The African Renewable Energy Alliance [AREA] is a platform for policy makers, representatives from business, the civil society and academia to exchange information and consult about policies, technologies and financial mechanisms for the deployment of renewable energies in Africa. In the quest for sustainable solutions at regional, national and international level, AREA plays a catalytic role in promoting knowledge transfer and international cooperation. Since its foundation in Ethiopia in October 2009 by the World Future Council, this vital member-driven network has grown steadily in quantity and quality and in May 2011 comprises of over 300 members from 55 countries. Now is the time to set the course towards a substantial uptake of renewable energy for all people in urban and rural Africa to improve their livelihoods and to protect the environment. Now is the time to set the course towards a substantial uptake of renewable energy for all people in urban and rural Africa to improve their livelihoods and to protect the environment. If we fail to take decisions immediately on renewable energy production and distribution, we undermine the right of millions of African citizens to develop a better life in the future.

Working towards a ‘Greener Future’ – taking conferencing

Beyond Carbon Neutral

“Carbon footprinting has quickly become the global indicator of

environmental sustainability. Carbon management is the key to a greener

future. GreenerFuture is the solution to carbon management.”

At the 2011 World Economic Forum on Africa held in Cape Town in early May President Zuma admitted that South Africa is a hugely carbon intensive country and the issue of international climate change is a “matter of life and death”.

Climate change is a hot topic these days and large events such as conferences are responsible for considerable greenhouse gas emissions. Air and ground transportation to and from a conference, electricity consumption, meals, waste incineration etc, all impact climate change by emitting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

So how do we plan a responsible conference – one that is good for not only the economic environment but also for our ecosystem, our planet?

Scott Walker, COO of GreenerFuture, has the solution.

GreenerFuture is a carbon management consultancy specializing in carbon footprinting, carbon management and advising on how to neutralize carbon emissions.

Scott’s solution is threefold‐ measure, manage and offset the carbon footprint.

Measure

Measure and calculate carbon emissions generated from the conference using international greenhouse gas accounting standards.

Manage

Manage these emissions and reduce energy consumption by introducing less carbon intensive technologies.

Offset

Neutralize or offset emissions by purchasing ‘carbon credits’ from verified emission reduction projects that are proven to reduce carbon emissions.

Project owners sell their carbon credits to make their projects work, employing local people and supporting

sustainable development. Forest protection, renewable energies (wind, hydro, solar power) and effective waste management are examples of projects supported through carbon markets.

“At GreenerFuture we take it even further” says Scott. “We take our clients beyond carbon neutral by reducing additional carbon emissions and contributing a portion of our revenues to the ecosystempatch™ project which supports biodiversity. Our vision is that of a low carbon society that exists with fully functioning natural ecosystems. We aim to reduce emissions as well as protect the valuable, natural ecosystems that sustain life on earth”.

“We find it very fitting that Scatterlings Conference and Events has chosen to not just offset the Renewable Energy Conference in July 2011 but to host one of the first ever beyond carbon neutral conferences in South Africa. We are delighted to be working with such a proactive organization that is committed to sustainability.”

www.greenerfuture.co.za

Established in 1940, we are a national development finance institution set up to promote economic growth and industrial development. We are owned by the South African government under the supervision of the Economic Development department.

Our mission

The IDC's primary objectives are to contribute to the creation of balanced, sustainable economic growth in South Africa and on the rest of the continent.

We promote entrepreneurship through the building of competitive industries and enterprises based on sound business principles.

Our vision

We aim to be the primary source of commercially sustainable industrial development and innovation to benefit both South Africa and the rest of Africa.

Our values

Everything we do is directed by our values:

Passion

Partnership

Professionalism

Core strategies

Serving as a catalyst for balanced, sustainable development;

Identifying and supporting opportunities not addressed by the market; and

Providing risk capital in partnership with the private and public sector.

Southern African Alternative Energy Association (SAAEA) represents and actively promotes Renewable Alternative Energy Solutions in our region. Its focus is the whole industry, rather than one sector.

Wind, Solar, Bio Fuels, Green Products, Energy Saving, Alternative Energy, Energy from Waste, Fuel Cell Technologies.

The SAAEA advocate policy development on behalf of our members at decision making government level. We also promote understanding of the industry and its potential through tools such as industry events, forums, conferences, newsletters and publications, our objective is to provide borderless access to the information that can affect today's clean energy industries as much as tomorrow's world.

URL link:  www.saaea.org