VALUE CREATION

OUR STRATEGY, PERFORMANCE AND IMPACT

Natural Capital: Protecting the Planet for a Sustainable Future

What Natural Capital Means to SAICA

Natural capital encompasses the environmental resources and ecosystems upon which SAICA relies and which it impacts through its operations. As a forward-thinking organisation committed to sustainability and long-term value creation, SAICA recognises its responsibility to mitigate its environmental footprint and actively contribute to the global transition to a low-carbon economy.

Aligned with the Winning Organisation strategic pillar, SAICA integrates robust environmental management practices to enhance resource efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote sustainable development. These initiatives not only reflect SAICA’s dedication to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but also support resilience within the accountancy profession and the communities SAICA serves.

13. Climate Action

SAICA’s efforts to combat climate change and promote environmental stewardship are guided by the following objectives:

Reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions

Implement initiatives to lower GHG emissions, including electricity usage, in line with the approved sustainability strategy

Optimise water efficiency

Monitor and improve water usage with a target to achieve up to a 10% municipal water reduction year-on-year compared to the established baseline

Waste management and sustainability

Maintain and expand dry-waste recycling programmes to minimise waste sent to landfills
Reduce the use of non-biodegradable materials in SAICA’s operations, prioritising sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives
Some of the initiatives implemented include the implementation of biodegradable paper cups used to reduce the usage of bottled water, and bulk water supply through water dispensers at the SAICA Head Office

Internal Initiatives Undertaken in Support of Strategic Objectives

Energy Efficiency and GHG Reduction

SAICA has implemented various energy initiatives including:

Continuous LED lighting maintenance

Ongoing maintenance to ensure that LED lighting is operating at maximum efficiency, reducing energy consumption across offices. The Eastern Regional Office has been retrofitted with energy-efficient LED lighting technology

Smart lighting and air-conditioning technology

Leveraging health data analytics, the platform offers tailored employee health insights and recommendations based on individual needs and preferences

Investment in renewable energy at Head Office and Eastern Region (KZN)

Installed grid-tied solar systems, supporting daytime energy needs and contributing to a more sustainable energy model, while contributing to overall reduction of CO2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These systems will be maintained at the Head Office and the Eastern Regional Office. Central and Southern Regional Offices electricity consumption is minimal and did not warrant investment in solar systems

Green building status

Actively seeking opportunities to achieve green building certification for SAICA’s office spaces, further enhancing energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact, will be achieved through a move to a new SAICA office

Building management system

Investing in advanced building management technology to streamline operations, minimise human intervention, and optimise energy use across SAICA’s facilities

Energy audits

Regular energy audits to track the organisation’s energy consumption and identify further opportunities for reducing energy waste and optimising efficiency

Smart energy meters

Installed meters help track and record electrical activity at SAICA’s Head Office, providing real-time data to monitor energy usage and identify further areas for improvement

Employee awareness and engagement

Ongoing awareness campaigns and training to foster a culture of energy conservation, ensuring staff are equipped to actively participate in reducing SAICA’s energy consumption and environmental footprint

Water Efficiency

Automated systems that switch off air-conditioning and lighting in boardrooms when unoccupied, while maximising the use of natural lighting to reduce energy consumption

Slow flow faucets – Installed ablution basin faucets to discharge only half a litre of water per minute for handwashing, significantly reducing water consumption in restrooms

Waterless urinals – Installed waterless urinals at Head Office, eliminating water usage in the flushing process and contributing to substantial water savings

Water loss control – Measures to prevent water loss, including maintaining low-flow faucets and implementing PropelAir ablution systems at the Southern Regional Office. At Head Office, borehole water is used for garden irrigation and car washing, and all seepage caused by flush mechanism system faults and pipe leaks have been addressed

Reduction of plastic waste – Portable plastic water bottles have been eliminated to reduce waste and promote sustainability

Borehole water usage – Used for garden irrigation, helping to reduce reliance on municipal water

Waste Management and Sustainability Initiatives

SAICA is committed to reducing its environmental footprint by enhancing its recycling efforts and limiting the use of non-biodegradable materials. The following initiatives have been implemented to promote sustainability:

Enhance recycling efforts

Maintain and expand dry waste recycling programmes to reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills and minimise environmental impact by diverting waste to recycling streams

Limit non-biodegradable materials

Reduce the use of non-biodegradable materials across SAICA’s operations. By prioritising sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives, SAICA aims to further reduce its environmental impact and contribute to global sustainability efforts

RECALIBRATE REIMAGINE RENEW

Natural Capital (cont.)