Date:10-11 April 2013

Venue: Moses Mabida Stadium

Time: 08h30-17h30

Energy Efficiency In Public Buildings

Pro-active developing countries have proposed voluntary national actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions also known as Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs).While there is no formally agreed definition, NAMAs typically refer to country driven, transformative mitigation programs(in contrast to individual projects)which can range from policy reforms to capacity development and investment programs.

The South African government, an international leader in addressing climate change has announced a voluntary mitigation target of reducing national greenhouse emissions by 34% and 42% by 2020 and 2025 respectively.

The National Departments of Environmental Affairs, Energy And Public Works in partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on behalf of the German Government is providing support for energy efficiency in public buildings. The program is being undertaken in the Provinces of Free State, Gauteng, Kwa-Zulu Natal and Eastern Cape and within selected municipalities. The eThekwini Municipality, the District of Ilembe and Kwazulu Natal Province have been selected to participate in this pilot energy efficiency initiative in public buildings.

The focus of the project is to get provinces and municipalities to contribute towards meeting the National emission mitigation targets of 34% by 2020. The energy sector is the highest contributor to emissions and has the greatest potential for reduction in consumption given the advent of new lighting and heating technologies. Recent studies indicate that savings potential is anywhere between 30 -65%.

This stakeholder workshop aims to achieve the following:

1. To present and discuss a study on the status of energy efficiency in public buildings in South Africa.

2. To present and discuss experiences of local governments in South Africa with energy efficiency in public buildings programs

3. To present and discuss the project's approach and components

4. To agree on the way forward -including the formation of a steering structure which includes provincial and local stakeholders.

ENDS

For more information contact Thabo Mofokeng on 031 311 4820 / 082 731 7456 or email Thabo1.mofokeng@durban.gov.za

Issued by the eThekwini Municipality\'s Communications Unit. Contact Sohana Singh on 031 311 4805 or email: sohana.singh@durban.gov.za

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http://www.durban.gov.za/Pages/edisclaimer.aspx