The majority of South Africa’s com-
panies are not implementing environmentally sustainable business strategies, according to TerraNova Research’s ‘Supply Chain Intelligence Report 2009’.

“This goes against international best practice regulations, which see sustainable development as a fundamental business imperative for long-term growth, and this jeopardises South African business’s global competitiveness,” says Bowes TerraNova Research CEO Brett Bowes.

Bowes will be speaking at the Sustain-able Supply Chain Management Confer-
ence 2009 on November 17 and November 18 to discuss the findings of the report, covering supply chain management and logistics practises in developing economies and the benefits of a greener supply chain.

Other South African experts, policymakers and analysts will also speak at the conference and share thoughts on leadership around sustainable supply chain management.

Bowes says that the issue of sustainable supply chain management has never been more prominent. Across the globe, measures of success and the day-to-day operations of business are rapidly changing to incorporate sustain-
able practices, and are becoming considered a major component of competitive advantage.

“South African businesses can no longer 
escape the reality that what is now considered a voluntary business practice will soon become mandatory. This will be used as a method to estimate the carbon footprint being emitted by businesses,” he adds.

Speakers at the conference will focus on how increased productivity can be achieved through improved efficiency and higher quality, and by creating opportunities for innovation and a competitive advantage. Other topics will include risk minimisation, protection and enhancement of a company’s brand reputation, and the advantages of considering inter-
national agendas and joining sustainability 
indexes.

Speakers include South African Institute of Chartered Accountants head of the office of the executive president Graham Terry, who will be presenting ‘Green – Embracing Sustainability to Ensure Profitability’, based on his recently launched book, Green, a 
resource for learning more about carbon trading, sustainability reporting and a host of other sustainability issues. Terry’s presentation will cover the opportunities and challenges of 
sustainability, sustainability reporting, and reporting standards and guidelines.

“If ever there was a time for the business community to investigate the risks and opportunities that carbon reduction holds, now is that time. Sustainable development is a non-negotiable business process obligation that is critical to the survival of any business, the 
environment as well as society, for the benefit of the world and future generations.

“It is so important that the ‘King III Corporate Governance Report’ requires sustainability to be a key focus for business to comply with sound corporate governance business principles in the future. With this in mind, it becomes imperative that business is educated on the need for and the implications of sustainable development,” remarks Terry.