Carbon Compass

Championing a Just Transition with Carbon Credits (with TransEnergy)

In this episode, we sit down with one of our clients, TransEnergy Global, to explore the incredible work they’re doing. We unpack their journey in implementing a first-of-its-kind project, hear their perspective on South Africa’s Just Energy Transition, and discuss the role carbon credits can play in accelerating it. We also dive into the progress made so far in developing their methodology and we wrap up with a quick conversation on the Global Citizen Now event held on 21 November 2025. Key takeaways of discussion: • How carbon credits can be reinvested for even greater impact • What a Just Energy Transition truly means, according to TransEnergy • How the Coal Abatement for an Energy Transition methodology addresses key sticking points such as permanence and leakage • What major learnings TransEnergy have from their journey so far • Why platforms such as the Global Citizen Now matter for climate action Stay tuned for an exciting announcement towards the end of the episode! Please also make sure to keep up with TransEnergy: 🌍 Find out more about TransEnergy and Project Mzansi https://transenergy-global.com/ 🔗 And follow for exciting updates https://www.linkedin.com/company/transenergyglobal/ And as always, connect with us on the following: 📧 Get in touch at info@brundtland.co.za 📞 Call us on (0)11 44 77 892 🌍 Explore our work at https://www.brundtland.co.za/ 🔗 And follow us on LinkedIn for updates, insights, and more: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brundtland/posts/?feedView=all 🌍 Find out more about TransEnergy and Project Mzansi [https://transenergy-global.com/] · 🌍 Explore our work [https://www.brundtland.co.za/] · 🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn for updates, insights, and more [https://www.linkedin.com/company/brundtland/posts/?feedView=all]

Carbon 101 – Demystifying Carbon Credits

Carbon credits play a critical role in global climate action, yet their complexity often makes them challenging to understand. In this episode, Joseph Freimond, Sustainability Consultant at Brundtland, speaks with Henk Sa, Partner and Head of Carbon Finance at Brundtland, who brings over 20 years of experience in the global carbon industry. Together, they unpack the full carbon credit journey, from conception to commercialisation. Henk explains what carbon credits are, how they’re created and verified, and why concepts like additionality are key to ensuring real climate impact. He also shares why project developers should start carbon credit planning early, and addresses common concerns about quality and credibility in this evolving market. Whether you’re new to carbon markets or looking to deepen your expertise, this episode helps build a foundational understanding of one of the most important tools for driving emissions reductions. Key points of discussion: • What carbon credits are and how they offset emissions • The role of carbon standards, rules, and methodologies • Step-by-step process of registering, monitoring, and verifying carbon projects • Typical timeline and costs involved in generating credits • Understanding additionality and why it matters • Common challenges and misconceptions about carbon credits • Practical advice for integrating carbon credits into project development If you’re ready to navigate the world of carbon credits with confidence, this episode is your essential starting point. Want to keep the conversation going or learn more about what we do? 📧 Get in touch at info@brundtland.co.za 📞 Call us on (0)11 44 77 892 🌍 Explore our work [https://www.brundtland.co.za/] · 🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn for updates, insights, and more [https://www.linkedin.com/company/brundtland/posts/?feedView=all]

Inside South Africa’s Draft Carbon Budget Regulations

South Africa’s draft carbon budget regulations are here – and they could reshape how companies manage and report greenhouse gas emissions. In this episode, Emma Reinecke speaks with Jan Willem Timmer, Principal Consultant at Brundtland, who played a key role in drafting the regulations, to unpack what they mean for businesses, policymakers, and South Africa’s climate commitments. We cover the basics: what a carbon budget is, who will be affected, and how the system links to the existing carbon tax. With mandatory budgets planned to take effect in 2026, understanding the phased rollout, compliance requirements, and allocation methods is crucial for businesses and policymakers alike. Key points of discussion: • What carbon budgets are and their role under the Climate Change Act • Which industries and emissions are covered, including thresholds for participation • How carbon budgets interact with South Africa’s carbon tax • The three allocation methodologies, including product-based benchmarking • Phased rollout: voluntary reporting to mandatory compliance • How stakeholder concerns have been addressed in the draft regulations The draft regulations are open for public comment until the end of September. Comments can be sent to SETSComments@dffe.gov.za. Want to keep the conversation going or learn more about what we do? 📧 Get in touch at info@brundtland.co.za 📞 Call us on (0)11 44 77 892 🌍 Explore our work [https://www.brundtland.co.za/] · 🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn for updates, insights, and more [https://www.linkedin.com/company/brundtland/posts/?feedView=all]

CBAM 102 - Policy to Practice

In this episode, we explore the practical realities of complying with the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). We look at what South African exporters need to do to comply, what it might cost, and why it’s critical for maintaining access to European markets. We also unpack the risks of non-compliance, including heavy fines and reduced competitiveness, and discuss how decarbonisation and carbon pricing reforms can help mitigate CBAM impacts. Key points of discussion: • What is required to be CBAM-compliant • Whether companies in South Africa and abroad are ready for CBAM-compliance • The costs of reporting and verification under CBAM • Opportunities for compliant businesses • Global responses to CBAM and what to expect in the future • Practical steps South African companies can take to reduce exposure CBAM is evolving, with further changes likely soon – make sure your business stays ahead. Want to keep the conversation going or learn more about what we do? 📧 Get in touch at info@brundtland.co.za 📞 Call us on (0)11 44 77 892 Keen to learn more about CBAM and its impacts? Check out these useful resources: • TIPS’ The European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and implications for South African exports at https://bit.ly/4kva7t5 • The Presidential Climate Commission’s Working Paper on Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms and Implications for South Africa at https://bit.ly/46uk2LN • IETA’s Evolution of the Global Response to CBAM at https://bit.ly/4nBeLIz 🌍 Explore our work [https://www.brundtland.co.za/] · 🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn for updates, insights, and more [https://www.linkedin.com/company/brundtland/posts/?feedView=all]

CBAM 101 - What it is and Why it Matters

In this episode, we unpack the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and what it means for South African exporters. We explain how CBAM works, why it’s being implemented, and which local industries are most exposed. We also explore the expected costs, the impact of the South African carbon tax, and why Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems are now essential for exporters to the EU. Key points of discussion: • What CBAM is and why it matters • Sectors and countries most affected • Cost impacts for South African exporters • How CBAM interacts with the EU’s carbon market (ETS) • South Africa’s carbon tax and limited CBAM relief • The importance of MRV systems for compliance • Recent EU changes to simplify CBAM reporting Don’t miss the next episode, where we dive into how South African businesses can prepare for CBAM – and the risks and benefits of doing so. Want to keep the conversation going or learn more about what we do? 📧 Get in touch at info@brundtland.co.za 📞 Call us on (0)11 44 77 892 Keen to learn more about CBAM and its impacts? Check out these useful resources: • Europe’s Taxation and Customs Union CBAM Questions and Answers at https://bit.ly/407HXNh • TIPS’ The European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and implications for South African exports at https://bit.ly/4kva7t5 • The Presidential Climate Commission’s Working Paper on Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms and Implications for South Africa at https://bit.ly/46uk2LN 🌍 Explore our work [https://www.brundtland.co.za/] · 🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn for updates, insights, and more [https://www.linkedin.com/company/brundtland/posts/?feedView=all]