Business commitments to climate change

Sappi-Kraft Paper Mill, South Africa

Sappi, the global paper and pulp group, have been recognised by the South African Carbon Disclosure Project 2009 Leadership Index for its efforts to manage its carbon emissions.

The firm ranked fifth in terms of the quality of its disclosure and was included in the first ever top performers list of 16 companies that were ranked in terms of actual performance on climate mitigation and adaptation actions.

Reducing carbon emissions is already a massive issue for the power and energy industry as it fights to reverse the effects of climate change. What's more, in the last few years specifically, the issue has transcended beyond the boundaries of the industry, becoming a key agenda item for consumers and businesses across the globe. Sappi, however, has long been focused on its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, far outpacing the current trend in responsibility.

Ahead of the pack

The track record of the company is quite astounding. In fact it was as far back as 2000 that Sappi introduced a system for measuring greenhouse gases (GHGs), based on the premise of "measure, monitor, manage and mitigate."

Since then the issue has remained a key strategic goal for the firm, hoping to reduce their carbon footprint by improving energy-use efficiency and decreasing the company's reliance on fossil fuels.

In fact, according to Ria Sanz, Sappi's Group Corporate Counsel and Global Leader on Sustainable Development, who spoke after the the firm's ranking was announced: "This has been achieved through numerous actions which include reducing purchased energy (electricity and fossil fuel) and by increasing the use of renewable energy – an approach which ultimately results in a reduction in GHG emissions."

Renewables

Currently 38.1 percent of Sappi's energy in South Africa is derived from renewable resources, but that figure is likely to increase to over 50 percent once the firm's Amakhulu expansion project at the Sappi Saiccor Mill is fully operational.

The Amakhulu project has already won an award from Africa Energy for The Most Innovative Co-generation Project, an award won by Sappi's Tugela Mill in 2008 for its US$4.3 million CDM (clean development mechanism) project converting a boiler from coal to bark and thus reducing its use of coal by 53,000 tons per year.

Sappi's continued commitment to reducing carbon emissions - and its new ranking in the Leadership Index - are certainly commendable.

And, as the issues of climate change continue to kick the energy industry into shape, the commitments of the firm stand as a shining example of just what businesses can do to help save the planet.

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