The City of Cape Town’s Energy, Water and Waste (EWW) Forum recently met with local businesses, to check-in around collaborative efforts in advancing resource efficiency, with a particular focus on the challenges and opportunities linked to Organic Waste Management and diversion from landfill. The meeting served as a platform for practical knowledge exchange and strategic alignment towards achieving ambitious organic waste diversion targets set by the Western Cape Government.
With the targets being set at 50% reduction of organic waste to landfills by 2022 and the ultimate goal of 100% organic waste diversion by 2027, urgency underscored the proceedings as stakeholders explored innovative solutions and shared best practices to address this pressing challenge.
Government representatives provided crucial insights into regulatory frameworks, offering clarity and guidance to businesses navigating the evolving landscape of waste management. Their presence underscored the collaborative approach between the public and private sectors in driving meaningful change.
Furthermore, Greencape’s waste sector desk co-ordinator showcased a spectrum of viable options available to businesses seeking to minimise their organic waste footprint. Their contributions shed light on practical strategies and technologies that can be integrated into existing operations to enhance waste diversion efforts.
Highlighting the power of real-world examples, case studies from industry leaders such as Shoprite, Woolworths and V&A Waterfront provided invaluable insights into overcoming challenges, leading to increasingly successful waste management practices within commercial settings. These case studies served as beacons of inspiration, demonstrating that progressive tangible outcomes are achievable in the journey towards the goal of zero organic waste to landfill.
Representatives from the City’s Water and Sanitation, and Energy Directorates also provided updates to the attending businesses in respect of their services. Key highlights from Energy included the recent launch of the Energy Strategy for the City of Cape Town and the new online application portal for the authorisation of solar PV and/or battery systems. Highlights from the Water and Sanitation report included the city’s dam levels and water usage, climate change and the growing population posing risks to long-term water security, with the forum also touching base on Water Strategy overall.
‘The gathering exemplified the collective commitment of the City of Cape Town and local businesses to foster a culture of sustainability and responsible resource management. By leveraging shared expertise and collaborative action, stakeholders reaffirmed their dedication to driving tangible progress towards a greener, more resilient future for Cape Town and its residents,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, Alderman Grant Twigg.
For more information on the City of Cape Town’s EWW Forum and its initiatives, please visit https://bit.ly/AboutEWWF
For information on how to join the forum see here: https://bit.ly/ewwfsub
