The Eastern Cape MEC of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs & Tourism, Mcebisi Jonas, received the certificate on behalf of the conference for the responsible way in which it conducted the event using energy-efficient methods.
Les Holbrook, the executive director of the Border-Kei Chamber of Business, said: “We established from the ICC the requirements in terms of energy that the conference required representing one megawatt per hour, and the conference got 10. Based on this, the energy certificate was awarded for their consumption of renewable energy.”
He further explained that, “You still buy your electricity as normal and the Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) is purchased separately, but by way of your certificate, you have exercised the choice of environmentally friendly and sustainable power and contributed financially to the registered renewable energy generator of your choice. The REC system has been supported by the National Department of Energy, and enables you to purchase green energy and legitimately claim you are using certified renewable energy or electricity.”
Minister of Energy Dipuo Peters welcomed the renewable energy label and encouraged businesses to consider supporting establishments with renewable energy practices. Peters said: “Renewable energy is here to stay and it is important for businesses to embrace the innovative initiatives of this programme for the betterment of society at large”.
This possibility further allows companies not only to derive marketing or advertising options, but it allows them to meet certain green and environmental targets. The beauty of the system will allow you to lock your energy costs for the RECs for a fixed period, which can give you certainty with energy prices going forward.
Green Ambassador Nkwenkwezi Rulumeni, 17, who is creating environmental awareness at schools, was delighted to be a part of the conference to learn from the EU delegation, and praised the awarding of the certificate.
