Pullman Cape Town proudly announces its recent achievement of the esteemed Green Key certification, a significant milestone that underscores the hotel’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Commitment to Sustainability
Willie Williams, Area Director of Sales and Marketing at Accor, expressed his pride in the hotel’s accomplishment: “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).”
Lopang Rapodile, ESG Manager at Kasada, highlighted the significance 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.”
Pullman Cape Town and its owner, Kasada, remain deeply dedicated to sustainable tourism and will continue to deliver on their commitments. Achieving Green Key certification sets a benchmark for sustainability in South Africa’s hospitality industry and reaffirms the hotel’s dedication to preserving the environment for future generations. Guests are invited to join the hotel in its journey towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.
The Green Key Certification Process
The Green Key evaluation process covers four key pillars of sustainability: sustainable management, environmental impacts, cultural impacts, and socio-economic impacts. This certification is confirmed by an independent third-party audit, ensuring compliance with the Foundation for Environmental Education’s strict environmental responsibility and sustainable operation criteria. These criteria guide establishments in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, focusing on crucial areas such as energy efficiency, water management, waste reduction, and sustainability education.
In its Final Summary and Decision, Green Key stated: “The hotel has done exceptionally well in demonstrating compliance with Green Key Year 1 Imperative Criteria.” Several commendable practices were highlighted, including the implementation of waste management practices, staff training, energy-efficient lighting, automatic shutdown systems, water-efficient flow rates, and the use of eco-label cleaning products.
Key Sustainability Initiatives at Pullman Cape Town
Water and Energy Reduction: The hotel has installed low-flow showerheads and dual-flush toilets, along with a daily leak-checking protocol. A Guest Room Management system allows automatic power shutdown in unoccupied rooms after 10 minutes, significantly reducing water and energy consumption.
Sustainable Education and Practices: Sustainability training is provided to staff, ensuring they are well-versed in eco-friendly practices such as water and energy conservation and waste reduction. Guests are encouraged to participate by reducing laundry loads to conserve resources.
Plastic Reduction and Waste Management: Pullman Cape Town is committed to minimizing single-use plastic across the property. Partnering with WastePlan, the hotel has a full-time waste sorter who meticulously separates materials for maximum reuse, generating financial rebates and tangible sustainability benefits.
With the Green Key certification, Pullman Cape Town sets an inspiring example for sustainable hospitality in South Africa and beyond.
