At VACorps, our connection to Cape Town’s natural environment is at the heart of the intern experience. As residents of a city shaped by water scarcity, frequent load-shedding, and biodiversity-rich ecosystems, we live with the realities of environmental constraint every day. These experiences naturally shape our values, and interns quickly adopt more sustainable habits through immersion in this culture. While we are a small organization with limited resources, we recognize the importance of sustainability and strive to reduce our environmental impact where we can. This plan outlines our current efforts and realistic areas for improvement, grounded in our values and the practical realities of our scale.

Current Accomplishments

Sustainable Housing

• All VACorps program houses are equipped with solar power systems and backup batteries, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting energy resilience during load-shedding.

• Where feasible, homes include rainwater collection tanks to support water conservation.

• All students live within walking distance of one another, fostering community and reducing transportation needs.

Low-impact Transportation

• 50% of VACorps staff live within walking distance of the office.

• Program houses are all within walking distance of each other and the VACorps offices

• Many internship sites are accessible via walking or public transport, which interns are encouraged to use within safety guidelines.

• Transportation advice is shared during orientation, emphasizing both safety and sustainability.

Digital-first Operations

• Orientation and program materials are provided digitally, reducing paper use and cutting down emissions related to print production and supply transport.

• When printing is required, recycled paper and environmentally responsible suppliers are prioritized.

Curriculum and Internships

• Intern orientation includes an introduction to Cape Town’s unique environmental challenges and local sustainability efforts.

• Many internship placements support conservation, environmental education, and climate resilience, giving students hands-on experience in protecting local ecosystems and life-supporting systems.

Future Plans

To further our commitment to environmental sustainability, VACorps will implement the following initiatives over the next two years:

1. Sustainability Resource for Interns

We will develop a concise, user-friendly “Green Living in Cape Town” guide, including practical tips on recycling, conserving water and electricity, sustainable commuting, and local eco-conscious options.

2. Sustainability in Orientation

A dedicated 5-minute sustainability briefing will be added to intern orientation sessions. This will highlight how daily decisions — such as commuting, shopping, waste disposal, and energy and water use — contribute to their environmental footprint.

3. Carbon Offset Education

While offsetting emissions will remain optional, we will provide interns with information about credible carbon offset programs, such as South Pole, Gold Standard, and local South African initiatives, empowering them to make informed choices about mitigating their travel impact.

Final Words

VACorps takes pride in the sustainability measures already in place and remains committed to practical, continuous improvement. While we may not have the scale or resources of larger organizations, we believe that modeling mindful environmental practices and fostering ecological awareness among future global leaders is a powerful and meaningful contribution.

Located in a region deeply affected by climate-related challenges — including severe droughts and an energy-constrained infrastructure — Cape Town offers a living classroom for sustainability. Interns at VACorps experience firsthand what it means to conserve water, adapt to load-shedding, and live in a city that is environmentally conscious by necessity. These real-world constraints shape habits and perspectives that often outlast the program itself.

This plan will be reviewed annually to assess progress and identify new opportunities to protect the environment and the living systems we all depend on.