From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.
Energy giant Total South Africa has officially unveiled its first sustainable, energy-efficient service station as part of its local and international push towards a greener approach to its business. Engineering News’s Natalie Greve attended the launch to find out more.

Natalie Greve:
Located in Fairlands, in Johannesburg, this ‘green’ service station is the South African pilot site for an environment-friendly concept that has thus far been successfully tested by the Total Group in Indonesia and Germany, and forms part of a R500-million nationwide rollout programme.

Energy-efficient aspects of the station include the use of low-energy lighting, solar panels and energy-reducing glass, with motion sensors installed in low-traffic areas to reduce the permanent and unnecessary use of electricity.

In addition, the underground fuel storage facilities feature a double-wall tank, which provides additional protection and prevents the likelihood of underground fuel contamination or spillage.

Newly appointed Total South Africa CEO Christian des Closiers explains the motivation behind the decision to ‘green’ its local business outlets.

Total South Africa CEO Christian des Closiers

Natalie Greve:
South African Minister of Energy Dipuo Peters also attended the launch event, saying that the initiative is a fitting demonstration of the renewal of infrastructure that is required in the energy and other sectors.

Minister of Energy Dipuo Peters

Shannon de Ryhove:
Other news making headlines this week: Gigaba hints to yet more SAA support, but wants a new plan first.

Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba has set a December 15 deadline for the delivery of a “road map” for turning around loss-making national carrier South African Airways, which reported another loss of R1.3-billion in 2011/12.

Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba

That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy.

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