KLIPRIVIERSBERG – A project providing support on cost saving and efficiency in energy utilisation also key barriers to action, was on the agenda at the last Green Business Platform for 2014 on December 5.
Special guest speaker, Programme Head of the Private Sector Energy Efficiency Project (PSEE) and National Business Initiative Programme Manager: Energy Efficiency Leadership Network, Peter Mukoma, gave an enlightening talk on the progress of the project.
The programme strives to support the awareness and uptake of best practice in management and energy efficiency in the country. It also focuses on the implementation and unlocking the key obstacles to energy efficiency through three levels of service implemented through the project.
Mukoma noted that the methods utilised in addressing awareness and uptake of energy efficiency are publications and training workshops; position PSEE at the heart of the conversation about energy cost to business in SA through Public Relations; face to face and on other trusted platforms; lead generators who refer companies to the PSEE and Incentivise all parties to drive leads into the pipeline in the early stages of the scheme (consultants).
Remote advice for small businesses, technical face-to-face support for medium-sized companies, and longer term support of energy management and strategy with large companies are the three levels of service offered by the project.
Mukoma said the National Business Initiative was awarded R8.6 million to implement a countrywide programme of support to improve energy efficiency in the South African private sector, by the UK government’s Department for International Development (DFID).
“This project comes under the UK-SA Bilateral relationship through the UK Government’s Department for International Development aiming to contribute to the implementation of the South African government’s strategy for reducing energy demand. The PSEE Project is governed by a multi-stakeholder Steering Committee led by the Department of Energy,” explained Mukoma.
All services are complemented by marketing and communications activities intended at raising general awareness of energy efficiency issues and engaging with key stakeholders to encourage action and uptake.
Go to www.comarochronicle.co.za to view a video of the informative talk by Peter Mukoma to hear the examples he gives on how these strategies can best be implemented.
