Green Jobs

Audi SA Focus On CO2 Reduction - One Tree Planted for each New Audi - 4 September 2008

As of 1 July 2008, Audi of South Africa is embarking on a ground breaking new environmental project aimed at combating the concerning rise in CO2 emissions, while at the same time empowering local communities to uplift their own environments.

In conjunction with Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA), Audi SA is planting 1 tree for each new Audi model sold in SA.This potentially means around 9 500 trees will be planted in SA in a year once the initiative has reached full throttle.

“It’s no secret that the environment is everybody’s business,” says Greg Levine, Division Head of Audi of South Africa. “No longer is it possible to just simply sit back and ignore the impact we are having on our natural environment. Internationally Audi AG is spearheading environmentally friendly vehicle development, through technologies such as FSI, TDI and ASF (Audi Aluminium Space Frame). Through this initiative, Audi SA will be making a small but vital impact and as a challenger brand we would like to start making a change now, for our future.” Levine concluded.

This year the programme will focus on tree planting in the Ekurhuleni Metro area through the Trees for Homes programme and the first event will launch Arbor Week. On 1 September 2008 at Rabosotho Community Hall in Tembisa, where 300 trees will be distributed to residents.

In addition to planting trees, sustainability is fostered through FTFA’s programme of providing information on the planting and care of trees.

FTFA (together with the local stakeholders) identifies and trains Community Based Educators who are employed to assist prior to the handover, the week following, and three and six months thereafter to spread awareness of the programme, the need for greening and its benefits towards upliftment of quality of life and neighbourhoods.

The Trees for Homes programme aims to improve the quality of life of the poorest in South Africa by adding value to the subsidised housing units they receive through the provision of trees which can:

• improve air quality and contribute to climate change through carbon sequestration;
• provide a potential source of food (in the case of fruit trees);
• improve the economic (resale) value of the unit;
• assist with drainage;
• decrease noise pollution;
• help to settle dust;
• contribute to soil management and reduce run off
• provide a habitat for wildlife and improved biodiversity;
• develop green suburbs and contribute to civic pride;
• contribute to economic development and creation of jobs at a local level by coordinating with local emerging nursery businesses;
• provide skills and training and some jobs for Community Based Educators;
• increase environmental awareness through the work of CBEs locally and their publicity campaign nationally;