CAPESTORM has always been very cautious about blowing green trumpets if they are in reality only a murky shade of khaki. 'Green' and 'environmentally friendly', are terms randomly used for any action, ranging from using 50% recycled PET plastic bags to purchasing carbon credits in order to off-set current carbon footprint. More important for us as a company, and I believe, also to our very loyal and environmentally aware customers, is the fact that we're brutally honest about the positive and negative effects we have on the fragile natural environment. But now, following a year of aggressive action in the environmental arena with research, reports and audits to back all claims we are ready to shout it from the rooftops, CAPESTORM is making a significant difference and challenge all out there to follow suit.

We have considered the negative impacts we have on the environment and even though we're still a long way from a carbon neutral status, we decided to attack the most severe challenges first. Electricity generated from coal-fired plants are a major contributor to harmful gaseous emissions and this was one specific area where we realised we could make a difference and reduce our carbon footprint, leading the way in a sustainable effort. Our waste management program has been running successfully for the last year and we continue to refine the process, finding more innovative ways to dispose of our solid waste, simultaneously contributing to the larger community as a whole.

To read more about what we've done to lessen our negative impact, follow the link and join CAPESTORM in taking responsible action and tread lightly as we go about doing business and playing on the planet.

ENVIRONMENTALISM

Energy consumption

What we do:

- Conducted a complete energy survey of Head Office and factory through an independent, Gaussian Sustainability. The report concludes that the building runs extremely efficiently and that there were minor improvements to be made.
- Production efficiency audit was done by the National Cleaner Production Centre and recommendations were implemented.
- Application at Cape Town City Council to purchase wind energy from the Darling Independent Wind Farm project at a premium. We anticipate going completely 'clean' from January 2009, reducing our carbon footprint significantly.
- Installed anemometer on roof to measure average wind speeds over a 6-month period to establish whether the installation of wind turbines would be an economically feasible option.
- Installed energy saver and low energy florescent tubes throughout building.
- Continue to generate awareness among staff to switch off lights, computers and other electrical appliances when not in use.

What we plan to do:

- Purchase sufficient wind energy from the Darling Wind Farm to meet the requirements of Head Office, factory and Wynberg retail store.
- Continue to generate awareness and educate staff members in order for a healthy attitude towards the environment and sustainable practices influence actions at home, increasing the sphere of influence.
- Install medium size wind turbines on CAPESTORM Head Office roof to generate clean renewable energy.

Waste management

What we do:

- Recycle program for paper, plastics, glass and tins at both Head office and CAPESTORM retail concept stores.
- Ensured that all the malls where CAPESTORM has concept stores have a recycling program in place.
- Recycled waste from Head Office and Wynberg retail collected by the Oasis Association that supports intellectually disabled people. Oasis sorts and re-sells the recyclable waste to various industries.
- Fabric off-cut recycling program in partnership with Clover Mama Afrika project. A variety of products are manufactured at these programs, supporting families and developing skills. CAPESTORM is proud to be part of this incredible initiative.
- Promote an intelligent waste management culture within the company to motivate staff to continue this practice at their homes and become a leader in their individual communities.
- Minimise print to paper for internal use.
- Halved the number of refuse bins for general waste collection that only ends up on land-fill sites. This is a result of an effective recycling project.

What we plan to do:

- Purchase organic waste compost bin or worm farm and develop a small garden where this fertiliser or compost can be used.
- Sell fabric shopping bags in store and donate a percentage of sale to a pre-determined fund.

Conservation projects

- Cape Leopard Trust
- Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor
- Table Mountain Hoerikwagga trail guides

Social Responsibility projects (involvement or financial contribution)

- Clover Mama Afrika
- The Oasis Association
- Tjommies (Cape Town Tourism project)
- Big Tree
- JAG Foundation