From left to right: Justin Smith (Woolworths), Alexander Haw (Massmart), Anand Prabu Pathanjali (Greenpeace Africa), Lagi Toribau (Greenpeace Africa), Melita Steele (Greenpeace Africa), Ayanda Nakedi (Eskom), Dr Tobias Bischof-Niemz (Center for Scientific and Industrial Research), Mike Levington (South Africa Photo Voltaic Association).

Launch of the report ‘Shopping Clean – Retailers and Renewable Energy’ which marked the beginning of the ‘Renewable Energy Champions’ push initially aimed at getting the country’s top five retailers to show solar energy some love. The five retailers are Pick n Pay, Massmart, Spar, Woolworths and Shoprite. The report outlines how retail companies in South Africa have made a start in the transition to 100% renewable energy. Most importantly, it details the current status of renewable energy investments and commitments from each of the top five retailers in South Africa. The retailers are ranked against one another on four key criteria – energy transparency, commitment to renewable energy, greenhouse gas mitigation and lobbying for clean renewable energy.