Wednesday, Yawitch said there was much more climate change awareness after the Copenhagen conference, forcing companies to build climate issues into their business plans.

Product Carbon Footprints – A first for South Africa!

GCX is extremely proud of our new and vital service - Product carbon footprinting. This examines the full life cycle of a product from cradle to grave and determines the total carbon emissions associated with producing it, e.g. a bottle of milk or packet of chips.

Companies will then be able to add a label to the packaging of their product with the total emissions embedded of that item. This is a massive differentiator to retailers and customers who are increasingly choosing products and brands that show comittment to addressing climate change within their organisations.

114 000 green jobs could be created in SA in 2 years

Some 114 000 green jobs could be created in two years if the government's intention to incentivise green industries is successful.

With almost 1 million jobs shed across the economy last year, incentives for investment in industries that are designed to mitigate the effects of climate change in order to create a large number of green jobs is one of the government's responses. A focus on green jobs is part of the new industrial policy plan that is due to go to the cabinet lekgotla this month.

330 Riders, 330 BMW GS motorcycles, 330 000 km’s of Africa covered with no carbon footprint!

BMW has for a number of years been serious about CO2 emissions and is striving to become leaders in promoting green practices and technology. The 2009 BMW GS Eco 1000 event provided the perfect platform to become aligned with BMW’s global eco strategy.

The focus is on minimising the carbon footprint of the event, and the carbon emissions will be measured and offset. BMW’s intention is to create a Green legacy program that lives on in all future GS Eco 1000 events.

Does climate change feature on your political parties’ agenda? 

With Copenhagen being the hottest topic right now, the South African community is hoping for a demonstration of real leadership from the ANC. But what about the other politcal parties? We have drawn a comparison of the stance that the ANC, DA, COPE and ID take on climate change. If you are concerned about the future, supporting a political party with the most sustainable action plan should be a priority.

GCX’s Green Travel Tips

Before you leave for your vacation:

SA’s Energy 2010 – 2012

Last month Eskom announced it would be increasing electricity prices by 45% a year starting in 2010 for the next 3 years. Compounded that increase translates to a 304% hike on top of current prices.

If we take 2008 as a base year that saw an increase of 27%, then 2009 with a 31.3% increase, and then the 45% increase for three years, we will have seen a  staggering 508% increase in total by 2012. This increase is depicted in the graph below with 100 as the original base cost (2008).

The beginners guide to Copenhagen

Copenhagen has suddenly appeared on the map, and in the papers and all over the internet because from 7 – 18th December this year, that is where the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP 15) is being held. This is an annual conference held under the auspices of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC), where governments from around the world come together to negotiate and agree  on how to tackle global climate change.  This year’s is a landmark conference, similar to one 12 years ago in Japan, in a city called Kyoto which resulted in the Kyoto Protocol (a climate agreement by all signatories to commit to reduce greenhouse gas emissions).  

Will SA's Insurance Industry survive Climate Change?

The effects of a changing climate must be written into policies for insurance companies to ensure their survival as well as that of their policyholders.

"Agencies that ignore climate change as a threat may soon see themselves out of business," said Ed Gluckman, MD of Global Carbon Exchange (GCX), who is presenting the first ever South African white paper on Adaptation for the Insurance Industry at Santam’s Ecocentric Journey, currently underway in Cape Town (15 - 17 September 2009).

GCX, PATT and SAGE launch Green network in India, Mumbai- 9th Sept 2009: 

GCX a complete Carbon and Energy solutions company with global presence recently started its operations in India with their first office in Churchgate, Mumbai. The key portfolios being offered are Energy and Carbon management, project development and promoting education in the related sector. Amongst its various other services GCX also wishes to help companies to offset their carbon emissions and support environmental initiatives by establishing a network of recognized NGO’s and charities in the country.

A best practice climate change response launched for South Africa

Climate change adaptation and response is attracting increasing government and corporate participation in their attempt to react meaningfully to this human challenge.  Standards are being set up internationally and nationwide and most are entering this space with integrity. But, with so many now playing on this global stage a need for clarity and best practice standards is crucial.  Now a group of interested and concerned people and organisations in South Africa have realised this and have launched the Carbon Protocol of South Africa to provide security in the quality and standards of climate change response.

