Vodacom’s positive carbon footprint noticed

‘MATHATO SEBOKA

MASERU – Following a strict audit by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) earlier this month, highlighting the company’s proactive approach to resource optimisation and contribution to a more sustainable Lesotho, Vodacom Lesotho (VCL) has retained ISO 50001 Energy management certification for 2025.

The certification is due to reaffirming its commitment to environmental stewardship.

ISO 50001 certification provides a structured framework for improving energy performance by optimising the efficiency, utilisation and consumption.

This involves developing energy policies, setting targets and using data-driven decision-making to improve energy management.

The result is reduced energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation.

VCL released a statement on January 29, indicating that there are several initiatives that the telecom giant undertook in contributing to mitigating Lesotho’s carbon footprints.

Among several key initiatives, a significant upgrade to Vodacom Park’s rooftop solar power generation system is noteworthy.

Its monthly output increased from 2 200 kWh to more than 10 000 kWh. This translates into an annual reduction of approximately 225 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, which is equivalent to planting around 125 trees and represents a noticeable contribution to mitigating Lesotho’s carbon footprint.

VCL further achieved a five percent improvement in energy efficiency at its Maseru and Berea data centres, in conjunction with the installation of 33 smart energy metres across its access network. This enables real-time monitoring and management of energy consumption.

Further improvements include motion-activated lighting and gesture-control taps at Vodacom Park.

Additionally, a substantial transition to renewable energy sources is underway across Vodacom Lesotho’s network infrastructure. Currently, 105 of its 410 cell towers use solar power, mitigating reliance on the national grid and diesel-generated power.

This not only reduces the carbon footprint but also delivers considerable cost efficiency, particularly for cell towers situated in more remote locations.

Vodacom’s commitment to environmental stewardship goes beyond simple energy efficiency. Since 2021, the company has been undertaking a significant reforestation programme, planting 20 000 trees in areas that include Menkhoaneng in the Leribe district, Thaba-Bosiu and Ha Ntsi in the Maseru district and Ha Raliemere in the Mafeteng district.

This helps mitigate soil erosion and safeguard Lesotho’s delicate ecosystem.

Mohale Ralebitso, Vodacom Lesotho’s Chief Executive Officer said that the achievement is the evidence of the commitment and the promise they made of protecting the planet.

“Maintaining our ISO 50001 certification isn’t just a tick-box exercise; it’s a powerful testimony to our ‘Protecting the Planet’ promise. It is central to the Vodacom Group’s strategy, translating into concrete actions and delivering real environmental and social gains for Basotho and the rest of the continent,” Ralebitso said.

The company is pursuing a decarbonisation strategy predicated on ongoing investment in energy efficiency, proactive exploration of renewable energy options and a comprehensive waste reduction programme incorporating reuse, resale and recycling.