It adds that in 2009, 68% of the JSE Top 100 voluntarily disclosed their carbon emissions, ranking only behind Brazil in global disclosure response.

According to Teresa Legg, director at sustainableIT, “the cost and complexity of emissions reporting has previously prohibited many businesses from participating in voluntary emissions reporting.”

She adds, however, that every business, no matter how large or small, contributes in some way to climate change. “More accountability and responsible practice needs to be adopted.”

SustainableIT points out that mid-market businesses are beginning to recognise their social responsibilities regarding greenhouse gas emissions, and taking action. Puleng Technologies, an organisation with fewer than 100 staff, has implemented a solution to quantify its carbon footprint.

“Although we are a services-based company, we still produce emissions with the energy we consume, the paper we use, and our travel – both commute and business-related,” says Steve James, director at Puleng. “We recognise that we have an environmental impact and we need to measure it so that we can manage it,” he explains.

Aubrey Davies, MD of Cape-based ISP, I-Soft Net, says while the company is relatively small, measuring its impact has two benefits. “Firstly, it allows us to concentrate on areas where we can become more efficient, with a baseline to measure against. Secondly, it allows us to create awareness with our staff, which will result in downstream environmental benefits within their sphere of influence”.

Given there are an estimated 900 000 small and medium enterprises in SA, the opportunities to reduce emissions within the country are exponential, notes sustainableIT. The firm advises companies to measure first, to ensure ROI is delivered, and benefits are quantified.

“With energy costs continuing to rise, more businesses are expected to focus on energy and carbon reduction initiatives,” it concludes.