Beekman Group receives sustainability award for the second consecutive year

Beekman Group, a leading property investment company within the hospitality and tourism industry, has once again claimed the title of Top Business in the Renewable Efficiency and Green Initiatives category at the recent 2023 Standard Bank KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Awards. This achievement marks the second triumph in as many years for the Group at the Top Business Awards, and fourth overall in the competition.

The award acknowledges Beekman Group’s commitment to sustainable practices, environmental stewardship, and innovative initiatives. Over the past decade, the Group has been at the forefront of the industry, implementing paperless customer interactions, robust recycling programmes, solar energy solutions, and innovative wastewater management strategies.

Boosting solar power availability

In a powerful stride toward their sustainability goals, Beekman Group recently announced the installation of 333 state-of-the-art solar panels at their Port Shepstone headquarters this year. According to Cindy Allan, Executive Director at the Beekman Group, this investment generates an impressive 181.44 kWp of sustainable power, ensuring a reliable and renewable energy source to fuel operations when conditions allow.

Complementing this achievement are existing solar power generation systems at Dolphin View Cabanas and solar farms across four flagship resorts, namely Dikhololo, The Kingdom Resort, Cayley Lodge, and Kiara Lodge – collectively contributing a remarkable 1.6 million kWh of energy each year.

A holistic approach

“We have also made significant progress in water management, with hydro-purification and wastewater recycling infrastructure at The Kingdom Resort, Waterberg Game Park, and Dikhololo. These efforts repurpose approximately 480,000 litres of wastewater daily, supporting our holistic approach and commitment to bettering our social and environmental contributions,” says Cindy.

Beekman Group’s dedication to sustainability is linked to their ongoing legacy in South Africa. The company was honoured as KwaZulu-Natal’s premier Family Business for 2022, a tribute to the vision and pioneering efforts of John and Bram Beekman, as well as their children Neville, Wayne, and Cindy. As two of the current torchbearers of their fathers’ enduring legacy, Neville and Wayne, accepted the 2022 award with gratitude.

Neville Beekman, Executive Director of Beekman Group stated, “This award is a testament to the sacrifices of not only my father and uncle but also their wives Jay and Antoinette as well. The success of a family business is intricately woven with the support of extended families and networks of friends.”