Sustainability

What we do

What’s new?

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Researchers concerned about low environmental literacy in South Africa

New research by the CSIR and its partners reveals that climate change denialism looms large in South Africa, with nearly half of the population believing coal to be a renewable energy source. These findings, among many others, were shared in the inaugural Citizens’ Environmental Awareness, Beliefs and Behavioural Preferences In South Africa 2022 report, published in 2024.

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South Africa’s green hydrogen hotspots mapped

CSIR researchers collaborated with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and GFA Consulting Group to develop two planning tools to support South Africa’s transition to a green hydrogen economy.

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Invasive water plants are stressing South Africa’s estuaries

South Africa’s estuaries are home to a unique mix of plant and animal life and provide vital ecosystems services. However, a new study by CSIR researchers has revealed that some nuisance water plants are throwing these delicate ecosystems off balance - literally.

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Missed our Biodiversity Day 2025 webinar session? Watch it here.

A conversation with experts at the CSIR and the South African National Biodiversity Institute to unpack whether current nature-based and engineering solutions are the ideal approach to ensuring that nature thrives.

Our Research

 

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Sustainability, economics and waste

We provide scientific evidence and decision-support to the public and private sectors, aimed at enabling sustainable development and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our focus is on supporting sustainable consumption and production, as set out in SDG 12, and facilitating the transition to a circular economy.

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Environmental management services

We specialise in complex environmental assessments and integrated assessment modelling at a strategic regional and site-specific scales in South Africa and other African countries, serving various industry sectors and international agencies. Using innovative and scientifically robust approaches – anchored in holistic impact assessment research, we support the growth of a green economy.

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Biodiversity and ecosystem services

We design evidence-based nature-positive solutions that improve local and global sustainability efforts. We develop tools for ecosystem-based adaptation, biodiversity conservation, water source protection and governance frameworks to support communities, government and the private sector.

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Coastal systems and Earth observation

We provide science-based solutions to restore vulnerable ecosystems in coastal and aquatic environments at ports, estuaries and coastal development zones to ensure thriving life above and below water. We also support the development of remote sensing technologies for applications in freshwater, coastal and marine systems.

Contact information:

Dr Douglas Trotter
Impact Area Manager
@email

Cathy Maidi
Business Development Manager
@email

 

Our facilities

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Environmental chemistry laboratory
Environmental chemistry laboratory

We provide comprehensive environmental sample testing at our SANAS-accredited facility in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.

Environmental ecotoxicology laboratory
Environmental ecotoxicology laboratory

We conduct toxicity testing on wastewater, water and sediment using a range of tests for sea urchin fertilisation, sea urchin embryo-larval and amphipod survival tests at our SANAS-accredited facility in KwaZulu-Natal.

National Programmes

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Vuyani Jarana
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Nomsa Dlamini
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Fabrizio Dionisio
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