The Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Sea Point has been awarded the prestigious Green Key certification, recognizing its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. This certification is a significant milestone for the hotel, as it demonstrates its dedication to reducing its environmental footprint. The Green Key programme, operated in South Africa by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), is an internationally recognized benchmark for sustainability within the tourism and hospitality industry.
The hotel has implemented various changes to its operations to achieve this certification. One of the notable changes is the replacement of 95% of its lighting with LED technology, which significantly reduces energy consumption. Additionally, water-saving measures have been introduced in the hotel's bathrooms, including aerators on shower nozzles and taps, which help reduce water consumption without compromising the guest experience.
The hotel has also introduced waste separation through colour-coded bins and signage, reducing single-use plastic items and cutlery. Furthermore, the hotel has reconsidered its approach to printing, encouraging staff to print only when necessary and use double-sided printing and eco-friendly paper. These changes demonstrate the hotel's commitment to reducing its environmental impact.
Staff training is also a crucial aspect of the hotel's sustainability initiative. Employees are being trained to understand the environmental practices being implemented and how they can incorporate them into their daily responsibilities. This training ensures that sustainability becomes an integral part of the hotel's everyday operations.
Jeremy Govender, the hotel's general manager, emphasized that sustainability is not a separate entity from the hotel's operations, but rather an integral part of its daily practices. He noted that the certification has helped to turn sustainability into a part of the hotel's culture, from resource management to guest engagement.
The hotel is also partnering with World of Azraah, a tourism company that provides eco-conscious transport and tour recommendations, giving guests options for exploring Cape Town in a more responsible manner. This partnership further demonstrates the hotel's commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism.
The Green Key certification is a significant recognition for the hotel, especially as WESSA celebrates its 100th anniversary, marking a century of environmental work in South Africa. With over 9,000 establishments across more than 90 countries holding Green Key certification, this programme has become a leading benchmark for sustainability in the tourism and hospitality industry.
Key points
- The Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Sea Point has achieved Green Key certification for its eco-friendly practices and sustainability efforts.
- The hotel has implemented various changes to its operations, including energy-efficient lighting and water-saving measures.
- The certification demonstrates the hotel's commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism, aligning with international standards.
