The South African Coal Roadmap was a national initiative supported by the South African Government, the coal industry and related stakeholders (including Anglo Thermal Coal, BHP Billiton, Chamber of Mines, Coaltech, Eskom, Exxaro, Optimum Coal, SANEDI, Sasol, Shanduka, and Transnet). The initiative was coordinated and administered by the Fossil Fuel Foundation of Africa.
Stakeholders in the South African coal industry identified the need to detail and assess options and scenarios for the future development of the entire coal value chain with the aim of maximising the economic opportunities for coal as an energy and chemical resource, while maximising positive social impacts and minimising negative environmental impacts..
The Green House was the technical project manager to the SACRM initiative. The project commenced with a research study to document the status quo of all of the stages in the value chain with respect to technologies employed, flows of coal and other inputs, sustainability, logistics and other considerations. This was followed by a comprehensive scenario modelling exercise which projected the performance of the value chain and electricity supply sector to 2040 in response to local and international climate change drivers. A comprehensive electricity supply model was built as part of the exercise which explored the role of renewable and non renewable technologies in the future electricity supply mix, and the impact of cost trajectories/learning rates on their potential contributions.
Modelling outputs included not only GHG emissions, but other environmental, social and economic indicators to explore the trade-offs in moving to a low carbon future vs. remaining reliant on coal.
The scenario development process was supported by an extensive stakeholder engagement process conducted by The Green House. The engagement process served to both gather data inputs and to obtain buy-in and reach consensus on possible futures for the sector.
The key outcomes from the project were:
Together these documents have been used by the industry to help support decision-making and policy setting. The process was also successful in bringing together the South African coal industry to discuss its key challenges and opportunities relating to logistics, infrastructure, exports, governance, climate change, environment, social impacts and water.
The Project outputs are available at http://www.fossilfuel.co.za/initiatives1/.
WWF South Africa
WWF South Africa identified the need to further understand the “why, what and how” of low-carbon planning in South Africa, which, like all emerging economies, faces a multitude of developmental challenges. The Green House was part of a consortium that undertook “blue skies” research to develop a practical approach to low-carbon planning.
Through a series of structured brainstorming sessions, desk-top research and testing, the consortium developed a low-carbon planning framework, which included: a carbon budget framing; stakeholder-developed quantitative systems modelling; a suite of low-carbon and development indicators; and an outline of the institutional and process requirements.
A framework and set of tools to support low-carbon planning in South Africa was proposed, which has at its core the collaborative development of system dynamics models, undertaken through mediated modelling. The approach is framed by the concept of a carbon budget which talks to a finite carbon space in which we need to live, between now and 2050. These approaches and framings have been applied in a number of our later studies, including the project on low carbon transitions in the transport sector conducted for WWF.
For the summary publication which originated from this work, click here. Please email info@tgh.co.za to request a copy of the full project report.
SANEDI
One of the greenhouse gas mitigation measures being explored in South Africa is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). In CCS, carbon dioxide is captured at the site of generation (such as a power station or industrial process), compressed and pumped deep underground or under the ocean into geological formations for long-term storage.
At the time of conducting this project, South Africa was developing the structure for the carbon tax. This study was conducted to explore what impacts the introduction of the tax would have on the financial performance of CCS as a mitigation option.
The Green House built a comprehensive financial projection model for CCS, including all stages of capture, transport and injection/storage, using previous studies and the open literature as a basis. The impacts of various carbon tax designs on tax burden incurred by various companies generating emissions was then calculated, under a range of cost uncertainties.
The Green House component of the work was complemented by a detailed review of experiences on carbon pricing and CCS, conducted by DNA Economics.
The study demonstrated the savings that could be achieved on the carbon tax by implementing CCS, taking into account both capital and operating costs. The study provided members of the South African Centre for Carbon Capture and Storage (SACCCS) with a better understanding of the impacts of the carbon tax on the financial performance of CCS. The information also provided a platform for engagement with government on the final tax design.
Department of Environmental Affairs
Planning for economy wide mitigation of greenhouse gases requires an in-depth understanding of the individual mitigation options, including the volume of greenhouse gases that they are able to reduce and by when, the capital and operating costs associated with their implementation and the impacts of implementing them on the economy of the country. In 2014 the Department of Environmental Affairs commissioned a study of these options which came to be known as the Mitigation Potential Analysis (MPA). This study was commissioned by the Department to convert the spreadsheet-based MPA into a user-friendly modelling system which they can easily update as new information becomes available. The study also sought to update certain components of the model where new information was readily available.
The Green House chose to use Analytica as the platform on which to build this model due to its visual system representation, relative ease with which model assumptions can be interrogated, and extent to which calculation errors are minimised. The project began by reviewing the MPA spreadsheets, identifying areas that needed updating and then building individual sector models. Once the models had been built, this were subjected to an extensive review process and then collated into a single model. As the macroeconomic model used in the MPA was not available, a social accounting matrix (SAM) model was developed by our partners and integrated into the overall model.
The project included an extensive skills transfer component, to ensure that one the project was finished DEA was fully able to operate and update the model this was achieved through a number of training sessions held with DEA staff.
The final product from this study is a live, easily accessible model which DEA can update as new information on mitigation potential, sector performance and economic conditions become available. Furthermore, a number of DEA employees have gained skills in emissions modelling.
Department of Environmental Affairs
The National Climate Change Response White Paper identifies a number of instruments which South Africa has to implement to support mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, including allocation of carbon budgets and specification Desired Emission Reduction Outcomes (DEROs). Furthermore, the Air Quality Act imposes a requirement for greenhouse gas reporting for certain stakeholders.
The Department has already implemented a number of actions for Phase 1 of what has come to be known as the climate mitigation system, which runs from 2016 to 2020. The Department commissioned this project for Phase 2 of the project, for the period post 2020.
The Green House is working with a consortium of partners on this project. The design of the post-2020 system takes into account the work that has been done to date, existing policy and legislation and global best practice towards developing a workable and fair approach to allocation and monitoring of the greenhouse gas mitigation burden.
The outcomes of this study, when completed, will be a proposed design of the mitigation system for the post-2020 period. The proposed design will be taken by DEA to stakeholders for consultation, prior to finalisation of the system.
Business Unity South Africa (BUSA)
At the time of conducting this piece of work, National Treasury was developing a structure for the carbon tax, while the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) was trialling the first phase of a system to allocate carbon budgets to a selection of individual companies operating in South Africa. BUSA commissioned this piece of work to document areas of alignment and misalignment between these two instruments.
The Green House, in conjunction with our project partners DNA Economics, conducted a comprehensive analysis of all documents relevant to the tax and budget design and implementation, including the mandatory reporting regulations and pollution prevention plans regulations.
The study results were compiled into a report submitted to BUSA. The findings of the study have provided a basis for BUSA to engage with Treasury and DEA on the design of the instruments.
National Treasury, with funding from the World Bank.
