City Kick-Starts Energy Saving Initiatives

The meeting will take place in the Ray Alexander Boardroom, 6th Floor, Podium Block, Civic Centre starting at 14:00.

Executive Mayor Helen Zille established the committee earlier this year to ensure the integration of the City's initiatives in addressing environmental challenges such as global warming and the energy crisis. Cllr Marian Nieuwoudt, Mayoral Committee Member for Planning and Environment, will chair the 11-member committee.

"The City of Cape Town acknowledges the fact that energy is crucial for the economic development, social welfare and environmental sustainability of the metropole. The rapid rise in international oil prices, local electricity blackouts, rising sea levels and changing weather patterns affect everybody and cannot be brushed off as cyclical occurrences," says Cllr Nieuwoudt.

The committee will address issues such as energy security, the reduction of carbon emissions and climate change, and propose practical solutions to the Mayor.

"As most energy is used in cities, cities need to pro-actively manage their energy demand in order to safeguard economic stability, infrastructure and vulnerable communities. The committee will therefore focus on ways to promote energy security, carbon mitigation, address the risks and impacts of climate change and develop communication and education campaigns. "The municipality intends to lead by example by implementing energy saving measures in all its buildings, vehicle fleets, water and sanitation operations, as well as any other areas identified by the committee," she says.

Issued by:
Communication Department, City of Cape Town

Media queries:
Cllr Marian Nieuwoudt
Mayoral Committee Member for Planning and Environment
Tel: 021 400 1307
Cell: 084 224 0023

Osman Asmal
Director: Environmental Resource Management
Tel: 021 487 2200
Cell: 084 786 8292