Page 65 - Profmark BSA Guide 2025

Some Other Relevant Environmental Legislation Includes
■ National Water Act, 36 of 1998.
■ National Energy Act, 34 of 2008.
■ National Forests Act, 84 of 1998.
■ National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 10 of 2004.
■ National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 39 of 2004.
■ National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 59 of 2008.
■ National Environmental Management: Waste Amendment Act, 26 of 2014.
■ National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 57 of 2004.
■ National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act, 24 of
2008.
The National Environmental Management Laws Amendment Act, 2022 came into
effect on 30 June 2023, and aims to amend almost every Environmental Management
Act in the country, including Waste, Air, Biodiversity and Water.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)
There is a growing acceptance and integration of ESG principles among South African
corporates, who recognise that this is essential to attracting investment and aligning
with global expectations of corporate responsibility and sustainable impact. Coupled
with this, the demand for sustainability-linked loans is surging, with banks competing
to offer this new form of finance in South Africa. These loans could be used for
any purpose, such as making an acquisition. However, the interest rate applicable
is informed by the achievement of specific targets by the borrower on key ESG
indicators.
Climate Change Act
The Climate Change Act, 22 of 2024, as endorsed by the President, enables the
alignment of policies that influence South Africa's climate change response, to ensure
that South Africa's transition to a low carbon and climate resilient economy and
society is not constrained by policy contradictions.

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