UNILEVER USES SUNLIGHT TO HEAT WATER FOR CHILDREN’S HOME

Unilever, through its Sunlight brand, is supporting the installation of a solar powered water geyser at a Cape Town-based care centre for troubled children.

Margaret’s House in Lansdowne will enjoy hot water without high electricity costs thanks to the installation of the Sunlight solar panels by Unilever.

This initiative forms part of the world’s most widespread day of carbon-cutting action by the 10/10/10 Global Work Party organised by 350.org.

On Sunday (10 October 2010), 100 solar water heating systems were installed around the world in support of the environmental call to action. Over 7 000 events were scheduled to take place in 188 countries.

Geraldine Engel, administration manager at Margaret’s House, said the organisation was most grateful to Unilever for partnering with the 10/10/10 Global Work Party to install the solar-powered hot water system.

She said while the home received half its funding from the State, it was forced to rely on independent donations to provide children from troubled families the chance to heal, grow, and flourish in conventional society.

Louise Duys, Unilever’s Corporate Sustainability Manager, said the company has been working to make continuous improvements in the management of its environmental impact to develop a more sustainable business.

“Whilst the company is focused on the total value chain impacts of its products to find the biggest opportunities for emissions reductions, we are also lending support to other activities such as the 10/10/10 Global Work Party that will have a tangible effect on the environment and sustainability,” said Louise.

Unilever’s partners on the solar water heating project are Inti Solar, manufacturers of solar water heating and lighting systems; SolarMAX which manufactures solar panels and Xstream which manufactures storage tanks.

Inti Solar managing director Marlene Snowdon who was the driving force behind the solar panels project in said: “Alternative sources of energy provide cost savings, are environment friendly and create jobs and sustainability.

“The Global Work Party’s significant response to draw attention to climate change tells us that we do not have the luxury of time any more - we need to act fast to replace fossil fuels with sustainable  energy.”

Grant Hallett, national sales manager of SolarMAX said they were proud to be associated with this initiative in making the communities greener. 

“We have a proud record of involvement in such projects and believe that this type of project will promote environmental awareness and protect, develop and enhance the community’s natural resources.

 “We believe that each one of us can make a positive contribution to our children’s future,” said Hallett.

Unilever’s commitment to sustainability is evident through its everyday actions. Unilever’s mother warehouse near Pietermaritzburg which was opened last year, features several “green” initiatives including solar panels, which were included in the design and construction keeping in mind environmental sustainability.

In May 2010, the Unilever-sponsored Thokomala Home for HIV/ Aids orphans in KwaMashu became the first of several such homes around the country to receive Sunlight solar water heating panels as part of the FMCG giant’s efforts to explore alternative energy sources.

About Unilever South Africa: Unilever South Africa (Pty Ltd), is one of the largest FMCG companies in the . The Company is over 100 years old, with brands like Sunlight, OMO, Lux, Knorr, Vaseline etc that are household names throughout the country. Unilever South Africa has over 3000 employees based across two offices and five manufacturing locations in . It is rated as one of ’s best employers.

For more information visit – www.unilever.co.za

About 350.org: This is an internet-based campaign with the aim of reducing the atmospheric carbon concentration to 350 parts per million, the limit that scientists say will avoid dangerous climate change. The atmospheric carbon concentration is currently at 390 parts per million.