Sunlight Solar Panels

In line with Unilever’s commitment towards the environment and sustainability, the installation of these solar panels will enable the people of this community to access hot water without incurring high electricity costs.  According to Louise Duys, Unilever’s Corporate Sustainability Manager, “along with improving efficiencies in our own operations, Unilever is committed towards finding long term solutions to the environmental pressures as well as the needs of the society”.

Unilever’s partners on the solar water heating project are Inti Solar, manufacturers of solar water heating and lighting systems.  Inti Solar Managing Director, Marlene Snowdon said: “Alternative sources of energy provide cost savings, are environment friendly and create jobs and sustainability.”

These 2000 panels installed by Unilever in partnership with Inti solar, form part of eThekwini Municipality’s Shisa Solar project.

 “The installation of these panels is not only helping reduce the environmental footprint, the access to hot water will also encourage hygiene habits in the community, especially in winter.” said Justin Apsey, Marketing Director, Unilever. “In a society such as ours, where there are still many people who, due to lack of awareness or resources, suffer from diseases, initiatives such as this can go a long way.”

In 2010, Unilever launched the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan that highlights the company’s commitment to Sustainability.  The Plan seeks to implement sustainable ways of doing business by identifying areas where the company can make the greatest difference, both within the business and in the communities in which we operate.

 
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.

 
In October 2010 Unilever sponsored installation of a solar powered water geyser at Margaret’s House, a Cape Town-based care centre for troubled children. 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.

 
About the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan: Launched in 2010, the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan seeks to implement ways of doing business by identifying areas where we hold expertise and where we can make the most difference. It aims to help our consumers enjoy a good quality of life while respecting the planet.

 
The Plan has set three big goals for Unilever to achieve globally by 2020:
1. Halve the environmental footprint of the making and use of our products
2. Help more than 1 billion people take action to improve their health and well-being
3. Enhance the livelihood of hundreds of thousands of people in our supply chain

 
For more information visit - www.unilever.com

 
About Unilever South Africa: Unilever South Africa (Pty Ltd), is one of the largest FMCG companies in South Africa. 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 South Africa. It is rated as one of South Africa’s best employers.
For more information visit – www.unilever.co.za

About Shisa Solar: This project is aimed at promoting and facilitating the installation of solar waters on homes and businesses throughout the city. The mains aims of the programme are to reduce electricity consumption, help residents reduce their utility costs, provide hot water services to low income households and stimulate the renewable energy sector in Durban. For more information visit – http://www.shisasolar.org.za