The design of the carbon tax at the time of this project provided a tax benefit for companies whose performance was better than the average, also known as the “Z-factor”. This study was commissioned to explore how a benchmark could be set for different products or processes against which individual company operational performance could be assessed.
Working in conjunction with the European consultancy Ecofys, The Green House conducted an extensive review of how benchmarking is conducted internationally. This was followed by comprehensive data gathering on energy usage and emissions in individual processes, where this was available in the public domain, to determine the types of information that might be available for benchmark setting. Using this information, the project team developed a set of recommendations for setting benchmarks for different industrial sectors and products.
The study provided a starting point for Treasury to engage with businesses on potential approaches for setting benchmarks.
Department of Environmental Affairs
The Department of Environmental Affairs is tasked with accelerating the uptake of greenhouse gas mitigation technologies in South Africa. This study was commissioned by the Department with the aim of identifying key barriers to the uptake of a selection of mitigation technologies, and proposing actions to overcome these barriers.
The Green House, in conjunction with partners DNA Economics, conducted an extensive review and analysis of existing policy experience with respect to the target technologies’ roll out in order to document the status quo. An extensive stakeholder engagement process was undertaken to gather experience on barriers from individual role players, and to obtain their views on how these can be overcome.
The findings from the analysis were compiled into a report which provides a set of recommendations for actions which DEA and other government departments can take to overcome current barriers to technology roll-out.
Department of Environmental Affairs
Biochar is manufactured by burning organic material in a reduced oxygen environment. The product can be burnt as an energy source, used in water treatment, added to animal feed and chicken litter, and in many other applications. However one of the main interests in biochar globally is in its potential to be applied to the land, thereby both capturing the carbon in the biochar for extensive periods of time, and at the same time improving soil quantity.
The Department of Environmental Affairs commissioned this study to determine the potential for biochar to contribute to carbon sequestration in South Africa. The study was to look at feedstock sources, technologies for biochar manufacture and suitable soils and locations for biochar application.
The project commenced with a detailed literature review of international experience in production of biochar. It then went on to map the geographical location of potential feedstock sources, with a focus on cleared alien vegetation and sawmill wastes, as well as the location of suitable soils for application. A financial model was developed to determine where and under what conditions biochar manufacture may be financially viable, particularly considering the costs of transport of feedstock and product. The desktop analysis was complemented with a number of site visits to existing biochar manufacturers in order to document on-the-ground experiences.
The study highlighted pros, cons and uncertainties associated with using biochar as a carbon sequestration and soil conditioning product in South Africa, thus providing a starting point for further work to be done on this topic in the local context. The DEA will be using the project outcomes to provide a basis for launching a research programme on biochar in South Africa, to support its further uptake in the country. Private sector developers are also using the study to support the growth of their businesses.
An Investment Group
As a responsible investor with a public stated policy with respect to investments which are cognisant of climate change, our client sought to understand the implications of investment in coal-fired power stations for the greenhouse gas emissions trajectory for the electricity sector.
The Green House built an Excel-based model which could be used to explore the emissions profile under a number of assumptions related to electricity demand, and the penetration of renewable and non-renewable electricity generation technologies. The model was developed with a simple to use user interface to make it accessible to non-technical stakeholders.
The model and an accompanying presentation of the results were provided to the client to use in the engagement of stakeholders across the company.
The South African Coal Roadmap was a national initiative supported by the South African Government, the coal industry and related stakeholders (including Anglo Thermal Coal, BHP Billiton, Chamber of Mines, Coaltech, Eskom, Exxaro, Optimum Coal, SANEDI, Sasol, Shanduka, and Transnet). The initiative was coordinated and administered by the Fossil Fuel Foundation of Africa.
Stakeholders in the South African coal industry identified the need to detail and assess options and scenarios for the future development of the entire coal value chain with the aim of maximising the economic opportunities for coal as an energy and chemical resource, while maximising positive social impacts and minimising negative environmental impacts..
The Green House was the technical project manager to the SACRM initiative. The project commenced with a research study to document the status quo of all of the stages in the value chain with respect to technologies employed, flows of coal and other inputs, sustainability, logistics and other considerations. This was followed by a comprehensive scenario modelling exercise which projected the performance of the value chain and electricity supply sector to 2040 in response to local and international climate change drivers. A comprehensive electricity supply model was built as part of the exercise which explored the role of renewable and non renewable technologies in the future electricity supply mix, and the impact of cost trajectories/learning rates on their potential contributions.
Modelling outputs included not only GHG emissions, but other environmental, social and economic indicators to explore the trade-offs in moving to a low carbon future vs. remaining reliant on coal.
The scenario development process was supported by an extensive stakeholder engagement process conducted by The Green House. The engagement process served to both gather data inputs and to obtain buy-in and reach consensus on possible futures for the sector.
The key outcomes from the project were:
Together these documents have been used by the industry to help support decision-making and policy setting. The process was also successful in bringing together the South African coal industry to discuss its key challenges and opportunities relating to logistics, infrastructure, exports, governance, climate change, environment, social impacts and water.
The Project outputs are available at http://www.fossilfuel.co.za/initiatives1/.
WWF South Africa
WWF South Africa identified the need to further understand the “why, what and how” of low-carbon planning in South Africa, which, like all emerging economies, faces a multitude of developmental challenges. The Green House was part of a consortium that undertook “blue skies” research to develop a practical approach to low-carbon planning.
Through a series of structured brainstorming sessions, desk-top research and testing, the consortium developed a low-carbon planning framework, which included: a carbon budget framing; stakeholder-developed quantitative systems modelling; a suite of low-carbon and development indicators; and an outline of the institutional and process requirements.
A framework and set of tools to support low-carbon planning in South Africa was proposed, which has at its core the collaborative development of system dynamics models, undertaken through mediated modelling. The approach is framed by the concept of a carbon budget which talks to a finite carbon space in which we need to live, between now and 2050. These approaches and framings have been applied in a number of our later studies, including the project on low carbon transitions in the transport sector conducted for WWF.
For the summary publication which originated from this work, click here. Please email info@tgh.co.za to request a copy of the full project report.
Department of Environmental Affairs
Planning for economy wide mitigation of greenhouse gases requires an in-depth understanding of the individual mitigation options, including the volume of greenhouse gases that they are able to reduce and by when, the capital and operating costs associated with their implementation and the impacts of implementing them on the economy of the country. In 2014 the Department of Environmental Affairs commissioned a study of these options which came to be known as the Mitigation Potential Analysis (MPA). This study was commissioned by the Department to convert the spreadsheet-based MPA into a user-friendly modelling system which they can easily update as new information becomes available. The study also sought to update certain components of the model where new information was readily available.
The Green House chose to use Analytica as the platform on which to build this model due to its visual system representation, relative ease with which model assumptions can be interrogated, and extent to which calculation errors are minimised. The project began by reviewing the MPA spreadsheets, identifying areas that needed updating and then building individual sector models. Once the models had been built, this were subjected to an extensive review process and then collated into a single model. As the macroeconomic model used in the MPA was not available, a social accounting matrix (SAM) model was developed by our partners and integrated into the overall model.
