A survey of the adoption of cleaner technology by South African firms

Abstract

South African firms have been slow to adopt cleaner technologies, and little research on this topic has been carried out in South Africa. This article reports on the results of a survey of 26 firms in South Africa that had recently adopted cleaner technology. The survey results indicate that market-led factors are seen as the most significant in prompting firms to adopt cleaner technologies. Proactive market factors, such as obtaining a competitive edge and taking advantage of a market opportunity, are rated highest. The results suggest that the adoption of cleaner technology in South Africa is often a 'win-win' situation in which firms and the environment both benefit.