NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO.: 2389
DATE OF QUESTION: 02 SEPTEMBER 2011
2389. Ms C C September (ANC) to ask the Minister of Justice and
Constitutional Development:
Whether (a) his department and (b) the entities reporting to him have
implemented any energy-saving (i) practices or (ii) devices for buildings,
offices and boardrooms in the 2010-11 financial year; if not, why not, in
each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
NW2778E
REPLY:I wish to inform the Honourable Member that (a) my Department has not
implemented any specific energy-saving (i) practices or (ii) devices in any of its
buildings, offices and boardrooms in the current financial year. The reason for this
is that the Department of Public Works (DPW) as the custodian of our buildings is
in the process of looking at energy saving processes, practices and devices. I
have been advised that the DPW has started to install energy saving devices such
as low voltage light bulbs in some of the state owned buildings. They do not have
the exact number of courts or buildings occupied by the Department of Justice and
Constitutional Development that have been fitted with these devices. With regards
to leased buildings, they try to ensure that the landlords add such energy-saving
devices to such buildings where possible.
With regard to the air conditioning systems, we have both split units and centrally
controlled systems. These different systems were installed when the buildings
were constructed. All new court buildings, are, however, fitted with centrally
controlled systems. These are easy to manage as they can be automated to
switch off when not used.
My Department will, together with the DPW, look at increasing the implementation
of energy saving measures in our buildings.
My Department has, however, introduced some measures for the organisation
which cover, amongst others, saving on electricity where possible, recycling of
paper and smoking guidelines at our buildings. My Department is also making use
of video and telephone conferencing facilities for some of its meetings for the
purpose of saving fuel costs and reducing CO² emissions.
(b)
THE NATIONAL PROSECUTING AUTHORITY (NPA):
(i)
I have been informed that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)
has implemented energy saving practices and devices for some of its offices.
In respect of the NPA National Office building, for instance, the NPA has
approved the installation of an energy saving device (power factor correction
equipment). This device could result in calculated savings of ± R15,000 per
month on the electricity bill for the NPA building.
(ii)
The following energy saving practices have been implemented at the
NPA National Office:

The process of replacing the old electro-magnetic type
fluorescent fittings has commenced and a total of 214 light fittings have
been replaced to date;

All external security lights were Quartz Halogen and have been
replaced with Metal Hyalite Flood lights;

The temperature of all 24 geysers in the building have been
reduced and are all switched off by timers from 18:00 to 05:00;

All geysers have been fitted with geyser blankets;

The central air conditioning system is also switched off at 18:00
and switched on at 06:00 in the morning; and

All central heating systems have heater banks installed in the air
ducts to regulate temperatures during winter. These heater banks are
isolated (off) during summer months.
All other buildings occupied by the NPA are leased through the DPW. No
specific devices have been installed at these buildings due to the fact that
these buildings are leased and the duration of the leases does not validate
the huge cost involved in installing such devices. Energy saving practices
such as the use of energy saving light bulbs and switching off of all electricity
consuming devices at night are, however, encouraged.
The NPA has scheduled visits to all regions during the third quarter of 2011
and one of the areas which will receive attention is the creation of more
awareness around energy management. Best practices will be introduced
and energy saving champions will be appointed to monitor and enforce
energy saving procedures.
LEGAL AID SOUTH AFRICA (LASA):
I have been informed that Legal Aid South Africa (LASA) has implemented
certain practices on energy saving:
(i)
The following practices have been implemented in terms of the carbon
footprint programme:
 Environmental Policy:
An environmental policy for the organisation which covers, amongst
others, saving on electricity, recycling of paper and smoking
guidelines at their buildings, has been developed. This policy is still
to be tabled for Board approval within this financial year.

Electricity saving:
An audit was conducted on the consumption of energy in the LASA
buildings and recommendations of the audit report have been
implemented. In this regard, there are regular communiqués to all
staff reminding them to switch off their plugs and lights when leaving
their offices and to practice energy saving practices. LASA is also
making use of video and telephone conferencing facilities for some of
the Board and management meetings for the purpose of saving fuel
costs and reducing CO2 emissions.

Paper recycling:
LASA has contracted a service provider to collect used paper and all
other recyclable products for recycling at their offices. They are also
using electronic documents for Board and management meetings as
a paper saving measure contributing to the LASA’s “greening the
environment” project.

Printers:
LASA is in the process of reducing desktop printers to encourage
central printing points with pin codes for all staff. This is being
implemented initially at National Office and will thereafter be rolled
out to all offices nation-wide.
(ii)
The practices, as they are being rolled out in the 2010-11 financial year,
are applicable to all LASA buildings, offices and boardrooms.