OUR BUSINESS

Materiality Determination Process and Material Matters

OUR BUSINESS

Materiality Determination Process and Material Matters

5. Environmental Sustainability

Importance and Risks in Value Creation for SANBS

SANBS places significant importance on responsibly managing natural capital and reducing its environmental impact through a proactive "Greening Strategy." This strategy fosters a low carbon culture that guides procurement and operational decisions, aiming to achieve substantial carbon reduction objectives.

By addressing the negative environmental impacts of our operations and actively contributing to environmental sustainability, we mitigate reputational risks associated with perceived inactivity in environmental stewardship.

Opportunities and Strategic Response to Create Value

SANBS contributes to global climate change initiatives through sustainable practices and a deliberate “Greening Strategy.”

  • Key initiatives include:
    • Accelerating recycling of general waste across all SANBS sites and suppliers
    • Processing and issuing of blood closer to source to minimise travel and reduce C02 emissions
    • Promoting a strong internal sustainability culture and commitment to our greening strategy
    • A digitalisation strategy to create a paperless environment and solidify information governance and traceability
    • Deploying rainwater harvesting technologies for SANBS-owned properties
    • Preventing or minimising disposal of trade effluent
    • Ensuring that the products and services procured for SANBS are as sustainable as possible, with the lowest environmental impact

Outlook for the Year Ahead

  • Continue to re-zone and upgrade our offices and laboratories in Constantia Kloof, replicating successful greening initiatives implemented at Mount Edgecombe
  • Develop an Environmental Sustainability strategy to review current initiatives and introduce new measures to enhance environmental sustainability efforts
  • Monitor and measure progress with greening initiatives through the interactive greening dashboard
  • Borehole installation at six identified SANBS sites
  • A solar feasibility assessment of the SANBS-owned sites was done and recommendations are planned over 2–3 years
  • Explore opportunities for reducing carbon emissions across the entire value chain

Capitals Impacted

Strategic Priorities

Top Risks

Leading by example, we commit to sustainable practices that protect our planet—minimising waste, reducing emissions, fostering a culture of green innovation, and embracing digital efficiency for a better tomorrow.

6. Economic, Social and Political Environment

Importance and Risks in Value Creation for SANBS

SANBS operates in a challenging external environment characterised by economic uncertainties, social unrest, and political volatility, directly impacting its operations. Infrastructure challenges such as unreliable water and electricity supply, poor road conditions, and natural disasters further complicate service delivery. These conditions emphasise the importance of robust risk management and business continuity planning while presenting opportunities for SANBS to enhance agility and responsiveness.

Key risks include difficulties in maintaining sufficient blood supply, timely service delivery, and revenue collection. The organisation faces threats from unrest, posing risks of asset loss and logistical disruptions including fuel supply and employee mobility. Weather-related disruptions also pose risks, potentially damaging assets and halting operations. Employee safety concerns are heightened amid a declining donor base due to socio-economic factors and health decline, alongside risks from energy shortages and water supply disruptions.

Opportunities and Strategic Response to Create Value

SANBS maintains proactive strategies to address external challenges and ensure continuous service delivery:

  • Stakeholder engagement and education: Increased stakeholder interactions with a focus on highlighting the importance of blood to the healthcare sector and cost-drivers related to the service provided, positioning SANBS as a strategic partner in healthcare delivery
  • Business continuity plans (BCP): Robust BCPs across sites implemented
  • Sustainability initiatives: Deploy renewable energy solutions to enhance operational resilience
  • Water management: Implement comprehensive water management solutions

Outlook for the Year Ahead

  • Enhanced business continuity: Improved BCP effectiveness by incorporating BECS continuity and regular testing
  • Investment in resilience: Expand hybrid energy solutions and prioritise solar power for critical infrastructure
  • Water security measures: Install boreholes and stored water systems to strengthen water security at facilities (key sites completed)
  • Internal infrastructure improvements: Develop onsite capabilities for generating liquid nitrogen (LN2) and enhance diesel storage for operational reliability
  • Security and safety: Enhance physical security measures and provide onsite accommodation for critical staff during emergencies

Capitals Impacted

Strategic Priorities

Top Risks

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Risk and Opportunity Management