Nedbank Carbon Specialist, Dr Marco Lotz, was recognised among South Africa’s leading corporate sustainability leaders for his significant contributions in the field of energy consumption reduction in southern Africa.

As the recipient of the only individual award at the 9th Annual South African Energy Efficiency Association (SAEEA) awards, Lotz was honoured with the Patron Award for his sustainability leadership over many years of which the last few years were at South Africa’s green bank, Nedbank.

As Sustainability Carbon Specialist and co-recipient, with Professor Alan Brent, of the South African Energy Association (SAEA) award for education in September, Lotz regularly highlights the real benefits of sustainable business practices and adaptation to reduce the bank’s environmental impact and reliance on the grid.

Carbon neutral banking

“I am delighted to receive this award and gain recognition from our industry peers,” Lotz commented at the awards ceremony. “By reducing our environmental impact and grid reliance, using innovative means, Nedbank has been able to achieve carbon neutral status for five consecutive years.”

“The 2014 SAEE Energy Patron of the Year Award represents a pause to see how far the energy efficiency industry has come and the part I could play. Our future is simple in its resolve, but needs irrational amounts of tenacity. We must keep on pushing, including respectfully differing in opinion, to build the South Africa and energy landscape we will be proud to leave behind.”

“It is evident in our operations and amongst our staff that sustainable business practices has been good, not only for the bank, but also for its future with environmental awareness increasingly becoming an imperative for the local and international business community.”

By showcasing the rewards of sustainable business practices for the future of the bank, Lotz and the bank’s sustainability team under Brigitte Burnett, continue to push new boundaries..