At Rent-A-Drum, we don’t just talk about protecting the environment, we live it, every day, across every site. Environmental compliance is a critical part of how we operate in Namibia. And behind it all is Stephanie Strauss, our Environmental Compliance Manager, making sure we walk the talk.

From EIAs to Everyday Action

Stephanie’s no stranger to the field. With over 10 years of experience in environmental work, from mining and urban development to waste and infrastructure, she’s seen it all. She earned a master’s in environmental management from Stellenbosch and studied Geography and Environmental Studies at UNAM.

Most of her career was spent doing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), helping project developers understand how their work could affect the environment, and what they needed to do to avoid or manage those impacts.  “Now at Rent-A-Drum, I make sure those recommendations don’t just sit in a report. We put them into practice, so our operations don’t harm the environment or the communities around us.”

What Environmental Compliance Looks Like on the Ground

Every Rent-A-Drum site has its own environmental challenges. Stephanie oversees the permits, licences, and Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) that keep us on track. She also works closely with Environmental Compliance Officers (ECOs) at each branch, many of whom juggle other roles too.

“We’ve seen real improvements in places like Swakopmund and Walvis Bay since we appointed dedicated ECOs. It’s about having someone on the ground who understands the site and takes ownership.”

This boots-on-the-ground approach means compliance isn’t just a head office thing but rather a part of everyday operations.

Inspired by Séché Environnement, Rooted in Namibia

Since joining the Séché Group, Rent-A-Drum has doubled down on its environmental commitments. Séché’s focus on biodiversity, water protection, and sustainability fits right in with how we’ve always done things in Namibia.

One example? The biodiversity assessment at our Windhoek site, which is a step beyond compliance, looking at how we can actively improve the land we operate on.

Tracking Our Impact: The Sustainability Report

We’re working on a sustainability report that will give a clear picture of how we’re doing. It’ll cover:

• Water, power, and fuel use at each site
• What we’re doing to reduce our footprint
• Progress on cutting down carbon emissions

It’s not about simply ticking boxes, it’s about being transparent with ourselves and our communities, ensuring we are on the right path and making a genuine, positive impact in Namibia.

Why It Matters

“We have a responsibility to protect the environment, not just for today, but for the generations that come after us. Whether we’re at work or at home, we need to act responsibly.”

Stephanie’s words remind us that environmental compliance isn’t just a job; it is a mindset. And at Rent-A-Drum, it’s one we’re proud to carry forward.