The project included an extensive skills transfer component, to ensure that one the project was finished DEA was fully able to operate and update the model this was achieved through a number of training sessions held with DEA staff.
The final product from this study is a live, easily accessible model which DEA can update as new information on mitigation potential, sector performance and economic conditions become available. Furthermore, a number of DEA employees have gained skills in emissions modelling.
Business Unity South Africa (BUSA)
At the time of conducting this piece of work, National Treasury was developing a structure for the carbon tax, while the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) was trialling the first phase of a system to allocate carbon budgets to a selection of individual companies operating in South Africa. BUSA commissioned this piece of work to document areas of alignment and misalignment between these two instruments.
The Green House, in conjunction with our project partners DNA Economics, conducted a comprehensive analysis of all documents relevant to the tax and budget design and implementation, including the mandatory reporting regulations and pollution prevention plans regulations.
The study results were compiled into a report submitted to BUSA. The findings of the study have provided a basis for BUSA to engage with Treasury and DEA on the design of the instruments.
National Treasury, with funding from the World Bank.
The design of the carbon tax at the time of this project provided a tax benefit for companies whose performance was better than the average, also known as the “Z-factor”. This study was commissioned to explore how a benchmark could be set for different products or processes against which individual company operational performance could be assessed.
Working in conjunction with the European consultancy Ecofys, The Green House conducted an extensive review of how benchmarking is conducted internationally. This was followed by comprehensive data gathering on energy usage and emissions in individual processes, where this was available in the public domain, to determine the types of information that might be available for benchmark setting. Using this information, the project team developed a set of recommendations for setting benchmarks for different industrial sectors and products.
The study provided a starting point for Treasury to engage with businesses on potential approaches for setting benchmarks.
Department of Environmental Affairs
The Department of Environmental Affairs is tasked with accelerating the uptake of greenhouse gas mitigation technologies in South Africa. This study was commissioned by the Department with the aim of identifying key barriers to the uptake of a selection of mitigation technologies, and proposing actions to overcome these barriers.
The Green House, in conjunction with partners DNA Economics, conducted an extensive review and analysis of existing policy experience with respect to the target technologies’ roll out in order to document the status quo. An extensive stakeholder engagement process was undertaken to gather experience on barriers from individual role players, and to obtain their views on how these can be overcome.
The findings from the analysis were compiled into a report which provides a set of recommendations for actions which DEA and other government departments can take to overcome current barriers to technology roll-out.
National Planning Commission
in order to support development of South Africa’s National Development Plan, the Commissioners sought to obtain an understanding of the impacts of changes to the structure of the minerals sector in the country, as well as implications of increasing energy efficiency in the sector. The impacts were to be measured in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, employment and economic benefit.
The Green House built an Excel based model which was used to run a series of scenarios of growth of the sector and the impacts on the indicators of interest. Data to populate the model was sourced from the open literature, annual reports of mining and minerals companies and direct communication with these companies. The model was subject to an extensive stakeholder review process to ensure the integrity of the data.
The findings of the study highlighted the key sectors contributing to greenhouse gas emissions growth, and hence those considered most vulnerable to emissions reduction policies. At the same time it highlighted which sectors provided the most value in terms of jobs and economic benefit per tonne of CO2. The findings are understood to have provided an important source of information in the drafting of the Plan.
Business Unity South Africa
In advance of the Paris Climate Change Conference (COP) in 2015, countries had to submit their proposals for, amongst others, their contributions to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions, in the form of Intended Nationally Determined Contributions or INDCs. BUSA sought to provide inputs into the process of development of the mitigation component of South Africa’s INDC and approached DNA Economics and The Green House to develop these inputs.
In order to fulfil the project requirements, the project team conducted a thorough analysis of South Africa’s historical position and commitments in the international climate negotiations; the implications of INDCs and what they were required to include; and the interface with national climate change policies, legislation and other activities. From this analysis a number of potential options for the INDC were proposed, one of which was selected by BUSA as their prepared option to pursue. This option was communicated to DEA as business’s preferred position.
The project provided a set of insights to BUSA regarding the implications of the INDC, and proposed a set of options for their structuring which was considered to be congruent with historical action and yet suited to the uncertain economic environment in South Africa, at least in the short to medium term.
KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs
To develop a strategy to support increased minerals beneficiation in KwaZulu-Natal, with a view to the Province deriving maximum economic benefit and job creation from its mineral value chains in an environmentally and socially responsible way.
This multi-year research project undertaken in conjunction the Minerals to Metals Initiative at the University of Cape Town, was conducted over a number of phase:
The research undertaken in Phases 2-4 involved significant stakeholder engagement, and was conducted via a combination of desktop research and interviews. Stakeholders interviewed included individuals from industry associations, businesses operating in the minerals and metals sector in KwaZulu-Natal, as well as nationally (where relevant), academic and government experts. The research also drew on surveys of international best practice, as well as national policy reviews.
This beneficiation strategy was developed based on the analysis of five mineral commodities, selected on the basis of their key strategic benefit to the province. These five commodities each formed a pillar to the strategy, with programmatic interventions identified for the various mineral commodities towards achieving the goals and objectives of the strategy.
The project culminated in the development of the final strategy document. The outcomes of background research to the strategy development were documented in six consolidated reports: Project Scoping and Background Surveys; Aluminium Value Chain; Iron & Steel Value Chain; Minerals Sands Value Chain; Phosphate Value Chain and Coal Value Chain.
The South African Coal Roadmap was a national initiative supported by the South African Government, the coal industry and related stakeholders (including Anglo Thermal Coal, BHP Billiton, Chamber of Mines, Coaltech, Eskom, Exxaro, Optimum Coal, SANEDI, Sasol, Shanduka, and Transnet). The initiative was coordinated and administered by the Fossil Fuel Foundation of Africa.
Stakeholders in the South African coal industry identified the need to detail and assess options and scenarios for the future development of the entire coal value chain with the aim of maximising the economic opportunities for coal as an energy and chemical resource, while maximising positive social impacts and minimising negative environmental impacts..
The Green House was the technical project manager to the SACRM initiative. The project commenced with a research study to document the status quo of all of the stages in the value chain with respect to technologies employed, flows of coal and other inputs, sustainability, logistics and other considerations. This was followed by a comprehensive scenario modelling exercise which projected the performance of the value chain and electricity supply sector to 2040 in response to local and international climate change drivers. A comprehensive electricity supply model was built as part of the exercise which explored the role of renewable and non renewable technologies in the future electricity supply mix, and the impact of cost trajectories/learning rates on their potential contributions.
Modelling outputs included not only GHG emissions, but other environmental, social and economic indicators to explore the trade-offs in moving to a low carbon future vs. remaining reliant on coal.
The scenario development process was supported by an extensive stakeholder engagement process conducted by The Green House. The engagement process served to both gather data inputs and to obtain buy-in and reach consensus on possible futures for the sector.
