The National Cleaner Production Centre (NCPC) took to the 2025 Manufacturing Indaba Conference and Exhibition to highlight its work in promoting Sustainable Industrial Spaces across the country.
As part of its participation, the NCPC hosted an exhibition stand and presented a session at the Knowledge Hub focused on advancing sustainability in Industrial Spaces. These platforms provided a valuable opportunity to promote NCPC's four major projects aimed at decarbonising industrial spaces, all implemented in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).
Each project plays a specific role in advancing sustainability in industrial zones:
The Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme (GEIPP), now in its fifth year, promotes streamlined management practices and industrial synergies, by encouraging collaborative resource use, integrated waste and energy flows, and cleaner production techniques.
The Sustainable Energy Systems for Urban-Industrial Development (SESID) project launched in 2023 introduces sustainable energy solutions into industrial spaces to reduce dependence on fossil fuel-based energy solutions and technologies.
While the brand-new Low Carbon and Positive Energy Industrial Spaces project will further promote reduced energy consumption and increasing the use of renewable energy in selected parks. Finally, the Global Clean Hydrogen Programme will kick off in the next two months and aims to foster policy, institutional and financial readiness for the adoption of clean hydrogen.
During his session at the Knowledge Hub, NCPC Project Manager, Lindelani Mkhize shared how the Centre is working to accelerate the implementation of resource-efficient and cleaner production, as well as sustainable energy solutions to reduce dependence on fossil fuels in industry. He also outlined the distinctions between industrial development zones (IDZs), special economic zones (SEZs), and industrial parks and their roles in promoting sustainable industrial development. Mkhize emphasised the importance of collaboration with the NCPC to support a low-carbon transition in manufacturing.
In addition, the NCPC Business Support and Communication Manager, Julie Wells, moderated a thought-provoking panel on emerging markets in manufacturing titled "Emerging Manufacturing Frontiers: Unlocking New Industries for Africa's Industrial Future."
The panel explored how green skills, sustainability, and AI-driven technologies are opening new pathways for innovation and economic growth. Wells also led discussions on the pivotal role of energy, both as a key enabler and an evolving sector with its own opportunities and challenges.
There are significant opportunities to enhance sustainability within industrial zones, and the NCPC is working to coordinate efforts to ensure maximum impact and limit duplication.
To find out more about these and other initiatives of the NCPC, contact ncpc@csir.co.za or visit www.ncpc.co.za
