Aurecon has demonstrated its commitment to sustainability by becoming the first global consulting engineering company in South Africa to sign the 49M pledge.

Launched in March 2011, 49M is an Eskom initiative which has been endorsed by the government, non-profit organisations, trade unions and the business sector to encourage the entire South African population to embrace energy saving as a national culture and to join the global journey towards a sustainable future. “Our corporate challenge is to embed sustainability as an integral part of our culture, our skills and our deliverables. Signing this pledge is confirmation of our resolve toward achieving this aim,” says Jacques Kotzé, Aurecon’s head of facilities and procurement.

Commending the group for taking this bold stand, 49M spokesperson Andrew Etzinger says: “We are happy that Aurecon has taken the lead by being the first global consulting engineering firm to join the 49M cause. Energy efficiency is a challenge that requires commitment and efforts from all of us in order to keep the country’s lights on and to ensure that the wheels of our economy continue to turn. The pledge by Aurecon gives us hope that the country is taking the issues of energy efficiency seriously and a demonstration that we all have a desire to secure a sustainable future for generations to come. This huge responsibility requires all of us to take action now.”

The campaign, titled ‘Think Sustainably, Act Responsibly!’ aims to highlight important environmental issues and to share ideas around how staff can work together to lessen their environmental impact, including reducing the consumption of electricity both at work and at home.

Visit www.49m.co.za to pledge your support.