WISP Green economy enabler programme generates R120 million

The Western Cape Industrial Symbiosis Programme (WISP) is a free facilitation service, which offers green technical expertise to businesses by connecting them with unused or residual resources such as materials, energy, water, assets and logistics. This programme is managed by one of the City’s Strategic Business Partners (SBPs), GreenCape. Read more below:

The Green economy is a key sector in Cape Town and has enormous potential to contribute to a thriving, sustainable business ecosystem that creates jobs. Since the start of the WISP in 2013, over R120 million has been generated in financial benefits through additional revenue, cost savings and private investments.

This programme has also ensured that:

• Roughly 105 000 tonnes of waste has been diverted from landfills;
• 69 permanent jobs have been created in member companies, 25 temporary positions made available, and 218 economy-wide jobs in supply chains have been created; and
• 309 000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions have been saved. This is the equivalent to the annual electricity usage of 83 340 households in South Africa.

‘The achievements of the WISP are very impressive and I am proud of the work done to contribute to a sustainable economy here in Cape Town. This impressive programme contributes to the economy and the efficacy of businesses by assisting in improving business processes as well as adding new revenue streams, which ultimately contribute to the success of businesses and job creation through recycling,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Opportunities and Asset Management, Alderman James Vos.

As an SBP, the City funds GreenCape to unlock the manufacturing and employment potential in the green economy. GreenCape focusses on attracting investment opportunities, as well as removing barriers to entry and expansion, thereby facilitating growth for Cleantech companies in Cape Town.

‘We have identified the green economy as a high growth sector that will be able to contribute to sustainable jobs in the near future. I am particularly proud of our partnership with GreenCape and the returns on investment and the development of the green economy we have seen. Just one example is the Sealand Gear company which is a WISP participant and specialises in manufacturing bags and apparel from recycled and upcycled materials, provided by GreenCape.  Sealand now employs 28 people and as a young start-up, the WISP helped Sealand set up supplier relationships, which would have proved difficult without this assistance.’ said Alderman Vos

Alderman Vos was recently joined by Ward 74 Councillor, Roberto Quintas on a visit to Sealand.

The City is committed to accelerating progress towards sustainable development and poverty reduction through the sustainable use of natural resources and will continue to partner with stakeholders to enable a greener future.