The key outcomes from the project were:
Together these documents have been used by the industry to help support decision-making and policy setting. The process was also successful in bringing together the South African coal industry to discuss its key challenges and opportunities relating to logistics, infrastructure, exports, governance, climate change, environment, social impacts and water.
The Project outputs are available at http://www.fossilfuel.co.za/initiatives1/.
WWF South Africa
WWF South Africa identified the need to further understand the “why, what and how” of low-carbon planning in South Africa, which, like all emerging economies, faces a multitude of developmental challenges. The Green House was part of a consortium that undertook “blue skies” research to develop a practical approach to low-carbon planning.
Through a series of structured brainstorming sessions, desk-top research and testing, the consortium developed a low-carbon planning framework, which included: a carbon budget framing; stakeholder-developed quantitative systems modelling; a suite of low-carbon and development indicators; and an outline of the institutional and process requirements.
A framework and set of tools to support low-carbon planning in South Africa was proposed, which has at its core the collaborative development of system dynamics models, undertaken through mediated modelling. The approach is framed by the concept of a carbon budget which talks to a finite carbon space in which we need to live, between now and 2050. These approaches and framings have been applied in a number of our later studies, including the project on low carbon transitions in the transport sector conducted for WWF.
For the summary publication which originated from this work, click here. Please email info@tgh.co.za to request a copy of the full project report.
Department of Environmental Affairs
Planning for economy wide mitigation of greenhouse gases requires an in-depth understanding of the individual mitigation options, including the volume of greenhouse gases that they are able to reduce and by when, the capital and operating costs associated with their implementation and the impacts of implementing them on the economy of the country. In 2014 the Department of Environmental Affairs commissioned a study of these options which came to be known as the Mitigation Potential Analysis (MPA). This study was commissioned by the Department to convert the spreadsheet-based MPA into a user-friendly modelling system which they can easily update as new information becomes available. The study also sought to update certain components of the model where new information was readily available.
The Green House chose to use Analytica as the platform on which to build this model due to its visual system representation, relative ease with which model assumptions can be interrogated, and extent to which calculation errors are minimised. The project began by reviewing the MPA spreadsheets, identifying areas that needed updating and then building individual sector models. Once the models had been built, this were subjected to an extensive review process and then collated into a single model. As the macroeconomic model used in the MPA was not available, a social accounting matrix (SAM) model was developed by our partners and integrated into the overall model.
The project included an extensive skills transfer component, to ensure that one the project was finished DEA was fully able to operate and update the model this was achieved through a number of training sessions held with DEA staff.
The final product from this study is a live, easily accessible model which DEA can update as new information on mitigation potential, sector performance and economic conditions become available. Furthermore, a number of DEA employees have gained skills in emissions modelling.
Business Unity South Africa (BUSA)
At the time of conducting this piece of work, National Treasury was developing a structure for the carbon tax, while the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) was trialling the first phase of a system to allocate carbon budgets to a selection of individual companies operating in South Africa. BUSA commissioned this piece of work to document areas of alignment and misalignment between these two instruments.
The Green House, in conjunction with our project partners DNA Economics, conducted a comprehensive analysis of all documents relevant to the tax and budget design and implementation, including the mandatory reporting regulations and pollution prevention plans regulations.
The study results were compiled into a report submitted to BUSA. The findings of the study have provided a basis for BUSA to engage with Treasury and DEA on the design of the instruments.
National Treasury, with funding from the World Bank.
The design of the carbon tax at the time of this project provided a tax benefit for companies whose performance was better than the average, also known as the “Z-factor”. This study was commissioned to explore how a benchmark could be set for different products or processes against which individual company operational performance could be assessed.
Working in conjunction with the European consultancy Ecofys, The Green House conducted an extensive review of how benchmarking is conducted internationally. This was followed by comprehensive data gathering on energy usage and emissions in individual processes, where this was available in the public domain, to determine the types of information that might be available for benchmark setting. Using this information, the project team developed a set of recommendations for setting benchmarks for different industrial sectors and products.
The study provided a starting point for Treasury to engage with businesses on potential approaches for setting benchmarks.
National Planning Commission
in order to support development of South Africa’s National Development Plan, the Commissioners sought to obtain an understanding of the impacts of changes to the structure of the minerals sector in the country, as well as implications of increasing energy efficiency in the sector. The impacts were to be measured in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, employment and economic benefit.
The Green House built an Excel based model which was used to run a series of scenarios of growth of the sector and the impacts on the indicators of interest. Data to populate the model was sourced from the open literature, annual reports of mining and minerals companies and direct communication with these companies. The model was subject to an extensive stakeholder review process to ensure the integrity of the data.
The findings of the study highlighted the key sectors contributing to greenhouse gas emissions growth, and hence those considered most vulnerable to emissions reduction policies. At the same time it highlighted which sectors provided the most value in terms of jobs and economic benefit per tonne of CO2. The findings are understood to have provided an important source of information in the drafting of the Plan.
KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs
To develop a strategy to support increased minerals beneficiation in KwaZulu-Natal, with a view to the Province deriving maximum economic benefit and job creation from its mineral value chains in an environmentally and socially responsible way.
This multi-year research project undertaken in conjunction the Minerals to Metals Initiative at the University of Cape Town, was conducted over a number of phase:
The research undertaken in Phases 2-4 involved significant stakeholder engagement, and was conducted via a combination of desktop research and interviews. Stakeholders interviewed included individuals from industry associations, businesses operating in the minerals and metals sector in KwaZulu-Natal, as well as nationally (where relevant), academic and government experts. The research also drew on surveys of international best practice, as well as national policy reviews.
This beneficiation strategy was developed based on the analysis of five mineral commodities, selected on the basis of their key strategic benefit to the province. These five commodities each formed a pillar to the strategy, with programmatic interventions identified for the various mineral commodities towards achieving the goals and objectives of the strategy.
The project culminated in the development of the final strategy document. The outcomes of background research to the strategy development were documented in six consolidated reports: Project Scoping and Background Surveys; Aluminium Value Chain; Iron & Steel Value Chain; Minerals Sands Value Chain; Phosphate Value Chain and Coal Value Chain.
WWF South Africa
WWF South Africa identified the need to further understand the “why, what and how” of low-carbon planning in South Africa, which, like all emerging economies, faces a multitude of developmental challenges. The Green House was part of a consortium that undertook “blue skies” research to develop a practical approach to low-carbon planning.
Through a series of structured brainstorming sessions, desk-top research and testing, the consortium developed a low-carbon planning framework, which included: a carbon budget framing; stakeholder-developed quantitative systems modelling; a suite of low-carbon and development indicators; and an outline of the institutional and process requirements.
A framework and set of tools to support low-carbon planning in South Africa was proposed, which has at its core the collaborative development of system dynamics models, undertaken through mediated modelling. The approach is framed by the concept of a carbon budget which talks to a finite carbon space in which we need to live, between now and 2050. These approaches and framings have been applied in a number of our later studies, including the project on low carbon transitions in the transport sector conducted for WWF.
