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.

With the help of carbon and energy reduction company, Global Carbon Exchange, Clicks has now determined their total annual emissions and are looking to make significant reductions to these emissions through a number of innovative solutions. The report, in accordance with ISO14064 and the internationally recognised GHG Protocol, shows their overall annual carbon footprint to be 127,014 tonnes of CO2. This equates to 16.10 tonnes of CO2 per employee per year and 11.34 tonnes of CO2 per million rand turnover.

When broken down the report shows that New Clicks Holdings’ two largest sources of their total annual carbon emissions are the consumption of electricity and the work commuting of over 7 000 employees .

Global Carbon Exchange CEO Kevin James says “New Clicks Holdings is identifying exactly where and how energy is being use and a detailed energy audit is a vital next step to this positive process. This would be followed by a staff education program aimed at changing behavior which would result in surprisingly high savings.”

The company indicated that it also has a longer-term goal to reduce its environmental impact by reducing its annual carbon emissions and increasing its energy efficiency. According to James, not only do they recognize the environmental and financial benefits derived from such a process, but also the benefit of creating awareness regarding climate change among employees and customers. “This is a very strong foundation on which to develop”.

New Clicks Holdings’ is one of many listed companies reporting to the internationally acclaimed Carbon Disclosure Project, an independent not-for-profit organization which acts as an intermediary between shareholders and corporations on all climate change related issues.

“Taking action has been a positive experience, “said Wally Bouland of New Clicks Holdings. “As we had a limited understanding of the environmental reporting structure, selecting the right partner was essential. We are proud of this step and look forward to an ongoing relationship with Global Carbon Exchange as we continue with our reduction process.”