Footwear Importer becomes SA's First Carbon Neutral Footwear Company

CAPE TOWN (SA) – Footwear importer Version One has become “the first SA footwear company to be certified as carbon neutral”, according to member Michael Cloete.
“In fact, at this stage it’s neither comprehensive nor difficult,” he said, “but it is a first step, and we intend to continue on the same road.”
The spur came from the company’s decision to put a major part of its effort behind its own brand, Ozone, which is attempting to create more ‘environmentally friendly footwear’ – mainly through the use of natural materials.

Latest GCX News

Spier shows sustainability can mean financial success

THAT businesses — big, small and everything in between — are increasingly recognising the significance of environmental and social issues is evidenced by their more frequent appointment of sustainability directors, and by the burgeoning number and scope of the corporate social investment initiatives they are developing and implementing, says Spier CEO Andrew Milne,

He believes, however, that the long-term success of these plans depends, not only on their furtherance, but also on the permanent changes in thinking and behaviour that they bring about.

Be Green, Be Different - fin24.com

WHAT differentiates your small business from the competition, and have you considered using the environment and social responsibility initiatives to set you apart? Don't get me wrong; I am no tree-hugging environmentalist. I drive a fuel-guzzling Ford Falcon XR6 - or at least I do up until about the 12th of the month when I can no longer afford to put petrol in it. This column has a purpose for entrepreneurs, so bear with me. On Tuesday I had coffee with Kevin James of Global Carbon Exchange (GCX), a South African company which helps businesses understand their impact on the environment and how they can work to reduce this. It's not a soft and fluffy consultancy: they put a monetary figure to your impact and try to improve the sustainability of your business.

Challenges facing the short-term insurance industry

Against the background of South Africa 's first recession in 17 years and the increasing socio-economic challenges the country faces such as the high levels of personal debt and security concerns, the local short-term insurance industry is facing a testing time.

The challenges faced by the industry should however be addressed through a collaborative approach with consumers, government and policymakers so as to ensure the long term sustainability and growth of the sector.   

The first retailer ever to go carbon neutral in South Africa, Bakos Brothers Furniture Retailers, made local history by purchasing 203 trees to offset it’s January carbon emissions, the first step of it’s ongoing monthly offset plan.
Eight disadvantaged schools across the country will receive between 20 and 40 trees, as well as training and education on how to maintain the trees facilitated by Food & Trees for Africa, a greening, climate change action and food security social enterprise. This will enhance and create a nurturing environment for the schools and will provide lasting benefit to generations of children and their communities alike.

Nando's - Hot Chicks Go Green

Its official, Nando’s is going green. In a pilot project driven by a genuine interest in addressing climate change, two major Nando’s outlets have undergone detailed carbon footprints and energy audits. Their Eastgate and East Rand Mall outlets are pioneering the way for the rest of the chain. “Nando’s are determined to become leaders in sustainability,” says Kevin James, CEO of Global Carbon Exchange.

The reports, by Global Carbon Exchange, estimate that energy savings of up to 30% can be achieved if the recommended action is taken.

Peugoet - Coast2Coast On One Tank

Take only photographs, leave only footprints – at the very least this is what Peugeot has done by planting 18 indigenous white karee trees at the Thulamntwana facility in Orange Farm to signify closure of the Coast2Coast event.

Ex-rally car drivers Andrew Carter and Spotti Woodhead tested the limits of the Peugeot 308 HDi’s fuel efficiency of their own accord, driving it  from Kleinzee to Umhlanga on a single 60 liter tank of diesel. Achieving 1689.7km (3.4 liters per 100km), their effort is considered a phenomenal success.

New Clicks Gets Carbon Footprint

New Clicks Holdings Ltd. has joined a growing group of companies striving towards energy efficiency and carbon awareness. This strategic move is crucial as we enter a new financial era. An unprecedented announcement by the South African cabinet in July 2008 that they are considering the introduction of a carbon tax, coupled with Eskom’s decision this year to implement energy-reduction quotas on companies are two strong motivators behind businesses choosing to quantify and reduce their carbon foot prints.