BWE road to net zero – planting 100 000 trees in 5 years

BWE has committed to reducing absolute greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 & 2) by 15% by 2027, with an intention of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 in line with our Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments. In an attempt to achieve the afore-mentioned commitment, various investments in green energy and carbon emission reduction initiatives are constantly being explored. The tree planting project aims to offset the carbon emissions released by BWE operational activities. The plan is to plant 100 000 indigenous trees across all the BWE Regions in the next 5 years (i.e. 20 000 trees per annum).

The tree-planting project is sponsored by the Barloworld Trust, supported by the Senior Manager: Siyakhula Program and Transformation and managed by the Safety and Sustainable Development Department. In partnership with the Transformation Department, on the 26th October 2023 the 5-year tree planting project was launched at Hlangu Phala Primary and Mabande Comprehensive High Schools in Phola, Ogies – Mpumalanga. These two schools mark the beginning of our mission to plant a staggering 100,000 indigenous trees across Southern Africa over the next 5 years, starting in the province of Mpumalanga. It is estimated that 2 million tons of carbon emissions will be sequestrated through tree planting within 5 years, making a lasting positive impact on our environment. Routine checks to ensure the survival of the trees will be conducted, and after a year, an inspection will be carried out to measure the amount of carbon absorbed by the planted trees.