Volkswagen receives second green award

Volkswagen added to their green credentials when they received first place in the Large Organisations Category in the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) and Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa's (IWMSA) Top Green Organisation Awards. General Motors of South Africa and Mercedes Benz South Africa, were placed second and third respectively.

The competition focuses on organisations' excellence and innovative practices in managing and improving air quality, biodiversity, climate change, energy efficiency, water usage and waste issues.

Accolade is linked to strategy

"By competing, industries are enabled to tackle their environmental management issues and improve their housekeeping," Khanyisa Gazi, acting head of the DEDEAT, commented. "Proper environmental risk management in any business leads to a reduction in overheads and management of potential environmental impacts, thereby improving efficiency and profit margins."

"This is our second environmental accolade for the year and the second one which has been directly linked to the introduction of the Volkswagen Group strategy called 'Think Blue. Factory.' At Volkswagen, we are working hard to ensure a 25% reduction in all environmentally significant areas like water, energy, waste, solvent and C02 emissions. Our goal is achieve this target by 2018. This is in line with the other 98 Volkswagen plants around the world and we will strive to set standards here in South Africa," said Tom du Plessis, director of production at Volkswagen.

Special award

Volkswagen's information services employee, Jo-Anne Allie, received a special award for the individual that excelled in zero waste production in their lifestyle. Jo-Anne's environment philosophies were highlighted in the 'Think Blue. Factory.' campaign, which was launched to Volkswagen employees early this year.

The Top Green Organisations Award is the second environment accolade awarded to Volkswagen this year. In August, Volkswagen received the prestigious SJM Flex Environmental Award at the Exporter's Club Regional Event, for implementing environmentally responsible manufacturing practices.