Our Capitals
Our natural capital: Managing SANBS’ impact on the environment
Our Capitals
Our natural capital: Managing SANBS’ impact on the environment
At SANBS, our vision is to improve how we use resources to reduce our environmental impact while still meeting company requirements. Our progress in achieving this is measured by our 'Greening Initiatives.'
What natural capital means to SANBS
At SANBS, natural capital refers to the environmental resources and ecosystems that support our operations, products, and services. This includes the air, water, energy, land, and biodiversity upon which we depend directly and indirectly.
Our approach to natural capital is guided by environmental stewardship, ensuring that our operations are conducted in a way that protects and preserves these resources.
We pursue internal aspirational initiatives aimed at minimising our environmental footprint, conserving natural resources, and promoting sustainability across the value chain. These initiatives not only contribute to national and global environmental goals but also strengthen SANBS’ operational resilience by reducing exposure to resource scarcity, regulatory risks, and the rising costs of utilities and waste.
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
We are committed to decreasing wastage and promoting the appropriate use of blood.
Focused efforts on reducing our carbon footprint
The SANBS Greening Task team continues to monitor, measure, and introduce initiatives to minimise negative impacts on the environment, through 6 objectives: Energy conservation, optimisation of water consumption and conservation, management of land and air pollution, optimisation of procurement, development of environmentally sustainable buildings, and promotion of an environmentally conscious culture.
Environmental imperatives as we manage our natural capital
In FY25, SANBS’ total net carbon emissions amounted to 19 873 tons, compared to 17 451 tons in FY24. This reflects an overall increase of 13.87% compared to the previous year.
The rise in emissions highlights the need for strengthened mitigation measures and renewed focus on energy efficiency, sustainable transport, and other emission-reduction strategies to realign with SANBS’ environmental sustainability objectives.
Energy and carbon
Sustainability objective 1: Conserve energy
To reduce our carbon footprint, SANBS is prioritising the reduction of electricity consumption from the national grid. This will be achieved through the integration of energy-efficient green building principles in all new constructions and major facility upgrades. In the long term, SANBS aims to transition away from reliance on Eskom or municipal electricity supply by exploring and investing in renewable energy solutions, such as solar power, to ensure a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
FY25 update - carbon emissions
In FY25, the measured power consumption was 9,00mWh (FY24: 8.82mWh), 2,02% increase from 2024. A solar feasibility assessment of the SANBS-owned sites was completed, and recommendations are planned to be implemented over 2–3 years. Following the feasibility assessment, four sites have been identified for solar installation. SANBS will follow the requisite procurement processes to appoint a contractor(s) to install and commission the system. In Mount Edgecombe, solar has been out of service, contributing to increased energy usage.
Progress against our objective
No further installations have been commissioned (see plans for 2026 below)
Renovations to the Head Office building will commence in FY 25. Plans include solar generated power
Plans for FY26
Out of the four sites that were put out on tender for solar installation, one site has been awarded. The three remaining sites had to be re-issued for tender due to the received tender prices, which were considered not competitive.