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This report analyzes how the Covid-19 pandemic exposed and worsened systemic vulnerabilities in South Africa's waste and recycling sector. It highlights the devastating impact on informal waste reclaimers, who were initially excluded from essential services, and the economic pressure caused by plummeting oil prices making virgin plastic cheaper than recyclate. The author argues for the urgent and inclusive implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations to ensure the sector's resilience and support the transition to a circular economy.

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER), on behalf of the Life After Coal Campaign, submitted comments on the Draft Regulations Amending the Electricity Regulations on New Generation Capacity, 2011. The CER argues that the Draft Regulations are redundant and legally inconsistent because the Electricity Regulation Act (ERA) does not require prior Ministerial approval for municipalities to establish their own electricity capacity. The submission emphasizes the urgent need for a transition to clean energy to mitigate severe health, environmental, and climate harms caused by South Africa's coal-dependent power sector.

This case study examines how Shoprite has improved business resilience and reduced energy costs through a nationwide investment in energy efficiency technologies, specifically focusing on rooftop solar PV, LED retrofits, and solar-powered refrigerated trailers. Using the Shoprite Constantia store in Cape Town as a primary example, the document details the technical implementation and financial benefits of these interventions in the context of chronic stresses like load-shedding and acute shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs argues that the electric vehicle (EV) revolution presents Southern African states with an opportunity to transform their economic trajectories through a systemic innovation approach. It advocates for a 'just e-volution' that integrates the mining, automotive, and energy sectors to move toward a low-carbon economy, specifically suggesting a 'Green New Deal' for the SADC region to avoid becoming a dumping ground for obsolete internal combustion engine technology.

This fact sheet from the Climate Bonds Initiative details a ZAR1.66bn (USD116m) green bond issued by Nedbank Ltd. on April 30, 2019, to finance solar and wind energy assets in South Africa.

This case study describes a circular economy initiative facilitated by the Western Cape Industrial Symbiosis Programme (WISP) involving Siyavana Solutions and the Shell Petroleum Company to upcycle decommissioned fuel pumps in South Africa.

This case study details the water reduction strategies implemented by Virgin Active across its Western Cape branches in response to a severe regional drought. Through a R24 million investment in technological and behavioral interventions, the company reduced water usage by 62%.

This synthesis report by GreenCape examines the economic impacts of water scarcity in the Berg Water Management Area (WMA) and evaluates the governance failures that hinder integrated water and economic planning. It projects severe economic losses by 2040, primarily driven by urban water deficits in the City of Cape Town, and recommends institutional reforms, including the establishment of a Regional Water Utility and the adoption of hydro-economic decision-support tools.

This guide outlines the application process for businesses seeking to invest in the Atlantis Special Economic Zone (ASEZ), emphasizing a requirement for 'greentech' ventures and a multi-agency evaluation process.

This document outlines the Terms of Reference for a Conceptual Design to provide Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) facilities along the Kuilsrivier River Corridor for the City of Cape Town. The project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) under the Cape Town – Munich climate partnership, aims to transform the river corridor into a continuous NMT route for commuting and recreation.

This fact sheet provides a municipal snapshot of Cape Town's water usage, economic contribution, and projected water supply deficits through 2040, emphasizing the city's role as the primary economic driver and water user in the region.

This policy brief examines the disconnect between water resource management and economic development planning in the Berg Water Management Area (WMA). It warns of severe economic losses and job deficits by 2040 due to water constraints and advocates for integrated planning, the potential creation of a regional water utility, and increased support from the Western Cape Government to help municipalities manage water augmentation and financing.

This report examines water as a constraint to economic development in the Berg Water Management Area (WMA) of South Africa. It introduces a regional hydro-economic GIS tool and a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) tool for Saldanha Bay to move away from first-come-first-served water allocation toward a system based on socio-economic outcomes. Key findings indicate that while the City of Cape Town dominates the regional economy, municipalities like Swartland, Saldanha Bay, and Bergrivier face significant future development constraints due to water scarcity. The report recommends establishing a regional water utility, creating innovative financing mechanisms for infrastructure, and better integrating water availability into Integrated Development Plans (IDPs).

The City of Cape Town (CoCT) has initiated legal action against the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) and the Minister of Energy regarding the requirement of a Ministerial determination under section 34 of the Electricity Control Act (ECA) for licensing Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

This report by GreenCape identifies business opportunities for adding value to lignocellulosic biomass waste streams in the Western Cape, South Africa. It analyzes five primary streams: invasive alien vegetation (IAV), industrial composite wood materials, pallets, paper sludge, and green waste, evaluating their current utilization, logistical challenges, and potential for transformation into higher-value products or energy.

The City of Cape Town announced on 20 March 2017 its plan to issue a Green Bond of up to R1 billion by July 2017. Accredited by the Climate Bonds Initiative, the bond will fund climate adaptation and mitigation projects, including electric buses, energy efficiency, and water and coastal management. The Mayoral Committee has approved updating the city's Domestic Medium Term Note programme to meet JSE and MFMA requirements to facilitate this issuance.

This industry brief by GreenCape provides guidance for businesses in the Western Cape on managing food and organic waste to reduce landfilling costs, generate income, and comply with regional regulations.

This report by WWF South Africa examines the potential and progress of renewable energy (RE) in South Africa, focusing on the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REI4P) and the challenges posed by the state utility Eskom's dominance and the country's historical dependence on coal.

The 2016 Waste Economy Market Intelligence Report by GreenCape analyzes the transition of South Africa's waste sector from a landfill-centric model toward a more sustainable, resource-efficient economy. It highlights significant opportunities for recycling and alternative waste treatment, particularly in the Western Cape, while detailing the regulatory shifts and financial incentives available to greentech investors.

This industry brief by GreenCape examines the financial and technical feasibility of installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on packhouses in the Western Cape, South Africa. It highlights that the primary value of these systems is the replacement of expensive grid electricity with self-generated power during peak daytime cooling and energy-intensive operations, potentially reducing electricity costs by 15%.