Green Economy and Climate Mitigation: Topics of Relevance to Africa

About the sponsor and the Exxaro Chair in Business and Climate Change

xii Green Economy and Climate Mitigation Aboutthesponsorandthe ExxaroChairinBusiness andClimateChange Exxaro Resources Ltd Exxaro Resources Ltd is one of the largest South African-based diversi- fied resources companies, with a well-balanced portfolio including coal, mineral sands and base metals, with a significant indirect interest in iron ore. It is a top 40 company listed on South Africa’s securities exchange , the JSE Limited. The group’s strategic focus, record of innovation and commitment to sustainable development underpin its promise to contribute to the economic growth of South Africa. In 2007, Exxaro’s leadership recognised that it had to deal with energy in its broadest context (shortages, rising costs, climate change, environmental concerns) in order to remain competitive and sustainable for the benefit of all its stakeholders. Exxaro’s response to energy and carbon-related risks have been multi -faceted. An internal Clean Energy Forum was established in 2007, which led to the formulation of the Energy and Carbon Management Framework in 2008 and a Climate Change Position Statement finalised in 2010. A Climate Change Response Strategy is also being devised. The Energy and Carbon Management framework has also seen the company ’s general risk register being updated to take account of climate change risks. Exxaro participates in the energy debate at a local, national and international level. In 2009 Exxaro embarked on the formation of a new energy company aimed at generating power for the country through a mix of renewable and cleaner energy sources. The group is also identifying opportunities in strategic minerals, which will be necessary for the low carbon economy, and hedging through investment in businesses, which will be prominent in a low-carbon economy. The company’s participation in the international Carbon Disclosure Project has facilitated the introduction of processes to measure the company’s carbon emissions and provides valuable insight into the company’s overall emissions performance and thus allows for clear Green Economy and Climate Mitigation xiii About the sponsor and the Exxaro Chair in Business and Climate Change target setting in its energy strategy. Exxaro achieved a tied-fourth highest score in the CDP 2010. The Exxaro Foundation and Exxaro Chairman’s Fund are committing over R15 million a year in sponsoring three chairs at different universities . They are the Exxaro Chair in Business and Climate Change at the University of South Africa, the Exxaro Chair in Business and Biodiversity at the University of Pretoria and the Exxaro Chair in Global Change and Sustainability at Wits University. These chairs are actively pursuing advocacy, research and training in their respective areas of specialisation. The results will be shared nationally and internationally. Responsible business practices remain a long-term value proposition for Exxaro. Based on universal values and accountability, it makes business sense to invest in creating a sustainable environment in which to operate. Exxaro Chair in Business and Climate Change Unisa, in partnership with Exxaro Resources Ltd (Exxaro) established an endowed Chair in Business and Climate Change – the Exxaro Chair in Business and Climate Change (Chair) in 2008 with a life span of three years. Following the Chair’s success, Exxaro renewed the Chair’s mandate for a further five years to 2015. The vision of the Chair is ‘To create a centre of excellence in business and climate change research, education and advocacy oriented community engagement’. Its mission is ‘To support South African and African stakeholders (including business , government and civil society) in their quest to reduce GHG emissions and adapt to climate change through relevant and cutting edge research, education and advocacy-oriented community engagement programmes. The Chair is mandated to operate in three thematic areas namely: (1) research; (2) academic programme development (including training and capacity building); and (3) advocacy oriented community engagement. ...