Being recognised as one of the most impactful green leaders globally is an accolade that was recently awarded to the Durban University of Technology’s Professor Ian Lazarus.
Prof Lazarus, DUT’s passionate energy driver was conferred as one of the ‘50 Most Impactful Green Leaders (Global Listing)’, celebrating achievements in Sustainable Energy Development Goals.
The 50 Green leaders were brought together at the World Corporate Social Responsibility Day in February 2018, in Mumbai. The two-days conference brought together more than 900 CSR leaders from more than 133 countries. There were leaders at Apex Levels, Strategic Decision Makers and Peers who contributed to Learning and Development/Knowledge Management in CSR were part of the conference.
Prof Lazarus was told of his acknowledgment by the founder of CSR, Dr R L Bhatia.
“It is our endeavour to bring together like minded leaders at a common platform with the objective of enhancing knowledge, networking and meaningful discussions to the theme and sub-themes of the conference. One of the key elements is a book which is released on the occasion of the event. The book includes names of all talent leaders who are conferred with ‘50 Most Impactful Green Leaders (Global Listing)’. I am extremely pleased to share with you that the programme is intensely researched by a team of leaders who have in-depth knowledge of the subject and those who believe in contributing to the profession. We would like to confer on you the award,” he said.
Unfortunately, Prof Lazarus could not attend the conference in Mumbai but he was totally surprised yet excited to obtain such an accolade.
“I was very surprised as I would not have dreamt to have been awarded something like this. To be part of a group globally, it is humbling, especially to be put into the same category as other world green leaders, is a nice surprise,” he said excitedly.
Presently, he is Head of the Energy Technology Station called the KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Energy Efficient Training and Resource Centre at the Durban University of Technology. As part of his role as Head of the Technology Station he has networked with many key role-players within the energy sector, both nationally and internationally, gaining a wealth of knowledge in the sustainable energy field. Prof Lazarus is involved with the development and commercialization of innovative energy products, skills training in energy, project management and energy research. He has a special interest in community engagement projects, especially within the underprivileged communities, aimed at mentoring the youth and creating awareness amongst them in the field of alternative energy and energy efficiency. He is involved in the development, management and implementation of many projects in sustainable energy.
Prof Lazarus said he was ecstatic to be given recognition for his contribution of looking at new and innovative ways of sustainable energy projects. He also looked forward to networking with other green like-minded individuals to compare, learn and find new ways to conserve energy.
“I am continuously involved in projects which looks at innovative ways of conserving energy. For me, the key element is the motivation of the young leaders, who want to be involved and come up with brilliant ideas and want to make a difference. That is what gives me the most happiness and drives me to continue mentoring and nurturing the youth, especially in communities, to become green innovators,” he said proudly.
Prof Lazarus is the Head of the Durban University of Technology’s energyDRIVE project.
The energyDRive project, a custom-built truck, which cost about R3-million to design and construct and is now the first globally, under the helm of project leader, Prof Lazarus and his team.
The framework of the truck’s container was designed by the Energy Technology staff from the IEETR Centre at DUT and features a solar roof structure and a wind turbine mounting system, a bio-digester, a photovoltaic panel display unit, a solar hot water display unit and other demonstration equipment. The walls of the container are occupied by a battery bank, photovoltaic components, TV and display cupboards. Interactive demonstration models, alternative solar energy display wall units and an energy efficiency unit are also features of the container.
The truck is being used in national road shows targeting rural schools, and technical and vocational education and training colleges and exhibitions in South Africa to inform communities about the benefits and uses of renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency.
Pictured: Prof Ian Lazarus, DUT’s passionate energy driver was conferred as one of the ‘50 Most Impactful Green Leaders (Global Listing)’.
Waheeda Peters
