Sustainable Energy

Sustainable Cities need reliable, affordable and renewable energy to function. High energy consumption patterns, increasing energy prices and environmental degradation associated with the use of fossil fuels make cities vulnerable and inefficient.

 

Cities can change this situation and be major drivers in changing South Africa’s energy profile by influencing legislation and regulations relating to urban form, energy efficiency standards, public transport, energy distribution and tariffs.

 

South African cities could significantly reduce their carbon footprint, lower their energy costs and improve the reliability of their energy supply by moving towards the use of renewable energy providers such as wind farms, hydroelectric plants and solar energy. Furthermore, by providing reliable and affordable public transport systems, South African cities can take steps to reduce the number of motor vehicles being used within each city.

Other ways South African cities could become energy-efficient:

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Installing energy-efficient light fittings such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for streetlights.

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Installing rainwater tanks at homes to collect and store rain water.

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Installing solar panels at homes to use our free and abundant solar rays as a source of energy.

VIEW ALL SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REPORTS