For the summary publication which originated from this work, click here. Please email info@tgh.co.za to request a copy of the full project report.
Department of Environmental Affairs
Planning for economy wide mitigation of greenhouse gases requires an in-depth understanding of the individual mitigation options, including the volume of greenhouse gases that they are able to reduce and by when, the capital and operating costs associated with their implementation and the impacts of implementing them on the economy of the country. In 2014 the Department of Environmental Affairs commissioned a study of these options which came to be known as the Mitigation Potential Analysis (MPA). This study was commissioned by the Department to convert the spreadsheet-based MPA into a user-friendly modelling system which they can easily update as new information becomes available. The study also sought to update certain components of the model where new information was readily available.
The Green House chose to use Analytica as the platform on which to build this model due to its visual system representation, relative ease with which model assumptions can be interrogated, and extent to which calculation errors are minimised. The project began by reviewing the MPA spreadsheets, identifying areas that needed updating and then building individual sector models. Once the models had been built, this were subjected to an extensive review process and then collated into a single model. As the macroeconomic model used in the MPA was not available, a social accounting matrix (SAM) model was developed by our partners and integrated into the overall model.
The project included an extensive skills transfer component, to ensure that one the project was finished DEA was fully able to operate and update the model this was achieved through a number of training sessions held with DEA staff.
The final product from this study is a live, easily accessible model which DEA can update as new information on mitigation potential, sector performance and economic conditions become available. Furthermore, a number of DEA employees have gained skills in emissions modelling.
Department of Environmental Affairs
The Department of Environmental Affairs is tasked with accelerating the uptake of greenhouse gas mitigation technologies in South Africa. This study was commissioned by the Department with the aim of identifying key barriers to the uptake of a selection of mitigation technologies, and proposing actions to overcome these barriers.
The Green House, in conjunction with partners DNA Economics, conducted an extensive review and analysis of existing policy experience with respect to the target technologies’ roll out in order to document the status quo. An extensive stakeholder engagement process was undertaken to gather experience on barriers from individual role players, and to obtain their views on how these can be overcome.
The findings from the analysis were compiled into a report which provides a set of recommendations for actions which DEA and other government departments can take to overcome current barriers to technology roll-out.
Tetra Pak
Tetra Pak South Africa wished to understand the environmental strengths and weaknesses of the Tetra Pak beverage packaging options in a South African context and to compare the environmental performance of Tetra Pak packaging with other commonly available options on the South African market.
Tetra Pak required a full ISO 14040 compliant LCA study. The Green House therefore followed the approach required by the international standard, including producing a scoping report that detailed all methodological considerations and lining up a critical review panel of three leading South African LCA experts to review the study.
As Tetra Pak themselves cover only the manufacturing of the packaging, partners along the value chain were sought to cover the filling, distribution and retail stages of the life cycle. A large commercial dairy company, a juice packing company and a supermarket chain were partnered with to cover the other life cycle stages. Site visits were conducted to the dairy and juice plants, as well as to the supermarket distribution centre and retail store. The life cycle model was developed in SimaPro using the site-specific data along with The Green House’s proprietary database. A commercially available life cycle inventory (LCI) data were used to model the competing packaging options, including glass bottles, cans, plastic bottles and plastic sachets.
Two summary reports were prepared – one focusing on the comparative results of the packaging options and one focussing only on the juice packaging options – as well as a full technical report, the latter being required for the critical reviewers of the study. The study results were also presented to TetraPak senior management. Carbon footprint reports were also prepared for the dairy and juice packaging companies that provided data into the study.
WWF-SA and Woolworths
To gain an understanding of the impacts of dairy products and to identify key points of intervention for improvement.
The first step was to thoroughly scope the study and identify partners along the product value chain. Through discussions with the WWF team, the study was limited to the production and supply of fresh milk to the consumer, with the milk produced in the Western Cape and sold within the greater Cape Town area. Five farms were located that were willing to participate in the study, that covered different Western Cape regions (Greater Cape Town, the Overberg and the Garden Route) and different dairy farming approaches (intensive stall-based and pasture). An in-kind donation to the WWF was negotiated with TetraPak and the large commercial dairy company that provided input into a TetraPak study on milk packaging [possibly a link to that case study], to allow data from that study to be applied in the WWF study. Finally, Woolworths were approached to partner on the retail and distribution end. Woolworths also made available their considerable consumer database, enabling a consumer survey to provide data on the final value chain stage (milk consumption and packaging end of life).
Data collection site visits were undertaken to the farms, dairy processing facilities, distribution centre and retail store. This primary site-specific data was combined with South African agricultural statistics and The Green House’s proprietary LCI database to build a life cycle model of milk production.
An important part of the life cycle model is the sustainability metrics against which the product is assessed. WWF wished to particularly focus on climate, water and biodiversity impacts. The latter two are dependent on the region in which the activity occurs, and thus were found not be adequately assessed by available life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) methods (which are mostly developed by European researchers). A particular component of the study was thus to develop water and biodiversity life cycle indicators relevant to the South African context.
The outcome of the study was summary report and a technical report, which detailed the emissions and environmental impacts along the milk supply chain in the Western Cape, whilst placing the results in the international context. Various stakeholder engagements formed part of the deliverables of the study, including feedback sessions to the data providers of the study, as well as a public workshop: Understanding the Applications of Life Cycle Assessment to the Food Industry, held at the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation.
A summary of the findings can be found in the article published in the South African Food Science and Technology magazine.
The study provided some powerful insights into the milk supply chain that have been taken up by Woolworths and their suppliers. The experiences of WWF-SA, Woolworths and The Rhodes Food Group with the study can be heard on the 50/50 feature (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QelPbhl9nNU&feature=youtu.be).
WWF-SA
Given the high focus on climate and water impacts of livestock in recent FAO reports, as well as the trend towards increased red meat intake with rising income levels, WWF-SA wished to understand the impacts of beef production in a Southern African context, as well as to identify the key points of intervention along the beef value chain, so as to support their efforts towards creating a sustainable beef supply chain in South Africa.
The project was undertaken in partnership with Woolworths, thus a number of meetings were held with WWF-SA, the Woolworths project team and red meat experts to fully scope the project. The agreed system to study was the production and retail of two high-grade beef products (steak and mince) in South Africa, including cattle rearing, fattening (both feedlot and free-range), slaughtering, processing, packaging and retailing. The scope of the study was later extended to include Namibia because of the need to source free-range farmers to participate in the study.
Woolworths provided introductions to the abattoirs and meat processors supplying them, and site visits were conducted to the abattoirs, meat processors and feedlots that were willing to participate in the study. The Green House team sourced livestock farmers to participate in the study, with data collected via phone interviews. This primary site-specific data was combined with South African agricultural datasets and The Green House’s proprietary LCI database to build a life cycle model of beef production.
