NMISA Celebrating A Successful World Metrology Day 2024

This annual event, observed globally on 20 May, commemorates the signing of the Metre Convention in 1875 and celebrates the critical role of metrology in advancing science, technology, and sustainability.

This year’s World Metrology Day was particularly momentous, as it marked the first official recognition by UNESCO as an International Day, highlighting the importance of measurement science on a global scale. The theme for this year, “Sustainability,” underscores the vital role that accurate measurements play in ensuring a sustainable future.

The NMISA-hosted seminar was a resounding success, attracting a wide array of stakeholders, including scientists, industry leaders, government representatives, and concerned citizens passionate about sustainability. The event was well-attended, both in-person and online, reflecting the growing interest and recognition of the importance of metrology in achieving sustainability goals.

The seminar featured a keynote presentation from the dtic and several insightful discussions on critical topics such as environmental monitoring, renewable energy development, sustainable agriculture, and green manufacturing. The presentations highlighted how accurate and reliable measurements are indispensable for achieving sustainability objectives.

As per Mrs Christelle Lourens, Senior Marketing and PR Specialist: “The seminar presented a valuable opportunity to delve into our role as the provider of South Africa’s National Measurement Standards for sustainability.” NMISA is committed to championing sustainability through its wide-ranging measurement services. In environmental monitoring, NMISA ensures accurate data for monitoring air quality by providing reference materials for reliable emissions reporting. This effort allows for effective tracking of emissions reduction strategies and helps safeguard public health from harmful pollutants.

In the renewable energy sector, NMISA is developing capabilities to support the use of various renewable energy solutions, including green hydrogen and biogas. By maintaining consistent hydrogen purity and composition through precise gas analysis, NMISA promotes a low-carbon economy and improved air quality.

The institute also plays a crucial role in green manufacturing. NMISA’s expertise in accurate analysis of the properties and performance of materials helps manufacturers optimise usage and reduce waste. This effort promotes material lightweighting, substitution, and recycling, which in turn reduces resource consumption and minimizes environmental impact.

In sustainable agriculture, NMISA ensures compliance with food safety standards by providing certified reference materials to testing laboratories. Accurate measurements related to soil fertility, pesticide residues, and animal health help protect natural ecosystems and reduce wasteful practices.

The event also highlighted the collaborative efforts between NMISA and the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) in promoting legal metrology. Legal Metrology ensures compliance with technical regulations to promote fair trade, protect public health, and safeguard the environment.

NMISA and NRCS are not only contributing to the science and application of measurement but are also helping build a more sustainable world. By enabling better-informed decisions and more considerate actions, these organisations ensure that we meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own.

For more information, please visit www.nmisa.org or contact NMISA at info@nmisa.org or telephonically at +27 (0)12  947 2800.