Becomes the first hotel in Marriott International's South Africa portfolio to secure famous acclaim
The Westin Cape Town has officially received its prestigious Green Key certification and has become the first hotel in Marriott International's South African portfolio to achieve this internationally recognized ecolabel for environmental responsibility and sustainable operation in the tourism and hospitality industry.
The Green Key Programme sets strict standards for sustainability, is managed nationwide by Wessa (South Africa's Wildlife Environment Association) and is coordinated internationally by the Environmental Education Foundation (fees). This certification is awarded to facilities that meet stringent environmental and sustainability standards, including environmental management, energy and water conservation, waste management, and guest recognition.
“This milestone is a strong validation of our sustainability journey,” said Johannorti, general manager of Westin Cape Town. “We have worked to integrate environmentally friendly practices into every aspect of our business, from energy and water conservation to ethical sourcing and community improvement. Green Key Certification not only supports Marriott International's global sustainability goals, but also meets the expectations of our guests for responsible travel.”
Set standards for sustainable hospitality
To achieve Green Key status, Westin Cape Town was subjected to independent audits and ratings in key environmental performance areas. The hotel showed excellence:
Energy and Water Efficiency: The Westin Cape Town has introduced LED lighting to reduce energy use, along with a low-flow Heavenly® shower and dual-flush toilets to minimize water consumption. Recognizing its water-saving and conservation efforts, the hotel recently received a two-star rating from the City of Cape Town Mercury Rating Program. Waste Management and Recycling: A robust waste separation process implemented in collaboration with aspirational suppliers, ensuring responsible disposal and recycling, minimizing the contribution of landfills and promoting a circular economy. Working with industry experts, the hotel has saved 1,418,644 liters of water, reduced its carbon equivalent emissions by 170,037 kilograms, saved 431,979 kWh of energy over the past year, and saved 910 trees. Sustainable Sourcing: The hotel actively supports local suppliers and prioritizes seasonal, sustainable sourcing ingredients throughout its culinary operations. Community and Biodiversity Engagement: The Westin Cape Town supports community outreach initiatives and biodiversity programs aimed at encouraging local ecosystem conservation and environmental management.
“The Green Key certification represents more than just an ecolabel. It promises to mitigate the environmental impact while providing a meaningful guest experience. The Westin Cape Town demonstrates true leadership in embedding sustainability throughout its operations and we look forward to welcoming it to South Africa's growing network of facilities.”
Eco-friendly travel benchmark
Wessa CEO Cindy-Lee Cloete commented: “All sustainable action is important at Wessa, and when hotels like Westin Cape Town achieve Green Key certification, it creates meaningful opportunities for guests and citizens to contribute to positive environmental outcomes. And as Wessa, we are proud to manage this milestone, work with trusted consultants in the audit process, and support the growing movement towards more conscious travel in South Africa.”
Recognised and supported by major world organisations including the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), this green key certification demonstrates measurable actions towards sustainability. It directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) while strengthening guest trust in responsible travel, promoting awareness, lowering environmental impacts, and advancing the more conscious tourism industry.
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