Energy Partners’ Syntiro™ platform has been named Innovative Project of the Year at the prestigious Southern African Energy Efficiency Confederation (SAEEC) Energy Awards, cementing the company’s position as a trailblazer in advancing sustainable solutions within the South African energy landscape. Syntiro, a sustainability and asset management intelligence platform, was designed to address a critical gap in the South African corporate landscape: the need for credible, aligned and operationally grounded ESG data that decision-makers can trust.
“We’re honoured that the SAEEC has recognised Syntiro for what it represents – innovation with measurable impact,” says Manie de Waal, Chief Executive Officer of Energy Partners. “In a business environment where resilience and transparency are now strategic advantages, this award is a powerful validation of our commitment to turning sustainability into a performance advantage.”
From static data to real-time impact
As the driver behind Syntiro’s development, Mila Vicquery, General Manager of Sustainability at Energy Partners, says the recognition reflects the team’s determination to make sustainability both intuitive and impactful.
“We’re proud to deliver a platform that goes far beyond ticking boxes to deliver measurable, lasting impact,” she said while accepting the accolade at a gala on 2 October 2025. “This award is a deeply gratifying acknowledgement of the collective commitment of our engineers, strategists, developers, analysts and clients, people who believe in making sustainability and ESG real, and who have trusted Syntiro to help them get there.”
Unlike traditional ESG data platforms that rely on static historical data, Syntiro captures real-time meter readings, tracks performance across assets and sites, detects deviations as they happen and generates audit-grade data for seamless integrated sustainability reporting.
The power of proof: Syntiro’s real-world results at CCH, Sovereign, and Netcare
Already in use at leading companies such as Commercial Cold Holdings (CCH), Sovereign and Netcare, the platform has proven its ability to translate energy data into tangible results. CCH, for instance, is en route to achieving an 18% reduction in energy use per square metre through improved visibility and asset performance tracking.
This data-centric approach underscores growing recognition that credible ESG reporting depends on robust, verifiable information. A recent report by Fossil Ad Ban (FAB) documented over 200 misleading sustainability-themed ads, a stark reminder of the need for transparency and accountability.
“The truth is, you can’t greenwash good data,” said Vicquery. “When information is accurate, real-time and operationally grounded, it tells the true story of impact. By aligning with global ESG disclosure frameworks, Syntiro enables South African companies to move beyond compliance to ESG they can act on, report with confidence and translate into measurable environmental and financial gains.”
Individual excellence: Energy Partners’ professionals named SAEEC Award runners-up
In addition to Syntiro’s win, two members of Energy Partners’ Sustainability division were recognised as runners-up in this year’s SAEEC Awards: Nicolette van Niekerk, runner-up Female
Energy Professional of the Year, and Ruhan Theunissen, runner-up Energy Professional of the Year. Both were honoured for their outstanding contributions to the energy profession across areas including energy management, renewable energy and climate action.
“It’s an honour to be recognised among so many talented professionals working to advance sustainable energy in South Africa,” said Nicolette van Niekerk. “The acknowledgement reinforces the importance of collaboration and continual learning in driving meaningful environmental change.”
“Being named a runner-up is a privilege and a motivation to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in energy efficiency and renewable integration,” added Ruhan Theunissen. “It’s through hard work and perseverance that we can move the needle. Showcasing these efforts helps demonstrate that energy management can deliver tangible benefits”.
The SAEEC is the recognised local chapter of the global Association of Energy Engineers® (AEE), which operates in more than 100 countries with over 90 local and international chapters. The SAEEC was the first AEE chapter established in Africa and serves as a leading platform for advancing energy efficiency and sustainability on the continent.
