Sustainability
ENVIRONMENTAL Management
SEA HARVEST IS COMMITTED TO PROTECTING THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVING NATURAL RESOURCES BY ADOPTING SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS PRACTICES.
Sea Harvest embraces sustainable business practices throughout its operations not only to meet the expectations of its diverse stakeholders, but because it is the right thing to do. We take pride in working collectively with our employees, partners, and other interest groups to continually improve the way we do business and reflect on how best we can preserve our natural resources for the company’s long-term sustainability and the prosperity of current and future generations. To the Sea Harvest family, environmental protection is key.
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
In the face of a changing climate, the Sea Harvest team works passionately to sustainably bring our harvests to your plate. We are cognizant of the impact that our operations can have on our sensitive ecosystems, and so we commit to continually improve the way we do business.
Climate change is one of the biggest threats to our natural environment and oceans, and the Sea Harvest team is committed to aligning with our country’s policies and in taking climate action now. We are committed to continually improve our measuring processes and systems that will enable us to set carbon reduction targets and objectives that are science-based.
We are proud of playing our part in cleaning up our communities, spaces, and oceans. Some of our highlights include cleaning up waterways and beaches, upcycling of single-use plastics, and encouraging recycling.
We believe that the key to implementing sustainable business practices successfully, is partnership. We will continue to partner with non-governmental organisations (NGO’s), upskill potential artisans, enhance employment opportunities, and empower local communities. Through all of this, we support a circular waste economy that does not only benefit our communities but our environment too.
CONSERVING WATER
South Africa is a water scarce country, and the Western Cape has shouldered the brunt of severe droughts. Water is a precious resource that desperately needs to be conserved. Since we rely on water in our daily operations, we prioritise water conservation as a key action item. Our largest water savings have been achieved through the installation of our desalination and reverse osmosis plant at our largest processing plant in Saldanha Bay. To limit the environmental impact of the desalination plant, we have developed a way to dilute our brine waste and conserve energy utilised by the plant. Further water savings across the Group are supported through increased monitoring and reporting of freshwater consumption in factories, and the use of seawater for factory cleaning.
CONSERVING ENERGY
In alignment with South Africa’s 2030 Energy plan and investment in renewable energy, our aquaculture farm in Buffeljags, along the Cape coast in South Africa, has invested in Going Green with wind power to ensure that it is sustainable. The site has installed two 650 kW wind turbines to help power the farm.
Across the group, other energy efficiency interventions include the installation of LED lights, a shift towards energy efficient equipment, and ensuring that equipment is only operated when necessary. At our largest factory in Saldanha, sub-meters have been installed for daily monitoring of energy usage, traditional refrigeration techniques were replaced with efficient thermosiphon oil cooling systems, and various load management strategies have been implemented.
REDUCING AND RECYCLING OUR WASTE
As stewards of the ocean and the land, we acknowledge that we have a long journey in improving the way we manage our waste. Our first goal is to reduce waste wherever possible, and this begins in our operations. Our long-term targets include eliminating unnecessary and problematic packaging and increasing the reuse, collection, and recycling of all waste.
Our largest processing plant in the Group is Sea Harvest Saldanha, this is where we re-use and recycle 90% of all waste. We understand first-hand the importance of continually utilising new information to develop better practices and we are working to replicate the success we have in Saldanha in other factories.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Sea Harvest is acutely aware of climate change and the impending carbon emission reporting requirements of the nation. We are committed to implementing robust measuring processes and systems that will enable us to set realistic carbon reduction targets and objectives.
SUSTAINABLE FARMING
Sea Harvest is committed to environmentally responsible and sustainable seafood farming practices. All the Group’s farming operations have undertaken an environmental impact assessment as a mechanism in identifying, assessing, and reporting environmental impacts. This ensures that Sea Harvest limits its impact on the environment.
Throughout its operations, Sea Harvest deploys environmental management tools such as method statements; inspections; checklists and undergoes rigorous internal and external audits to ensure that its commitment to environmental health remains unwavering. All these environmental protection measures are supported with contingency plans that cater for environmental emergencies should they be required.