“The implementation of cleaner production methodologies and technologies has a direct and positive impact on the bottom line of a company.”  Ndivhuho Raphulu, CEO of the NCPC-SA.

The NCPC-SA was commissioned by the dti as its key industrial sustainability programme, in response to international competitive pressures for greener economies and the ensuing environmental technical barriers to trade, as well as cost and resource availability challenges.

The Centre currently focuses on six priority sectors identified in government’s Industrial Policy Action Plan for 2010 to 2013 (IPAP2), viz agro-processing; automotive; chemical and pharmaceutical; fibres, textiles and clothing; pulp and paper; metals fabrication, capital and transport equipment. It also addresses green industries; and hospitality and tourism.  Assessments are undertaken at participating companies to identify areas where energy, water and raw material usage can be improved. The focus is on low-cost energy and resource efficiency solutions, aimed at assisting companies and plants in their efforts to become ecologically responsible, productive, low carbon, competitive businesses.

The Centre also hosts the Industrial Energy Efficiency (IEE) Improvement Project in South Africa. Initiated in 2010, the project aims to contribute to the sustainable transformation of industrial energy usage practice in SA, reduce carbon-dioxide emissions and to demonstrate the positive impact of energy management as a means of increasing profitability. After completion of its four-year lifespan, the IEE project will be integrated in the operations of the NCPC-SA.