VALUE CREATION
OUR STRATEGY, PERFORMANCE AND IMPACT
Paper Reduction Initiatives
As part of SAICA’s ongoing digital transformation journey, we are committed to reducing our environmental footprint by decreasing paper consumption. These efforts align with our broader sustainability goals and the push for a more eco-friendly, modernised profession. By digitising processes and embracing paperless alternatives, we are not only enhancing operational efficiency but also making a positive contribution to environmental preservation.
School initiatives
The use of paper for producing camp materials to support the SAICA pipeline project remains a challenge. This can be mitigated by temporarily distributing ICT computers to learners during these sessions. SAICA is working towards finding a more sustainable solution moving forward. For now, this approach will remain in place
Electronic signatures
Electronic signatures were introduced to reduce the use of paper and a project was initiated to scan physical documents to a server
Finance operations system implementation
The adoption of the Finance Operations (FO) system has significantly reduced the need for printing invoices, as all supplier invoices are now approved and processed electronically
Digitising SAICA’s document management
Scanning documents for storage on the SAICA server helps reduce paper usage, streamlining document management and minimising physical storage needs
Click to read more about our digitisation journey
External Initiatives Undertaken in Support of Strategic Objectives
Sustainability Technical Committee oversight – The committee provided oversight on sustainability reporting, offering thought leadership and education on SDGs to help SAICA members embed sustainability data across organisations
Submissions and responses to global standards – A submission to the ISSB addressed climate-related uncertainties in financial statements, with responses to IESBA’s proposed sustainability assurance and ethics standards
Guidance on materiality assessments – Produced guidance on materiality assessments for sustainability reporting, focusing on GRI, ISSB, and ESRS standards, with attention to local EU-affiliated companies
Participation in global sustainability initiatives – SAICA participated in global initiatives on climate change and nature commitments, focusing on sustainability’s twin peaks
Member feedback on climate-related matters – Progress on member interest in climate-related financial impacts, with efforts to guide South Africa’s adoption of ISSB standards
Position paper on sustainability reporting – A position paper on sustainability reporting frameworks is under review by SAICA committees and stakeholders
Communication and advocacy
Continued communication on ESG and integrated reporting to members and non-members, strengthening SAICA's leadership in local sustainability. Advocacy extended across platforms to address ESG and sustainability assurance
Climate change conference
SAICA hosted its second conference on net-zero strategies, covering local regulatory and legal issues
Submission to Parliament
SAICA presented to Parliament’s Standing Committees regarding the dilapidated state of sewage and water treatment plants and inadequate budgeting for repairs
Engagement with stakeholders on ISSB standards
The sustainability team engaged stakeholders on ISSB standards readiness and released FAQs on GRI, ESRS, and ISSB disclosures
Outcomes for 2024
Energy efficiency
Purchased electricity
950 512 kWh (FY23: 753 706,60 kWh)
Water use Efficiency
Municipal water use
5 648 kl (FY23: 6 961,77 kl)
