THE BUSINESS
NATURAL CAPITAL
Senwes uses natural capital such as land, water and energy to generate income. Senwes
invests significantly in decreasing the impact of its activities on the environment
and to promote a culture of efficiency. Senwes’ manufacturing capital has a low
impact on natural capital.
KEY INPUTS
Tender process closed, currently busy compiling a tender report. Solar projects
amounting to R2,2m:
• Potchefstroom;
• Delmas;
Water consumption efficiency programme;
Electricity consumption efficiency programme;
Registered as a member of the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA)
while we are also focused on building all new developments to obtain a green
star rating; and
Waste reduction programme.
TRADE-OFFS IN OUR USE OF
NATURAL CAPITAL
The investment in energy and water savings projects
has a negative impact on financial capital over the short
term. However, it will have a positive impact on natural
and financial capital over the long term, through
reduced municipal costs, as well as reduced depletion
of natural resources.
ACTIONS TO IMPROVE
OUTCOMES
Solar power projects are planned for two Hinterland
branches (Potchefstroom and Delmas);
Focus on finding solutions for producers relating to
more efficient water usage;
A waste reduction programme focused on lower paper
usage by using technology, as well as recycling
of used paper; and
Installation of electronic electricity meters at silos to
record municipal readings.
OUTCOMES 2020 2019
Electricity consumption at head office GWh 1,4 1,3
Decrease in water consumption at head
office
Cumulative CO 2
, as a result of lower paper
consumption
% (1,4) (16,3)
tonnes 3 675 2 836
Senwes Grainlink silos electricity consumption GWh 23,5 21,8
REASSURANCE IN RESPECT OF NATURAL CAPITAL
Independent consultation on the rehabilitation of the mining sites of Bastion Lime.
Meter installations were done by Motla Consulting Engineers in order to ensure that
the correct readings are taken on a contract-basis.
FUTURE
CHALLENGES
Increasing scarcity and decreasing quality of natural
resources;
Inability of municipalities to manage their water
and electricity accounts has a negative effect on
business activities;
Climate change: Drought has a negative impact on
food production;
The effect that global warming may have on the
agricultural industry;
The demand for water exceeds its natural avail -
ability; and
The inability of Eskom to meet the demand for
electricity, due to poor infrastructure and maintenance
of networks.
SENWES INTEGRATED REPORT 2020
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