An important part of the life cycle model is the sustainability metrics against which the product is assessed. The Beef LCA study is unique in South Africa as it is the first LCA study to apply regional life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) methods for water stress, land use (biodiversity), acidification and eutrophication. The regional LCIA methods are developed by The Green House for South Africa from state-of-the-art international LCIA methods.
The main deliverables for the study are a presentation of key findings and a report. Feedback sessions were held with WWF-SA and the Woolworths Good Business Journey team members, as well as with the Woolworths Protein team, at various stages during the project, as well as at the close. The study provided some key insights into beef production that will support Woolworths’ promotion of particular farming practices.
South African Sustainable Textiles and Apparel Cluster (SASTAC)
To provide a baseline of the sustainability performance of the South African textiles industry and to pilot life cycle assessment against two cotton textile value chains.
The project was broken down into two distinct phases.
The first phase, undertaken in association with The Moss Group, developed a set of sustainability metrics against which to assess the South African textiles industry. The development process combined input from existing reviews and standards with the insights of industry experts and other stakeholders. Background research included a literature survey of environmental life cycle and social impact assessment studies and a review of sustainability standards. The global focus of these reviews was complemented by research identifying material issues in the South African textile industry and by stakeholder input elicited through two workshops. The workshop outcomes were synthesised with the research component to develop a final set of sustainability issues relevant to the South African textile industry. A core requirement for an issue to be included in the final set of sustainability metrics was that it be measurable (either fully quantifiable or able to be put on a semi-quantitative scale). The number of indicators also needed to be kept to a manageable number. The final step of the first phase of work was to select and/or develop methods to quantify the chosen sustainability indicators. For the environmental impacts, best practice LCIA models were chosen, adapting them for the South African context, where relevant, whilst on the socio-economic side an approach using semi-quantiative constructed scales was selected.
In second phase of the project, a life cycle model of two pilot textile value chains was developed. Primary data was collected via questionnaires followed up with site visits across the entire value chain (from cotton farming through to retail). The life cycle models were built in SimaPro from the site-specific data collected combined with data from The Green House’s proprietary LCI database. The cotton t-shirt and towel were then assessed according to the metrics and models developed in the first phase of the project. To facilitate analysis and interpretation of results, impacts were grouped into common areas of concern using constructed sales, namely impacts on human health and ecosystems, impacts on resources, labour rights and decent work, job creation and community development, commitment to occupational health and safety, and product quality and economic sustainability. This allowed a “snapshot” of sustainability impacts across the value chain to be constructed, producing a highly visual summary of the strengths and weaknesses of South African textile products with respect to their sustainability performance.
The final deliverable of the project was a summary report, together with a full technical report. Interim method and process reports were also produced at the end of the first phase of the project.
The ability of the life cycle approach to provide succinct measures of environmental and socio-economic performance, and thus to benchmark sustainability performance, was demonstrated in the study. The insights from the LCSA was taken forward into the development of a strategy and a sustainability standard for the South African textile sector.
Woolworths
To provide Woolworths with a better understanding of the environmental impacts of textiles, particularly with respect to where in the life cycle impacts are highest, and how these differ for different raw material options.
A high-level life cycle comparison was recommended to provide the necessary insights at a relatively low budget. Three broadly different fibre types – cotton fibres, polyester fibres and cellulosic fibres (viscose) – were chosen to span the mix of natural and synthetic fibres, whilst cellulosic viscose was included because of the interest in bamboo as a sustainable resource. The study was a screening LCA in that it relied primarily on life cycle databases to model the impacts of manufacturing textiles, although study-specific information was included where required by the South African context, most notably around the consumer use of textile products.
The deliverables of the study was an accessible study report, together with a presentation to the Woolworths and WWF team. The outcomes of the study was used to support Woolworths development of a range of jeans using recycled PET content: http://comarochronicle.co.za/54020/woolworths-recycled-jeans-south-african-fashion-first/
WWF South Africa
WWF South Africa identified the need to further understand the “why, what and how” of low-carbon planning in South Africa, which, like all emerging economies, faces a multitude of developmental challenges. The Green House was part of a consortium that undertook “blue skies” research to develop a practical approach to low-carbon planning.
Through a series of structured brainstorming sessions, desk-top research and testing, the consortium developed a low-carbon planning framework, which included: a carbon budget framing; stakeholder-developed quantitative systems modelling; a suite of low-carbon and development indicators; and an outline of the institutional and process requirements.
A framework and set of tools to support low-carbon planning in South Africa was proposed, which has at its core the collaborative development of system dynamics models, undertaken through mediated modelling. The approach is framed by the concept of a carbon budget which talks to a finite carbon space in which we need to live, between now and 2050. These approaches and framings have been applied in a number of our later studies, including the project on low carbon transitions in the transport sector conducted for WWF.
For the summary publication which originated from this work, click here. Please email info@tgh.co.za to request a copy of the full project report.
WWF South Africa
WWF South Africa is active across the country in advocating for change towards a more sustainable environment. The transport sector is one which gives rise to a significant proportion of South Africa’s emissions; has high greenhouse gas mitigation potential and at the same time can contribute to social upliftment through provision of mobility to those who currently do not have access. This project sought to implement some of the outcomes from the previous low carbon action plan, through exploring both passenger and freight related mitigation opportunities.
The project consisted of three key components. The first of these, which constituted the bulk of the work, was the development of a systems dynamics model of the freight sector. Through system dynamics modelling, the impact of the wide range of variables and uncertainties which impact on decision makers’ choice of transport mode for the goods were demonstrated, thereby providing an understanding of key points for leverage to effect change. The tool is distributed through a user-friendly web-based interface which can be used by a wide range of role players.
The second component was a high-level study of global experience in implementing mitigation in the transport sector and an analysis of emissions profiles in Gauteng.
The third component consisted of facilitating a series of workshops with labour unions across South Africa, to educate them on the climate challenge, and identify actions which they could take to reduce emissions.
The main outcomes of the project were a systems dynamics model of the transport sector and a number of research reports on cases studies and opportunities for transition to low carbon alternatives in the transport sector. Various project outputs are available for download by clicking here.
Department of Environmental Affairs
Planning for economy wide mitigation of greenhouse gases requires an in-depth understanding of the individual mitigation options, including the volume of greenhouse gases that they are able to reduce and by when, the capital and operating costs associated with their implementation and the impacts of implementing them on the economy of the country. In 2014 the Department of Environmental Affairs commissioned a study of these options which came to be known as the Mitigation Potential Analysis (MPA). This study was commissioned by the Department to convert the spreadsheet-based MPA into a user-friendly modelling system which they can easily update as new information becomes available. The study also sought to update certain components of the model where new information was readily available.
The Green House chose to use Analytica as the platform on which to build this model due to its visual system representation, relative ease with which model assumptions can be interrogated, and extent to which calculation errors are minimised. The project began by reviewing the MPA spreadsheets, identifying areas that needed updating and then building individual sector models. Once the models had been built, this were subjected to an extensive review process and then collated into a single model. As the macroeconomic model used in the MPA was not available, a social accounting matrix (SAM) model was developed by our partners and integrated into the overall model.
