Case Study 1: Industrial Sustainability Assessments For NCPC-SA

Client: National Cleaner Production Centre South Africa (NCPC-SA)
Location: South Africa (Nationwide)
Sector: Manufacturing & Industrial
Duration: Ongoing (Multiple Projects)

Challenge

South African industries face increasing pressure to reduce resource consumption, cut emissions, and enhance their sustainability performance while remaining competitive. The NCPC-SA leads several national programmes aimed at improving industrial efficiency and environmental stewardship, including:

  • Resource Efficiency & Cleaner Production (RECP)
  • Industrial Energy Efficiency (IEE)
  • Industrial Symbiosis Programme (ISP)
  • Life Cycle Management (LCM)

These programmes required expert technical partners to support implementation across a wide range of industrial sectors.

Our Approach

NCPC-SA appointed Linchpin ESS to deliver assessments aligned to RECP, IEE, ISP, and LCM frameworks at facilities in sectors such as iron and steel, chemicals, textiles, automotive, and foundries.

Key Industries Served:

  • Iron & Steel
  • Chemicals
  • Textiles & Clothing
  • Heavy Equipment
  • Leather & Hides

Tailored Technical Approach:

Programme

Linchpin ESS Methodology

RECP

Mass/energy balances to map resource flows and inefficiencies (energy, water, materials, waste)

IEE

In-depth energy audits; optimisation of motors, steam, compressors; ISO 50001 integration

ISP

Mapping of waste/resource exchanges to identify industrial symbiosis opportunities

LCM

Application of LCA strategies to evaluate environmental footprints across product life cycles

Each assessment involved:

  • On-site data collection and staff engagement
  • Technical analysis and modelling
  • Actionable reports with costed sustainability recommendations

Companies Audited

Over 20 privately owned businesses were supported across all provinces in various industries, including iron and steel, chemicals, textiles and clothing, heavy equipment, and leather and hides.

Project Outcomes

Linchpin’s assessments across all programmes identified the following cumulative opportunities :

Resource Efficiency Results: over six sites

Metric

Savings Identified

Electricity Savings

18,885,586 kWh

Electricity Cost Savings

R6,429,897

CO₂ Emissions Avoided

25,129 tCO₂e

Water Savings

1,245 kl

Water Cost Savings

R53,712

Solar PV Savings (Energy)

4,492,190 kWh

Solar PV Cost Savings

R2,610,364

Solar PV CO₂ Savings

4,044 tCO₂e

Industrial Symbiosis & Material Impacts:

Metric

Impact

Waste Diverted from Landfill

1.32 tonnes (R961,949)

Total Waste Resource Diversion Potential

4,264 tonnes (R793,802)

Virgin Material Reduction Potential

11,999 tonnes

Impact

  • Enabled deep emissions and cost reductions across energy, water, and waste
  • Supported sector-wide capacity building in sustainable industrial practices
  • Facilitated adoption of Life Cycle Thinking and Industrial Symbiosis
  • Contributed to NCPC-SA’s national goals for greener, more efficient industry