Sustainable supply chain management conference, Pretoria

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 sustainable practices, considered to become a major component of competitive advantage. South African business can no longer escape this reality - what is now voluntary will soon be mandatory as methods for estimating carbon footprints will shortly be standardised, and the financial consequences of carbon footprint performance will have significant repercussions.

“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 business, the environment as well as society for the benefit of the world and future generations,” says Graham Terry, head of the office of the executive president of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA).

Sustainability is key

“It is so important that the King III Corporate Governance Report will require 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.”

Focusing on how increased productivity can be achieved through greater efficiency and higher quality; opportunities for innovation and competitive advantage; risk minimisation, protection and enhancement of a company's brand reputation and the advantages of considering international agendas and joining sustainability indexes, the conference programme boasts a host of expert speakers.

Speakers & Topics

• ‘Green - Embracing Sustainability to Ensure Profitability,' presented by Graham Terry, will cover opportunities and challenges of sustainability, sustainability reporting and reporting standards and guidelines
  
• Brett Bowes, CEO of TerraNova Research, will discuss the findings of the Supply Chain Intelligence Report (SCIR) 2009, covering the supply chain management and logistics practises in developing economies and the benefits of a greener supply chain.
  
• Water - the 21st Century's New Carbon
  
• Carbon Success Stories
  
• Role of Government in Green Supply
  
• Energy Efficiency Saving Initiatives

“SCIR 2009 has revealed that the majority of the country's companies are not implementing environmentally sustainable business strategies. This goes against international best practice, which sees sustainable development as a fundamental business imperative for long term growth, and jeopardises South African business' global competitiveness,” comments Bowes.

For more information on the conference, email .