On 14 September 2017 the Green Building Design Group introduced the Green Public Sector Awards during its 5th Going Green Conference which took place in Pietermaritzburg, KZN. The focus of this conference is to award companies and industry participants that are promoting and leading the advancement of the green economy in the public sector.

According to Green Building Design Group CEO Songo Didiza, this award is provided to companies and other industry partners that have excelled in the promoting of the green economy in South Africa and is selected at the discretion of the Going Green conference technical committee. This committee comprises of green industry experts from the academia, private and public built environment industries in South Africa.

The leadership platform seeks to collaborate with corporates and government stakeholders that have shown excellence in making strides towards green infrastructure developments through education and sustainable investment efforts in South Africa.

“Our decision to invite Atlas Copco to join our Going Green Leaders platform follows their leadership role in uplifting the local communities on local manufacturing activities in the green economy,” says Didiza.

By adhering to the strong criteria set by the Going Green Leadership Committee, Atlas Copco ticks all the boxes: The company showcases and illustrates their commitment towards sustainable development; it plays a major role in growing and supporting the green infrastructure sector; it contributes to climate change and adapts its programmes in order to be fully committed to resource efficiency within the building environment; the company provides ongoing support to ensure that green design principles are incorporated into its strategy and mandates; it promotes tangible transformation and shares value principles through its operational activities.  

According to Atlas Copco Group Human Resources Manager, Wendy Buffa-Pace, Atlas Copco not only seeks sustainable solutions but also strives to achieve ongoing positive results.

“When we saw Green Building Design Group’s ongoing dedication to educate industry through its structured mentorship programmes in a bid to facilitate change and create awareness on issues surrounding the green economy, the company did not hesitate to jump on board. It also perfectly aligns with our company mission, committed to sustainable productivity.”

“We are extremely proud of this award, a first for Atlas Copco. We have already implemented a strategy to further green the company. In so doing, we not only care for the environment, but we also ensure that the future of the next generation is well catered for,” concludes Buffa-Pace.