Ahead of plenary sessions today at the Eastern Cape - European Union Renewable Energy Conference which is currently being held at the East London ICC, the conference was awarded a Renewable Energy Certificate by The Border-Kei Chamber of Business. The Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism’s MEC Mcebisi Jonas, received the certificate on behalf of the conference for the responsible way in which they conducted the event using energy efficient methods.
Les Holbrook, the Executive Director, Border-Kei Chamber of Business said, “We established from the ICC the requirements in terms of energy that the Conference required representing 1 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.”
The Minister of Energy, Ms 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 also allows companies to not only derive marketing/advertising options, but it allows them to meet certain green and environmental targets. The beauty of the system will also 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 and learn from the EU delegation and praised the awarding of the certificate.
For enquiries and interviews please contact:
Mr Sixolile Makaula, Communications Manager
Tel: 043 605 7117
Cell: 072 751 5001
E-mail: sixolile.makaula@deaet.ecape.gov.za
Border – Kei Chamber of Business
Mr Darryn Ellen, Communications Officer
Border – Kei Chamber of Business
Tel: 043 743 8438
Cell: 083 500 6399
E-mail: greendesk@bkcob.co.za
