Media Alert: Green Cape project recognized for international award | Western Cape Government

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Media Alert: Green Cape project recognized for international award

23 January 2018
Department of Economic Opportunities congratulates Green Cape on international award 23 January 2018 The Western Cape Industrial Symbiosis Programme (WISP), run by Green Cape, has been recognised for its sterling and innovative work at the World Economic Forum in Davos. WISP was on Tuesday named as runner up in the public sector category at The Circulars, an awards ceremony which recognises leaders in the circular economy. The circular economy focuses on using and re-using resources for as long as possible. The idea behind WISP is to connect businesses so that the underutilized or waste resources of one company are used by another. The project, initially funded by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, was piloted in 2013 and has grown to become a shining light in the green economy. From diverting 89 tonnes of waste from landfill in 2013, the project now diverts around 10 000 tonnes of waste - that would otherwise end up in landfills - to businesses that have a use for it. Its reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is equivalent to planting 44 000 trees. The project has also created 140 jobs, and contributed R41.6 million to companies in direct cash benefits. Minister of Economic Opportunities, Alan Winde, congratulated Green Cape on the award saying “this gives international recognition and proves that our green innovations are world class”. He continued: “WISP was the very first industrial symbiosis project on the continent, and its extraordinary model has inspired similar projects across the country and the continent. It has reduced waste, increased companies profitability and has created jobs which are all major wins for our regional economy.” Green Cape CEO, Mike Mulcahy, who was in Davos to accept the award, said: “We are delighted that the WISP team's work has received international recognition by The Circulars and the World Economic Forum. We could not have done this work without the support and vision of the Western Cape Government and the British High Commission, which first funded WISP, and the City of Cape Town, our current funder. Thank you for allowing us to connect businesses and in the process create jobs and transform our economy.”
Media Enquiries: 
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Economic Opportunities Bianca Capazorio Cell: 072 372 7044 Tel: 021 483 3550 Email: Bianca.capazorio@westerncape.gov.za