Pullman Cape Town announced on Thursday last week that it has been awarded the Green Key certification for its efforts in sustainability – a testament to the hotel’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
“This achievement demonstrates the hard work and dedication of the entire hotel team, including its Sustainability Committee, which consists of representatives from every department within the hotel. This Committee, supported by Kasada, has been instrumental in implementing and driving sustainable practices that align with the rigorous standards set by the Green Key certification, which is recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC),” commented Willie Williams, Area Director of Sales Marketing Accor.
Pullman Cape Town and its owner, Kasada, have expressed their dedication to sustainable tourism and will continue to deliver on their commitments. Pullman Cape Town’s Green Key certification sets a benchmark for sustainability for other hospitality establishments in South Africa and demonstrates its dedication to preserving the environment for future generations. The hotel also invites guests to join their journey towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.
Lopang Rapodile, ESG Manager at Kasada, emphasised the importance of continuous improvement: “We’re hugely proud of Pullman Cape Town for successfully being awarded the Green Key Certification, which is well deserved for the whole team’s focus on delivering sustainability excellence. We remain committed to strengthening the hotel’s sustainability initiatives year after year, ensuring that we continue to serve as an anchor of sustainability for the people and communities we support.”
The Green Key evaluation process covers the four pillars of sustainability:
- Sustainable management
- Environmental impacts
- Cultural impacts
- Socio-economic impacts
The assessment is verified through an independent third-party audit of hotel practices. Green Key rigorously evaluates and audits businesses and establishments based on the Foundation for Environmental Education’s strict environmental responsibility and sustainable operation criteria. These criteria help them achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set up by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, which include critical areas such as effective energy use, water management, waste reduction, and sustainability education and training.
“The hotel has done exceptionally well with demonstrating compliance with Green Key Year 1 Imperative Criteria.” Highlighting several commendable practices, “including the implementation of waste management practices, staff training, energy-efficient lighting, automatic shutdown, water-efficient flow rates and the use of eco-label cleaning products, which align with Green Key standards,” said Green Key in its final summary and decision.
Key elements of Pullman Cape Town’s sustainability initiatives that Green Key highlighted include:
Water and energy reduction: The hotel has installed low-flow shower heads and dual-flush toilets and has a daily leak-checking protocol. The hotel also uses a Guest Room Management system, which allows a room’s electricity to be automatically turned off when it has been vacant for more than 10 minutes. These measures have significantly reduced water consumption and energy usage, demonstrating Pullman Cape Town’s proactive energy conservation approach.
Sustainable education, training and practices: Promoting sustainable practices is a cornerstone of hotel operations. Guests are encouraged to participate in reducing laundry loads, thereby conserving water and energy and minimising waste. Comprehensive sustainability training for staff is provided to ensure they are well-versed in eco-friendly practices. This training includes water and energy conservation techniques, waste reduction strategies, and the importance of sourcing locally and seasonally. Staff members are also trained to educate and encourage guests to adopt these practices during their stay. Pullman Cape Town creates a collaborative environment for sustainable practices by involving both staff and guests in sustainability initiatives.
Plastic reduction and waste management: Pullman Cape Town is committed to reducing single-use plastic throughout the property. A full-time worker from Pullman Cape Town’s partner, WastePlan, meticulously separates all waste to maximise reuse. The hotel regularly receives rebates from WastePlan, highlighting the tangible benefits of its sustainable practices.
