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how we approach sustainability
We have been working with African cities and regions, large and small, remote or well connected, no matter where they are on their sustainability journey, for more than two decades.
We offer a variety of urban sustainability solutions through programmes and projects, networks, platforms, tools and services.
Our mandate is significant; we promote the necessity for city engagement in the development of national and global sustainability agendas, and communicate in tangible ways how cities are contributing to the achievement of major international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, the New Urban Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
We co-produce and implement programmes and projects on the ground, from inception and project conceptualisation to implementation. One of ICLEI’s major strengths is that, complementing the significant technical expertise our team possesses to get deep technical work done in cities across the continent, we engage in sustainability journeys with our cities over the long-term. ICLEI Africa prides itself in continuing to engage with our cities and towns long after particular funded projects end. Cities and towns are part of our network, benefitting from long-standing relationships we have built with a vast network of partners and cities, and we are dedicated to facilitating the right connections to strengthen action and drive change.
How we embed sustainability in our operations
ICLEI Africa is committed to ensuring that our internal operations reflect the sustainability values we champion across the continent. As an organisation, we are dedicated to supporting low emission, circular, resilient, nature-based, equitable and people-centred development in African cities, towns and regions. We also recognise our responsibility to lead by example. Below are three ways in which climate action is incorporated into ICLEI Africa’s organisational operations.
Net-zero by 2050
ICLEI Africa has adopted a Net-Zero 2050 target: A commitment to doing all we can to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across our organisational operations by 2050, aligned with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBI). The SBI emphasises the importance of organisational ambition, clear governance, and transparent disclosure of climate action intentions. ICLEI Africa will continue to refine our actions and approach to upholding this target as technology, context and organisational needs evolve.
Green headquarters
In 2019, ICLEI Africa made the decision to set up an office in a certified green building – an apt home for a sustainability-focused organisation. Located in Century City, Cape Town, the building has a Five Star Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA), placing it in the “South African excellence” performance category. As per the GBCSA, green buildings are characterised by high energy efficiency, commitment to environmental responsibility, efficient resource utilisation, sustainable practice integration, and occupants’ health and well-being.
Flexible working
ICLEI Africa’s policies include the option of working from home. Amongst several other benefits for staff, this enables direct reduction of transport-related emissions.
How we engage
We engage our cities through various means, including:
Advocacy and representation
Leadership development and networking
Peer-to-peer learning and exchange opportunities
Local implementation projects
Technical tools
Engaging in African-led collaboration
