23 FEBRUARY 2021
The City of Cape Town launched the latest version of the Smart Office Handbook today, 23 February 2021. The handbook is a practical and relevant guide to assist businesses in creating healthier and more sustainable workplaces. Read more below:
High resolution images are available here:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/8q8gla5l4n4zlo0/AADrv-VZwB_8kBX18O25F6Hva?dl=0
The latest City of Cape Town Smart Office Handbook and Toolkit is now available on the City’s website.
Many businesses and organisations want to implement sustainability programmes, but often are not sure where to start, or how much they are able to do. The Smart Office Handbook and Toolkit provides a comprehensive and user friendly package that enables businesses, as well as government and non-profit organisations, to implement effective sustainability programmes in the workplace.
‘We have prioritised the revision of our Smart Office Handbook so that we can advise businesses on the most relevant guidelines for greening their offices and workplaces. Aside from providing practical tips for creating healthier environments, our aim is to provide a guide that could spark ideas among residents on the positive impact sustainable practices will have on their business and the environments in which they operate,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Marian Nieuwoudt.
Going ‘green’ is no longer a trend. It is the responsibility of every business, big or small, to apply the principles of sustainability, regardless of whether you are working from home or an office.
‘Buildings are a priority area for addressing climate change, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building city resilience. To this end, in its own operations, the City is committed to ensuring that all new facilities owned, occupied and developed by the municipality are net-zero carbon by 2030. In the same way, and where it is possible, we intend to ensure the same for existing facilities. We encourage other organisations to follow suit.
‘Let’s act together in creating a carbon neutral, climate-resilient city,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy and Climate Change, Councillor Phindile Maxiti.
The new handbook covers eight key topics:
- the basics of greening your office;
- energy efficiency;
- waste reduction;
- water conservation;
- eco-procurement;
- transport;
- environmental and social impacts; and
- sustainable development in business and beyond the office, such as green buildings and greener events
Useful supporting resources have also been added to the toolkit, which offer scoping eco-audit sheets; educational posters and reminder decals for around the office.
The City will be running relevant training programmes for staff and the general public on how to implement the sustainability strategies outlined in the handbook.
The City manages a comprehensive Smart Living and Working Programme, which includes the Smart Living Handbook. Several Smart Living resources were and are being developed complementary to each other. These include the Smart Living Handbook; Smart Cooking; Smart Driving, Smart Events and Smart Living Audit guides, as well as several capacity building; training; education and outreach programmes.
To download the Smart Office Toolkit, please visitwww.capetown.gov.za/smartoffice
For more information, see these resources:
- Smart Living Handbook: https://bit.ly/Smartliving2020
- Future Energy Festival: www.capetownfutureenergyfestival.co.za
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Issued by: Media Office, City of Cape Town