Automotive manufacturer Volkswagen South Africa (VWSA) has achieved an international ISO 50001 certification for its energy management systems.
The systems were implemented at VWSA’s Uitenhage and Port Elizabeth plants to enhance the company’s energy performance, including energy efficiency and consumption.
“Through the systematic management of energy, we have reaped the benefits of reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and other related environmental impacts and energy costs," VWSA occupational health, safety and environmental manager Zelda Lourens-Strydom said on Thursday.
Since 2010, VWSA reduced its total yearly energy consumption by 31% and the energy use a vehicle produced fell 23% by leveraging the various “Think Blue.Factory” strategy initiatives tabled by VWSA four years ago.
VWSA paint shop division head and Think Blue.Factory champion Nico Serfontein said the company had reduced its carbon dioxide emissions by 19% and other environmental initiatives had resulted in a 52% improvement in waste, a 41% reduction in water use and a 22% improvement in solvent emissions.