As of 1 June 2019, the Carbon Tax Act, 2018 is in operation. South Africa is the worst polluter on the continent and the Carbon Tax is a milestone in government’s efforts to tackle climate change. The South African government has committed to reductions of greenhouse gas emissions of 34% by 2020 and 42% by 2025. The World Bank and most lending companies throughout the world are insisting that companies take active steps to reduce carbon emissions. While the Tax will affect a company’s bottom line initially, the sooner companies become Carbon Compliant, the sooner their financial respite can begin.

The Carbon Tax will be phased in over a period of time to allow for smooth transition in adopting cleaner and more efficient technologies and behaviours. “The first phase will run from 1 June 2109 to December 2022,” says Grant Joyce, Head of Sales Process Automation, SICK Automation. “Businesses who use this window to start evolving their business practices will be better equipped in the long run.” With a proven track record in the Power, EFW and Biomass sectors as well as process automation applications, SICK has tried-and-tested technologies in continuous emission monitoring across the globe.

The National Treasury says the carbon tax will not have a negative effect on trade but will help protect South African companies against punitive trade actions for failing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Tax is intended both to cut emissions in terms of South Africa’s international commitments under the Paris Agreement, and also to send a signal to investors to shift towards low carbon options and so help the transition to a low carbon economy. SICK Automation is already a world leading supplier of Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS). SICK delivers the very latest in measurement technology to meet the demands placed on businesses and industries to meet required reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Innovative companies can avoid emissions by using SICK’s CEMS technologies.  

SICK's CEMS solutions have been specifically designed for measuring emissions at power plants, industrial facilities, and on ships. CEMS solutions can be used to measure pollutants and reference quantities and to perform data processing on the results in accordance with the relevant national or international legislation. “Our extensive CEMS systems range will cover most applications and provide comprehensive solutions for industries looking to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions,” says Joyce.

 SICK Automation was founded on concern for the environment and SICK has developed in a sustainable way to minimise negative environmental impacts to the greatest degree possible. SICK Automation is passionate about helping global clients reduce their carbon footprint. As a world leader in Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems and with over 70 years’ experience, SICK can provide a solution for the most difficult of applications.

Thanks to SICK Automation, there is nothing in the air tonight. We think that's smart.