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PROJECT

Roxanne Dovey of WESSA Green Key SA hands the Green Key Award to Dirk Jacobs, towel re-use, recycling, composting,
Curator of 21 Nettleton buying local, reducing single packaged
goods, close proximity to green
activities and availability of alternative
transportation options. All this reduces
energy which reduces carbon.

WESSA and Green Key
The hotel requested WESSA to conduct the
Green Key assessment and the relationship
started with 21 Nettleton making a
conscious decision to operate its business
in an environmentally responsible manner,
whilst obtaining verification from an
internationally recognised certification
body.

Green Key was established in 1994 in
Denmark, 25 years ago. In 2002 it was
From the point of view of staff energy intensity and allowing for early formally approved as an international
involvement, the hotel ensures that error identification. programme for the Foundation of
all staff are actively involved with its Environmental Education (FEE) – the
sustainability operations. Dirk Jacobs, Green compliance also involves the same organisation as the renowned
manager of 21 Nettleton, conducts online following: Blue Flag Label. It is recognised by the
sustainability training courses and holds • there is natural ventilation and a 100 % Global Sustainable Tourism Council
monthly training sessions with the staff. no smoking policy inside the hotel; (GSTC), United Nations World Tourism
For Year 1 applicants, a plan is required for • a petrol lawnmower is used currently but Organisation (UNWTO) and the United
submission, for Year 2 applicants, evidence an environmental objective to replace Nations Environmental Programme
of the plan implementation is required. this with an electrical one, a catalyst or (UNEP), to mention a few. Green Key is
have an eco-label lawnmower, has been the world’s leading eco-label within the
The hotel has introduced environmental set; hospitality industry and was introduced to
participation by guests, informing • a smart irrigation system is in place. South Africa in 2018, with its first certified
them about its environmental work Sprinklers use treated water and there establishment in the Western Cape.
and encouraging them to participate is a reduced demand on potable water;
in environmental initiatives. One such • when new green areas are planted, only The goal is to have all South African
initiative is informing them that plugged native species are used; hospitality establishments certified for
in appliances still draw energy, so they • the hotel’s Corporate Social their sustainability excellence and efforts,
request them to unplug any devices Responsibility programme follows helping to fulfil the vision of being “people
which are not in use. Staff can provide international and national labour, caring for the earth.”
environmental information to guests at health, safety and environmental
any time. regulations;
• it provides information to guests about
A water leak SOP (standard operating nearby parks, beaches and nature The hotel has its own herb garden
procedure) ensures that leaks from conservations. The property has private
showers, toilets and the pool are checked access to the Lion’s Head hiking trail and
for daily. Water efficient showers and is a short distance from Clifton Beach,
taps are installed throughout the encouraging guests to connect with
establishment, with a flow rate of less than nature and be active;
6l/min and toilets are installed with dual • all staff areas comply with the same
flush systems. The establishment has a energy and water efficiencies as the
greywater treatment system. establishment;
• brochures are not printed, unless
Eco-friendly cleaning products are used specifically asked for. The hotel collects
throughout the establishment and no non-sensitive printed paper that is blank
products contain the blacklisted chemicals or semi-blank on one side, keeping
provided by the Green Key framework. aside all the printed paper that might
be discarded, for re-use.
Waste is separated into three categories,
namely paper, plastic and glass, which is Carbon footprint offsetting
then managed by a waste service provider.
Organic waste is separated for composting By opting to stay at a Green Key
on site and signage of what can and establishment, the thinking and
cannot go into the bin is provided. verification has already been done for
the carbon-conscious and responsible
From the point of view of energy traveller. The carbon footprint is reduced
efficiency, 91% energy efficient lighting through implementation of the criteria
is used throughout and energy data is such as natural ventilation, encouraging
recorded monthly, observing trends in environmental initiative engagement,

6 Landscape SA • Issue 94 2020