The project included an extensive skills transfer component, to ensure that one the project was finished DEA was fully able to operate and update the model this was achieved through a number of training sessions held with DEA staff.
The final product from this study is a live, easily accessible model which DEA can update as new information on mitigation potential, sector performance and economic conditions become available. Furthermore, a number of DEA employees have gained skills in emissions modelling.
Department of Environmental Affairs
The Department of Environmental Affairs is tasked with accelerating the uptake of greenhouse gas mitigation technologies in South Africa. This study was commissioned by the Department with the aim of identifying key barriers to the uptake of a selection of mitigation technologies, and proposing actions to overcome these barriers.
The Green House, in conjunction with partners DNA Economics, conducted an extensive review and analysis of existing policy experience with respect to the target technologies’ roll out in order to document the status quo. An extensive stakeholder engagement process was undertaken to gather experience on barriers from individual role players, and to obtain their views on how these can be overcome.
The findings from the analysis were compiled into a report which provides a set of recommendations for actions which DEA and other government departments can take to overcome current barriers to technology roll-out.
Department of Environmental Affairs
Planning for economy wide mitigation of greenhouse gases requires an in-depth understanding of the individual mitigation options, including the volume of greenhouse gases that they are able to reduce and by when, the capital and operating costs associated with their implementation and the impacts of implementing them on the economy of the country. In 2014 the Department of Environmental Affairs commissioned a study of these options which came to be known as the Mitigation Potential Analysis (MPA). This study was commissioned by the Department to convert the spreadsheet-based MPA into a user-friendly modelling system which they can easily update as new information becomes available. The study also sought to update certain components of the model where new information was readily available.
The Green House chose to use Analytica as the platform on which to build this model due to its visual system representation, relative ease with which model assumptions can be interrogated, and extent to which calculation errors are minimised. The project began by reviewing the MPA spreadsheets, identifying areas that needed updating and then building individual sector models. Once the models had been built, this were subjected to an extensive review process and then collated into a single model. As the macroeconomic model used in the MPA was not available, a social accounting matrix (SAM) model was developed by our partners and integrated into the overall model.
The project included an extensive skills transfer component, to ensure that one the project was finished DEA was fully able to operate and update the model this was achieved through a number of training sessions held with DEA staff.
The final product from this study is a live, easily accessible model which DEA can update as new information on mitigation potential, sector performance and economic conditions become available. Furthermore, a number of DEA employees have gained skills in emissions modelling.
Department of Environmental Affairs
The Department of Environmental Affairs is tasked with accelerating the uptake of greenhouse gas mitigation technologies in South Africa. This study was commissioned by the Department with the aim of identifying key barriers to the uptake of a selection of mitigation technologies, and proposing actions to overcome these barriers.
The Green House, in conjunction with partners DNA Economics, conducted an extensive review and analysis of existing policy experience with respect to the target technologies’ roll out in order to document the status quo. An extensive stakeholder engagement process was undertaken to gather experience on barriers from individual role players, and to obtain their views on how these can be overcome.
The findings from the analysis were compiled into a report which provides a set of recommendations for actions which DEA and other government departments can take to overcome current barriers to technology roll-out.
Department of Energy, funded by UNDP
The UNDP commissioned The Green House to undertake a review and assessment of energy savings and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets or savings that are potentially achievable through the implementation of energy efficient appliances in South Africa via the Standards and Labelling (S&L) project.
The work involved a detailed review of existing studies to unpack the apparent discrepancies between the previous studies in terms of projected energy savings and related emission reductions associated with appliance standards and labelling. Using data provided a model was developed in Analytica to recalculate energy savings and related greenhouse gas emissions reductions attributable to the S&L Project against a justifiable baseline year.
The model was shared via the Analytica cloud player with stakeholders so that all the underlying assumptions and calculations could be interrogated.
The Analytica model provided a visual platform to be able to review and discuss the impact of assumptions on the predicted results with stakeholders. This overcame some of the issues associated with results previously generated using “black box” models, that were inadequately described.
Department of Environmental Affairs
Planning for economy wide mitigation of greenhouse gases requires an in-depth understanding of the individual mitigation options, including the volume of greenhouse gases that they are able to reduce and by when, the capital and operating costs associated with their implementation and the impacts of implementing them on the economy of the country. In 2014 the Department of Environmental Affairs commissioned a study of these options which came to be known as the Mitigation Potential Analysis (MPA). This study was commissioned by the Department to convert the spreadsheet-based MPA into a user-friendly modelling system which they can easily update as new information becomes available. The study also sought to update certain components of the model where new information was readily available.
The Green House chose to use Analytica as the platform on which to build this model due to its visual system representation, relative ease with which model assumptions can be interrogated, and extent to which calculation errors are minimised. The project began by reviewing the MPA spreadsheets, identifying areas that needed updating and then building individual sector models. Once the models had been built, this were subjected to an extensive review process and then collated into a single model. As the macroeconomic model used in the MPA was not available, a social accounting matrix (SAM) model was developed by our partners and integrated into the overall model.
The project included an extensive skills transfer component, to ensure that one the project was finished DEA was fully able to operate and update the model this was achieved through a number of training sessions held with DEA staff.
The final product from this study is a live, easily accessible model which DEA can update as new information on mitigation potential, sector performance and economic conditions become available. Furthermore, a number of DEA employees have gained skills in emissions modelling.
Department of Environmental Affairs
Biochar is manufactured by burning organic material in a reduced oxygen environment. The product can be burnt as an energy source, used in water treatment, added to animal feed and chicken litter, and in many other applications. However one of the main interests in biochar globally is in its potential to be applied to the land, thereby both capturing the carbon in the biochar for extensive periods of time, and at the same time improving soil quantity.
The Department of Environmental Affairs commissioned this study to determine the potential for biochar to contribute to carbon sequestration in South Africa. The study was to look at feedstock sources, technologies for biochar manufacture and suitable soils and locations for biochar application.
The project commenced with a detailed literature review of international experience in production of biochar. It then went on to map the geographical location of potential feedstock sources, with a focus on cleared alien vegetation and sawmill wastes, as well as the location of suitable soils for application. A financial model was developed to determine where and under what conditions biochar manufacture may be financially viable, particularly considering the costs of transport of feedstock and product. The desktop analysis was complemented with a number of site visits to existing biochar manufacturers in order to document on-the-ground experiences.
The study highlighted pros, cons and uncertainties associated with using biochar as a carbon sequestration and soil conditioning product in South Africa, thus providing a starting point for further work to be done on this topic in the local context. The DEA will be using the project outcomes to provide a basis for launching a research programme on biochar in South Africa, to support its further uptake in the country. Private sector developers are also using the study to support the growth of their businesses.
WWF-SA and Woolworths
To gain an understanding of the impacts of dairy products and to identify key points of intervention for improvement.
