While the consistent macro-economic contribution of the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) is a sound measure of its ongoing success, the organisation places equal emphasis on social and environmental responsibility. The CTICC remains committed to delivering tangible and lasting benefits to the communities in which it operates and to preserving the environment for future generations.
Addressing attendees at the CTICC’s Annual Financial Results Press Conference, on Tuesday, 21 October, chief executive officer, Julie-May Ellingson said that one of CTICC’s core objectives is contributing to a self – sustaining economy through extending its reach by empowering and uplifting the communities within which it operates.
“Social sustainability principles are embedded in the way we operate and measure performance. We proactively encourage our staff, clients and stakeholders to participate in community programmes,” she added.
During the period under review, CTICC partnered with its four community partners, namely Ambalimi Bezekhaya, the Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (FARR), the Haven Night Shelter and the Mitchells Plain School of Skills on various empowerment and skills initiatives.
To facilitate skills development the CTICC partnered with the Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha School of Skills on a Career Youth Day workshop, where students were mentored by CTICC staff and afforded the opportunity to gain valuable workplace skills.
In commemoration of Nelson Mandela Day, staff and suppliers volunteered their time to serve community projects throughout the Western Cape. The Haven Night Shelter in the city received 100 “Care Pack” donations, while the Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (FARR), was the recipient of a toy collection drive. Staff lent a helping hand at the Abalimi Bezekhaya, Harvest of Hope project and the Joe Slovo informal settlement in Khayelitsha, where they assisted in harvesting fresh produce for retail consumption and various beautification projects.
Reducing the CTICC’s environmental footprint is a strategic imperative for the organisation and in the financial year significant targets were reached in terms of energy, water and waste minimisation. “Due to ongoing awareness campaigns and energy management initiatives, such as retrofitting and lighting conversions, the CTICC reduced its energy consumption per delegate over a 3 year period by 17.3%,” said Ellingson.
Investment into water efficient technology and infrastructure translated into a water reduction saving of 43% per delegate from 2011 – 2014. Innovative waste minimisation initiatives such as the implementation of a Waste Champions Team, comprised of staff and service providers yielded tangible results. 85 % of the CTICC’s waste was recycled, reducing the proportion of waste sent to landfill.
In terms of corporate governance, the CTICC achieved an unqualified clean audit for two years in a row. “This is the highest commendation that a municipal entity can receive and endorses the CTICC’s commitment and adherence to good corporate governance and financial management,” said Ellingson.
CTICC again set the standard for reporting when it produced its 2nd Integrated Annual Report, which is aligned to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework and ascribes to the principles of the United Nations Global Compact.
“It is our belief that our unwavering commitment to governance, compliance, transparency, ethics, and a value -driven business are what have enabled us to become a leader in our industry – and we have every intention of strengthening that position going forward,” she concluded.
