19 Sep 2025 Zero Emissions Day, A Reminder That Every Journey Can Help Reduce Ecological Debt Cape Town, 19 September 2025. On September 21st, the world observes Zero Emissions Day, an initiative started in 2008 by Canadian environmental activist, Ken Wallace, with the aim to raise awareness, and encourage people and organizations to reduce or eliminate their carbon foot print for one day, by minimizing the use of fossil fuels, and inspire long term sustainable behaviours. According to the recent City of Cape Town’s State of Energy and Carbon report, Transport is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for over a third of urban carbon output in Cape Town. This Zero Emissions Day, the V&A Waterfront is shining a spotlight on its partnership with pioneer transport operator, The Green Cab, showcasing how emission-free, electric transport is already making a difference across the precinct. As a women-owned enterprise, The Green Cab stands as a beacon of hope, resilience, and innovation in the growing electric vehicle (EV) and e-mobility sector in South Africa. Since the service launched in December 2024, the fleet of six electric mobiles, powered by the V&A Waterfront’s energy supply, has already travelled more than 21,000 kilometres, carrying over 30 000 riders since (approximately 200-500 passengers a week), saving an estimated 1,176 kilograms of CO2 emissions compared to conventional fossil-fuel alternatives. This service is available to visitors, tenants, and residents, and runs on a fixed six-stop hop-on route connecting the Silo District, Canal Precinct, Aquarium, and Cape Town Sign, all at zero cost. “Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at the V&A Waterfront. Zero Emissions Day gives us an opportunity to showcase innovative partnerships like The Green Cab that drive environmental change while creating real social and economic value. Together, we’re proving that sustainable business is not only possible, but essential for the future of our community and our planet.” said V&A Waterfront Head of Public Relations, Donald Kau But this is more than just a transport solution. The Green Cab is also a social enterprise, employing seven young women as drivers, with the goal to double that amount by the end of the year. “Through initiatives like the ‘Driving Hope Project’, the company not only tackles climate change but also addresses pressing social issues such as gender-based violence, by empowering women with financial independence and opportunity.” said Amiene van der Merwe, Managing Director of The Green Cab. By embedding electric mobility into daily precinct life, the V&A Waterfront and The Green Cab highlight a shared vision for sustainable innovation, community impact, and economic contribution; a reminder that every journey can help reduce ecological debt. Looking ahead, The Green Cab aims to double its fleet, extend its routes, and launch orientation tours of the precinct continuing to drive forward a vision of sustainable, inclusive mobility. With initiatives like these, the V&A Waterfront reinforces its mission to lead shared value thinking, balancing environmental responsibility with social impact and economic growth. For media enquiries and/or interview requests, please contact: Amiene van der Merwe Managing Director: The Green Cab Email: info@thegreencab.co.za Cell: +27 82 298 2085 ABOUT THE V&A WATERFRONT The V&A Waterfront is an iconic mixed-use destination located in the oldest working harbour in the Southern Hemisphere. With Table Mountain as its backdrop, the 123-hectare neighbourhood sits within the beautiful city of Cape Town, welcoming millions of people from all over the continent and the rest of the world. The V&A is a symbol of heritage and diversity, where people from all walks of life can play, live, shop, dine and work while immersed in the vibrant spirit and authentic local culture that thrives in this bustling ecosystem. It sees its role on the continent to be a platform that facilitates and champions art and design, to support entrepreneurship and innovation, lead the charge on sustainability, and drive positive social and economic change. Since embarking on this journey of sustainable development in 2008, the Waterfront has reduced its water consumption by 61%, invested R38 million into energy efficiency projects, reduced its carbon emissions by 47% and diverted 1595 tonnes of waste from its landfills annually. THE GREEN CAB Guided by the commitment to people and the planet, the V&A Waterfront has partnered with The Green Cab, a women-led sustainable transport company operating a free, hop-on hop-off electric shuttle service within the V&A Waterfront precinct in Cape Town, offering visitors an eco-friendly way to navigate the area. The project also creates employment for young women and supports positive social change. With a fleet of six Zbee Electric Scooters, The Green Cab’s mission isn’t just about transportation, but part of a long-term exploration of sustainable mobility solutions, offering visitors a unique way to explore while reducing carbon output. This initiative aims to go beyond environmental sustainability, The Green Cab also partnered with Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator and the SA Youth Platform, where they work to create meaningful employment opportunities for young female drivers.