The first step was to thoroughly scope the study and identify partners along the product value chain. Through discussions with the WWF team, the study was limited to the production and supply of fresh milk to the consumer, with the milk produced in the Western Cape and sold within the greater Cape Town area. Five farms were located that were willing to participate in the study, that covered different Western Cape regions (Greater Cape Town, the Overberg and the Garden Route) and different dairy farming approaches (intensive stall-based and pasture). An in-kind donation to the WWF was negotiated with TetraPak and the large commercial dairy company that provided input into a TetraPak study on milk packaging [possibly a link to that case study], to allow data from that study to be applied in the WWF study. Finally, Woolworths were approached to partner on the retail and distribution end. Woolworths also made available their considerable consumer database, enabling a consumer survey to provide data on the final value chain stage (milk consumption and packaging end of life).
Data collection site visits were undertaken to the farms, dairy processing facilities, distribution centre and retail store. This primary site-specific data was combined with South African agricultural statistics and The Green House’s proprietary LCI database to build a life cycle model of milk production.
An important part of the life cycle model is the sustainability metrics against which the product is assessed. WWF wished to particularly focus on climate, water and biodiversity impacts. The latter two are dependent on the region in which the activity occurs, and thus were found not be adequately assessed by available life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) methods (which are mostly developed by European researchers). A particular component of the study was thus to develop water and biodiversity life cycle indicators relevant to the South African context.
The outcome of the study was summary report and a technical report, which detailed the emissions and environmental impacts along the milk supply chain in the Western Cape, whilst placing the results in the international context. Various stakeholder engagements formed part of the deliverables of the study, including feedback sessions to the data providers of the study, as well as a public workshop: Understanding the Applications of Life Cycle Assessment to the Food Industry, held at the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation.
A summary of the findings can be found in the article published in the South African Food Science and Technology magazine.
The study provided some powerful insights into the milk supply chain that have been taken up by Woolworths and their suppliers. The experiences of WWF-SA, Woolworths and The Rhodes Food Group with the study can be heard on the 50/50 feature (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QelPbhl9nNU&feature=youtu.be).
WWF-SA
Given the high focus on climate and water impacts of livestock in recent FAO reports, as well as the trend towards increased red meat intake with rising income levels, WWF-SA wished to understand the impacts of beef production in a Southern African context, as well as to identify the key points of intervention along the beef value chain, so as to support their efforts towards creating a sustainable beef supply chain in South Africa.
The project was undertaken in partnership with Woolworths, thus a number of meetings were held with WWF-SA, the Woolworths project team and red meat experts to fully scope the project. The agreed system to study was the production and retail of two high-grade beef products (steak and mince) in South Africa, including cattle rearing, fattening (both feedlot and free-range), slaughtering, processing, packaging and retailing. The scope of the study was later extended to include Namibia because of the need to source free-range farmers to participate in the study.
Woolworths provided introductions to the abattoirs and meat processors supplying them, and site visits were conducted to the abattoirs, meat processors and feedlots that were willing to participate in the study. The Green House team sourced livestock farmers to participate in the study, with data collected via phone interviews. This primary site-specific data was combined with South African agricultural datasets and The Green House’s proprietary LCI database to build a life cycle model of beef production.
An important part of the life cycle model is the sustainability metrics against which the product is assessed. The Beef LCA study is unique in South Africa as it is the first LCA study to apply regional life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) methods for water stress, land use (biodiversity), acidification and eutrophication. The regional LCIA methods are developed by The Green House for South Africa from state-of-the-art international LCIA methods.
The main deliverables for the study are a presentation of key findings and a report. Feedback sessions were held with WWF-SA and the Woolworths Good Business Journey team members, as well as with the Woolworths Protein team, at various stages during the project, as well as at the close. The study provided some key insights into beef production that will support Woolworths’ promotion of particular farming practices.
South African Sustainable Textiles and Apparel Cluster (SASTAC)
To provide a baseline of the sustainability performance of the South African textiles industry and to pilot life cycle assessment against two cotton textile value chains.
The project was broken down into two distinct phases.
The first phase, undertaken in association with The Moss Group, developed a set of sustainability metrics against which to assess the South African textiles industry. The development process combined input from existing reviews and standards with the insights of industry experts and other stakeholders. Background research included a literature survey of environmental life cycle and social impact assessment studies and a review of sustainability standards. The global focus of these reviews was complemented by research identifying material issues in the South African textile industry and by stakeholder input elicited through two workshops. The workshop outcomes were synthesised with the research component to develop a final set of sustainability issues relevant to the South African textile industry. A core requirement for an issue to be included in the final set of sustainability metrics was that it be measurable (either fully quantifiable or able to be put on a semi-quantitative scale). The number of indicators also needed to be kept to a manageable number. The final step of the first phase of work was to select and/or develop methods to quantify the chosen sustainability indicators. For the environmental impacts, best practice LCIA models were chosen, adapting them for the South African context, where relevant, whilst on the socio-economic side an approach using semi-quantiative constructed scales was selected.
In second phase of the project, a life cycle model of two pilot textile value chains was developed. Primary data was collected via questionnaires followed up with site visits across the entire value chain (from cotton farming through to retail). The life cycle models were built in SimaPro from the site-specific data collected combined with data from The Green House’s proprietary LCI database. The cotton t-shirt and towel were then assessed according to the metrics and models developed in the first phase of the project. To facilitate analysis and interpretation of results, impacts were grouped into common areas of concern using constructed sales, namely impacts on human health and ecosystems, impacts on resources, labour rights and decent work, job creation and community development, commitment to occupational health and safety, and product quality and economic sustainability. This allowed a “snapshot” of sustainability impacts across the value chain to be constructed, producing a highly visual summary of the strengths and weaknesses of South African textile products with respect to their sustainability performance.
The final deliverable of the project was a summary report, together with a full technical report. Interim method and process reports were also produced at the end of the first phase of the project.
The ability of the life cycle approach to provide succinct measures of environmental and socio-economic performance, and thus to benchmark sustainability performance, was demonstrated in the study. The insights from the LCSA was taken forward into the development of a strategy and a sustainability standard for the South African textile sector.
Woolworths
To provide Woolworths with a better understanding of the environmental impacts of textiles, particularly with respect to where in the life cycle impacts are highest, and how these differ for different raw material options.
A high-level life cycle comparison was recommended to provide the necessary insights at a relatively low budget. Three broadly different fibre types – cotton fibres, polyester fibres and cellulosic fibres (viscose) – were chosen to span the mix of natural and synthetic fibres, whilst cellulosic viscose was included because of the interest in bamboo as a sustainable resource. The study was a screening LCA in that it relied primarily on life cycle databases to model the impacts of manufacturing textiles, although study-specific information was included where required by the South African context, most notably around the consumer use of textile products.
The deliverables of the study was an accessible study report, together with a presentation to the Woolworths and WWF team. The outcomes of the study was used to support Woolworths development of a range of jeans using recycled PET content: http://comarochronicle.co.za/54020/woolworths-recycled-jeans-south-african-fashion-first/