Skip to main content

Together we can create a better tomorrow

Towards a more sustainable energy future

Energy underpins economic growth, social development and resilience across Africa. As the continent continues to grow, the way energy is produced, used and managed will play a critical role in shaping long-term prosperity and inclusion.  

Deloitte Africa recognises that responding to Africa’s energy and climate challenges requires solutions that are ambitious, practical as well as capable of working across diverse markets, infrastructure realities and operating environments. 

Across Deloitte Africa, we are taking a phased and location-specific approach to energy efficiency and smart-energy solutions. Initiatives are introduced in selected offices based on local context, feasibility and infrastructure, with a focus on learning and scalability over time.  

Initiatives implemented in specific locations include:

  •  Introducing energy-efficient lighting solutions, such as LED lighting and occupancy sensors, to help reduce unnecessary electricity consumption 
  • Applying operational and building-management controls in certain offices to optimise energy use outside of core operating hours 
  • Implementing onsite renewable-energy solutions in selected locations, including solar panels and a battery energy-storage system at the Waterfall office, to support more resilient and lower-carbon energy use 
  • Integrating energy-efficient design principles into office fit-outs and refurbishments on a case-by-case basis, where feasible 

These initiatives are not implemented uniformly across all offices and reflect a targeted approach that allows Deloitte Africa to test, learn and apply insights responsibly across diverse operating environments. 

We are taking steps in selected locations to reduce the amount of energy required to operate our buildings, informed by local context, infrastructure and feasibility.  

Examples of measures implemented in specific offices include: 

  • Installing timers on geysers so that electricity is not used when hot water is not required 
  • Switching off non-essential building electricity for defined periods each evening, with lighting remaining on only where required for safety and security 
  • Using thermally active building systems in specific locations, such as the Cape Town office, where cold water is circulated through building slabs during warmer months to support cooling and reduce reliance on mechanical air conditioning 

These measures are applied on a location specific basis and help inform broader energy efficiency practices across Deloitte Africa. 

We consider how workplace design and building features can support the comfort, wellbeing and productivity of our people, while also helping to reduce energy demand. These approaches are applied in selected offices, informed by local context, building design and feasibility.  
 
Examples of measures implemented in specific locations include: 
  • Using artificial lighting to supplement natural light from large windows, helping to reduce overall electricity use 
  • In selected offices such as Cape Town and Waterfall, automated blinds are used and adjusted based on seasonal sun patterns. This helps limit heat build-up and reduces the need for mechanical cooling 
  • In certain locations, double glazed windows are used to help reduce heat gain and support more stable indoor temperatures 
  • Office layout and space planning in selected buildings are designed to reduce the number of air conditioning units required, supporting lower electricity consumption  

These features are not present in all offices but provide valuable insights that help inform future workplace design and refurbishment decisions across Deloitte Africa. 

Case study: Cape Town office – piloting smart energy and building design 

In Cape Town, Deloitte Africa has implemented a range of energy‑efficiency and building‑design solutions aimed at reducing electricity demand while supporting a healthy and productive working environment for our people.  

The Cape Town office is located in a building that has achieved a 6‑Star Green Star rating, a certification awarded by the Green Building Council of South Africa and recognised as reflecting world‑leading performance in sustainable building design and innovation.  

Initiatives implemented at this location include: 

  • Energy‑efficient lighting, occupancy sensors and automated systems to help reduce unnecessary electricity consumption 
  • Building design features that maximise natural light and support natural ventilation, helping to limit reliance on mechanical cooling 
  • Selected passive and smart cooling solutions designed to improve overall energy efficiency 
  • Alternative construction materials and design approaches that support insulation and reduced energy demand 

While these solutions are specific to this location and may not be feasible in all contexts, the Cape Town experience provides practical insights that help inform future workplace design and operational decisions across Deloitte Africa. 

Explore more about WorldClimate initiatives:

Key contact

Ashleigh Theophanides

Ashleigh Theophanides

Chief Strategy Officer
+27 11 209 8112

Recommendations

Deloitte’s commitment to environmental sustainability

Mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change are monumental tasks. The climate crisis is a risk to society at large, to our organisation and to our clients across the private and public sectors. Progress is possible and we must take urgent action, acting collectively and individually to make changes to help reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. Deloitte is helping to lead the way toward a low-carbon future by guiding our clients on their sustainability journeys, advancing meaningful actions and change within our own operations and supply chain, and collaborating with nonprofits and civil society.
Story
10 minute read

Sustainability and Climate

Global business offering integrated sustainability consulting and climate change services that help our clients build a more sustainable future.