Environment

The Scaw Metals Group is committed to the principles underpinning sustainable development by operating with due regard for environmental concerns and by adopting the duty of care approach. This is facilitated by commitment from top management and individual employees who strive to conduct business in line with the SHE Policy.

All of the  Scaw Metals Group major operations are ISO 14001 certified and the Group is committed to operating effective management systems employing preventative measures in compliance with relevant safety, health and environmental legal requirements. The company recognizes the impact that its manufacturing activities may have on its employees, the environment and on nearby communities, and is committed to sustainable development by operating with due regard for economic, social, cultural and environmental concerns.

Land Stewardship and Biodiversity

Rehabilitation Activities

The Scaw Metals Group intends to rehabilitate and remediate the Rietfontein Area B Landfill located in Springs, Gauteng, South Africa. The principle aim of the project is the sustainable containment of leachate, and the secondary aim is to develop a socially and economically sustainable system that can be integrated into local land-use planning. This will be achieved through phyto-engineering (phytoremediation coupled with engineering solutions). The objective of the vegetation plan is to rehabilitate the site using indigenous vegetation.

Waste Management

Probably the greatest challenges facing production industries today are waste minimisation, the conversion of waste to a usable resource and the safe disposal of waste. In South Africa, the requirement for a healthy environment is entrenched in the Constitution and in stringent environmental legislation.

The Scaw Metals Group is committed to the reduced generation and environmental impact of all forms of waste. Environmental resources are conserved by controlled and coordinated waste management.

In line with the integrated pollution and waste management approach, a waste recycling station was launched at the Germiston site in July 2004.

Resource Management

The Scaw Metals Group strives to be an “eco-efficient” business, in line with the phrase coined by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. It aims to deliver economically priced steel products that satisfy human needs and bring quality to life, whilst progressively reducing ecological impacts and resource intensity throughout the life cycle of steel.

Energy Management

It is estimated that world energy consumption will double by 2050. The challenge will be to reconcile the increasing energy need with the increased impact on the environment. As a result of the programmes focused on energy efficiency, the Scaw Union Junction site was awarded the Eskom ETA Award.