In a world increasingly concerned with climate change and environmental sustainability, you might have heard about the phrase Net Zero. The global stage is witnessing a profound shift in consumer behaviour and market dynamics, with sustainably now at the forefront of business practices. This transformation is compelling markets worldwide to possibly request Net Zero strategies from South African packhouses.
What is a Net Zero document?
A Net Zero document can be considered as a roadmap to sustainability. It outlines a packhouse’s dedication to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions within packhouse operations. But what does “Net Zero” mean for your organisation?
Net Zero refers to the state in which a packhouse has successfully reduced its carbon emissions to the lowest feasible level and balances the remaining emissions by removing or offsetting an equivalent amount of carbon from the atmosphere. In simpler terms, it’s all about achieving a balance between the carbon emissions produced and taking carbon out of the environment. Thus, it signifies your organisation’s solutions to minimize the carbon emissions associated with your operations.
How does developing a Net Zero strategy work for Packhouses?
Developing a Net Zero Strategy document is a multifaceted process that requires careful planning, dedication, and a commitment to sustainability. The core of developing a Net Zero strategy is all about having the right data. The multifaceted process of the development of the document is created from a baseline assessment. This assessment, in short, is to assess what the current carbon emissions are for your packhouse and then, in essence, is used to develop the majority of your Net Zero strategy document.
SIZA Digital Recordkeeping Programme
Where would you begin with your baseline assessment? The SIZA Digital Recordkeeping Programme is your answer. The SIZA Digital Recordkeeping Programme provides the needed information for a baseline assessment such as energy consumption, carbon emissions, water use, and waste management data. The SIZA Digital Recordkeeping Programme also enhances supply chain visibility and traceability and has a partnership with Confronting Climate Change, meaning that all carbon emission calculations are covered as well.
SIZA has developed a template to assist packhouses with developing a Net Zero strategy document. You can access the template document on the Member Resources tab in your account on MySIZA.
To learn more about developing a Net Zero strategy document and using the SIZA Digital Recordkeeping Programme please contact the SIZA office on 021 852 8184 or send an email to victor@siza.co.za