Sustainable development goals

Daikin, the world’s leading air conditioning brand, provides total climate solutions to create comfortable and sustainable interior environments for everyone. We have taken our mission of enhancing daily living a step further by partnering with the Smile Foundation, recognising that smiling is synonymous with feeling good. Daikin South Africa knows that giving the gift of smiles to South African children in need will profoundly impact their lives and the lives of their families.

Three Levels of Corporate Social Responsibility

At Daikin, achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) is integral to our role as an industry leader in South Africa. Our corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts focus on three aspects: value creation for the Earth, cities, and people. We are committed to meeting our responsibilities in these areas based on the UN's SDGs.

For the Earth

We aim to reduce our carbon footprint to net zero by 2050. Our production and installation processes will be carbon-neutral, and by 2050, we plan to deliver heating, cooling, and refrigeration in a carbon-neutral manner, even during product use.

Sustainable HVAC solutions are crucial to a carbon-neutral society and are integral to our CSR strategy. Our circular economy initiatives limit the pressure on resources. As a responsible business, we are developing low-carbon alternatives to fossil fuels for heating. We are committed to creating energy-efficient products connected to smart networks that optimise renewable energy sources.

Our heat pumps support decarbonisation, and we are dedicated to transparent carbon reporting. We are proud to be on the CDP reporting framework's Climate Change A List, demonstrating our leadership in environmental transparency and performance.a 

For Cities

We're at the cutting edge of heat pump technology, so we embrace it as part of our CSR strategy. We use this technology in most of our equipment, from family homes to hotels and hospitals. Our heating solutions are a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuel systems. In larger applications, we can optimise the climate to achieve near-zero-energy buildings.

Measures such as solar panels and LED lighting in our factories help us meet our SDGs. Our Ostend factory, for example, is connected to a district heat recovery network. These initiatives are part of the Green Heart programme, which improves our factories' environmental and social performance.

For People

Part of social responsibility is ensuring we leave the planet in a liveable state for the next generation.

Our vision is global. By focusing on activities that make our technology available to other manufacturers, we contribute to cutting CO2 emissions around the world.

Daikin's equipment and solutions are designed to improve health and well-being. We create living and working environments that contribute to a better quality of life and economic development in every climate. Our ventilation and air purification systems increase safety and reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses. Our refrigeration solutions abroad ensure optimal, uninterrupted cold chains, improving food safety and reducing waste.

Supporting the Smile Foundation

The Smile Foundation is a non-profit organisation that facilitates expert surgical intervention and pre- and post-operative care for children living with facial paralysis, cleft lip, cleft palate, craniofacial abnormalities, nose and hand conditions, and burn wounds.

When Daikin South Africa chose a partner for its philanthropic efforts, the Smile Foundation was an obvious choice. The enthusiasm and commitment of the Smile Foundation team to making a significant difference in children's lives struck Miguel Netto, Marketing and Communications Manager at Daikin South Africa.

“When I saw the work that they do, the partnerships that they have with doctors and nurses, and how invested they are in each and every child, there was no doubt that the Smile Foundation was the organisation we wanted to get involved with. Providing as many children as possible with a smile is something that Daikin would love to do in South Africa.

“Smiling makes you feel good, and that’s what we want to do as a brand – help these children in need feel good and supported. Everyone deserves to smile, and this is what Daikin wants to ensure!”

The Impact of the Partnership

In the initial phase of this partnership, Daikin will sponsor life-changing facial surgeries for children across South Africa. However, the support extends beyond the hospital day. Daikin will be involved in the entire process, from the operation to post-op care, including counselling and family support. “These kids will become part of the Daikin family,” says Netto. This initiative aims to provide continued support, improving the lives of children and their families.

When a child is born with significant health challenges, the impact extends to their family members, often resulting in extreme financial pressure due to medical bills. Daikin’s involvement in this project aims to help entire families smile and look forward to a brighter future.

Four children have been identified for the first phase of the partnership, with support from the Smile Foundation. Baby Azrah was born with a cleft lip and other facial abnormalities. One-year-old Banele has a cleft lip and palate, and his mother has struggled to find the right medical assistance. Suné, a 14-year-old, sustained severe facial injuries in a motor vehicle accident in 2022. Tshimologo Mogale, 5 months old, will also undergo the full operation, supported by Daikin. These four children will receive the surgeries they need to improve their lives, and we will share their journeys towards the perfect smile.

“We are delighted to collaborate with Daikin in transforming the lives of children in need of life-changing surgeries. Daikin is devoted to having a positive impact and giving kids the tools they need to live a life full of hope and possibility. Their dedication to creating meaningful change aligns perfectly with our foundation's mission, and we firmly believe that by investing in children's well-being, we contribute to the betterment of society as a whole,” says Toni Jabour from the Smile Foundation.

Future Initiatives and Collaborations

This is only the beginning. Daikin looks forward to giving the gift of a smile to more children in the coming years. For Mandela Day this year, Daikin South Africa donated blankets valued at R6,700 to the Smile Foundation in support of the 67-minute initiative.

Daikin will also participate in future collaborations and partnerships with customers and suppliers to raise awareness of the Smile Foundation and fund more surgical procedures for children in need.

Daikin South Africa encourages other corporations to get involved with the Smile Foundation and support their incredible work. Businesses can give the gift of a smile through one of the Smile Foundation’s CSI Programmes.

The Importance of Sustainable Goals

Our CSR strategy aims to develop world-class technologies that reduce our environmental impact. At the same time, we're creating value through a healthy, comfortable way of life for generations to come.

Our CSR Commitment

As an industry leader, Daikin holds responsibility not only to our customers but also to our stakeholders, partners, and the world. We prioritise the health of the planet over short-term profit, and our CSR policy is at the heart of everything we do.

Daikin Partners with eWASA for a Sustainable Future

At Daikin, our commitment to sustainability goes beyond energy-efficient HVAC solutions — it extends to the entire lifecycle of our products. That’s why we are proud to partner with the EPR Waste Association of South Africa (eWASA), a key organisation promoting responsible waste management and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance.

eWASA supports a circular economy by assisting businesses in managing the post-consumer phase of products across sectors such as electronics, lighting, paper & packaging, batteries, and lubricants — all of which relate to Daikin’s operations and environmental impact.

Since the introduction of the 2021 EPR regulations, eWASA has played a vital role in helping companies like Daikin meet regulatory requirements, uphold environmental responsibility, and reduce waste through effective product stewardship.

Through this partnership, Daikin continues to lead in sustainable climate control solutions, ensuring our environmental footprint is minimised from production to end-of-life.

For more information on eWASA and our shared sustainability initiatives, visit EPR-waste Management Systems | eWASA.