Client: CarbEnviro Services
End Client: Clean Tech Company
Location: South Africa
Sector: Energy Technology ·Ferrochrome Industry
Duration: 2023
Challenge
In preparation for its stock exchange listing, the company sought to publish a verified Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of its PWR Blok 400-F engine, an energy conversion system designed for the South African ferrochrome market.
An initial GHG Product LCA was conducted, and Linchpin ESS was engaged to perform an external critical review in line with international ISO standards, ensuring the results were scientifically credible and could withstand regulatory and investor scrutiny.
Our Role
Linchpin ESS was contracted by CarbEnviro Services on behalf of their client to act as the independent peer reviewer of the Product Life Cycle Assessment. Our role was to ensure the LCA conformed to best practices, namely the requirements of:
- ISO 14040 / ISO 14044 – Life Cycle Assessment standards
- ISO 14067 – Carbon footprint of products
Our Approach
Linchpin ESS executed a thorough critical review process that included:
- Compilation and evaluation of all GHG emission factors and documentation sources
- Review of the LCA methodology, system boundaries, and functional units
- Assessment of data quality, allocation methods, and assumptions
- Verification of impact assessment results and transparency of calculations
- Alignment checks with international LCA and product carbon footprint standards
We worked collaboratively with CarbEnviro Services’ lead assessor, who was responsible for issuing the formal assertion statement.
Project Outcome
- Delivered a comprehensive LCA review report with technical findings
- Provided recommendations to enhance result robustness, transparency, and stakeholder confidence
- Contributed to the credibility and comparability of the LCA in the context of environmental disclosure for public listing
- Helped align the final report with global standards for carbon footprint verification
Impact
- Ensured the Product LCA was defensible, transparent, and internationally compliant
- Reinforced investor confidence in the client’s sustainability claims
- Advanced the adoption of robust LCA practices in the South African energy and industrial sector
Case Study 2: Independent Review of Environmental Compliance Audit
Client: CarbEnviro Services
End Client: Mobile Communications Company
Location: South Africa
Sector: Telecommunications · Infrastructure Compliance
Duration: 2022–2023
Challenge
As the holder of an environmental authorisation, the Mobile Communications Company is legally obligated under Section 34 of the 2014 EIA Regulations (as amended) to demonstrate compliance with:
- Environmental Authorisation conditions
- The approved Environmental Management Programme (EMPr)
- Applicable closure plans and relevant environmental legislation
In 2021 and 2022, an independent environmental audit of the Mobile Communications Company’s diesel Above-Ground Storage Tanks (ASTs) at their facilities was conducted. To ensure regulatory credibility and robustness of the findings, CarbEnviro Services was appointed as an external reviewer and subsequently contracted Linchpin ESS to conduct an independent peer review of the audit results.
Our Role
Linchpin ESS was tasked with conducting a technical review of the environmental audit to verify that the findings were:
- Aligned with South Africa’s environmental regulatory framework
- Scientifically and legally sound
- Sufficient to guide corrective action and achieve full compliance
Our Approach
Linchpin ESS carried out a comprehensive peer review by:
- Examining a portfolio of evidence from on-site inspections
- Reviewing all legislative and regulatory documentation referenced in the audit
Key Legislation and Documents Reviewed:
- Environmental Authorisation and Amendments
- National Environmental Management Act (NEMA)
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations, 2014 (as amended)
- NEM: Waste Act (NEM:WA)
- NEM: Air Quality Act (NEM:AQA)
- Occupational Health and Safety Act and relevant regulations
- National Water Act
- Local municipal by-laws
Our focus was to ensure the audit findings accurately reflected legal obligations and performance gaps while supporting the end client’s responsibility to meet statutory requirements.
Project Outcome
- Delivered a technical peer review report to CarbEnviro Services
- Provided structured feedback to guide close-out of non-compliance findings
- Enabled the end client to align with national environmental legislation and audit best practices
- Strengthened the legal defensibility and technical integrity of the 2021–2022 audit results
Impact
- Enhanced the end client’s ability to meet environmental compliance targets
- Supported regulatory due diligence for above-ground fuel storage operations
- Improved transparency and audit credibility through third-party validation