Hotel Verde achieves milestone with net zero waste certification

SOUTH AFRICA – Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport has achieved a milestone by earning the Net Zero Waste certification from the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA).

This distinction makes it the only hotel in South Africa to hold such a title, cementing its position as a leader in sustainable hospitality. 

Between March 1, 2023, and February 28, 2024, the hotel exceeded the 90% landfill diversion benchmark required for certification, achieving an impressive 93% diversion rate for its operational waste.

“Sustainability is not just a choice; it’s our responsibility,” said Caron van Rooyen, General Manager of Hotel Verde, reflecting the hotel’s steadfast commitment to environmentally conscious practices. 

Located just 400 meters from Cape Town International Airport, Hotel Verde seamlessly combines eco-friendly innovation with luxury.

Its 151 rooms, spa, and conference facilities cater to leisure and business travellers, showcasing how sustainability and exceptional service can go hand in hand. 

Strategies for Achieving Net Zero Waste 

Hotel Verde’s path to achieving Net Zero Waste certification was guided by two fundamental strategies that emphasize sustainability and waste management.

The first strategy, Sustainable Purchasing Policies, focuses on minimizing waste at the source. The hotel works closely with suppliers to develop reusable packaging solutions, ensuring materials can be repurposed rather than discarded.

Additionally, Hotel Verde sources its products locally, supporting regional businesses and reducing the carbon emissions associated with transportation.

These proactive measures significantly reduce waste before it is generated, aligning with the hotel’s broader environmental goals.

The second strategy centres on Waste Separation and Composting, which ensures that recyclable materials like metals, plastics, and paper are effectively sorted and processed.

Clear labelling on bins and meticulous waste management practices have been key to this effort. Beyond recycling, the hotel has implemented a robust composting program, converting over 46,803 kilograms of food waste into compost.

This initiative has substantially reduced the hotel’s carbon footprint, highlighting its commitment to sustainability.

Together, these strategies form the foundation of Hotel Verde’s innovative approach to environmental stewardship, setting a benchmark for waste management in the hospitality industry. 

As South Africa faces a looming landfill capacity crisis, Hotel Verde’s waste management practices highlight the urgent need for industry-wide interventions.

Lisa Reynolds, CEO of the GBCSA, lauded the achievement, stating, “This certification is the latest in many of Hotel Verde’s accomplishments in sustainable development and tourism.” 

Melissa van Rensburg of Green Gap Consulting, which supported the certification process, added, “Hotel Verde is a shining example of how sustainability can drive business decisions. It sets a high standard as the first hotel in the Western Cape to achieve this certification.” 

Key partners, such as Zero to Landfill Organics and The Don’t Waste Group, played vital roles in managing waste and providing composting solutions aligned with the hotel’s sustainability vision.

Jeremy Droyman, CEO of The Don’t Waste Group, expressed pride in supporting Hotel Verde’s Net Zero Waste milestone. 

Looking ahead, Hotel Verde aims to achieve Net Positive Waste certification, further enhance its waste diversion initiatives, and involve stakeholders in tackling challenging waste streams.

This ambitious goal reflects the hotel’s unwavering dedication to setting sustainable hospitality and environmental responsibility benchmarks. 

With its innovative strategies and commitment to sustainability, Hotel Verde continues to redefine eco-friendly practices in the hospitality industry. 

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.