Pullman Cape Town Achieves Prestigious Green Key Certification for Excellence in Sustainability

Cape Town, South Africa — 16 January 2025 — Pullman Cape Town proudly announces that it has been awarded the esteemed Green Key certification for sustainability, which is a testament to the hotel’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Willie Williams, Area Director of Sales & Marketing:

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, 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.

Pullman Cape Town and its owner, Kasada, are deeply dedicated to sustainable tourism and will continue to deliver on their commitments. By achieving Green Key certification, Pullman Cape Town not only sets a benchmark for sustainability among South African hospitality establishments but also demonstrates its dedication to preserving the environment for future generations. The hotel invites guests to join their journey towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.

About the Green Key Certification

The Green Key evaluation process covers four pillars of sustainability: sustainable management, environmental impacts, cultural impacts, and socio-economic impacts. These are confirmed through an independent third-party audit of hotel practices.

Green Key rigorously evaluates and audits establishments based on the Foundation for Environmental Education’s (FEE) criteria for environmental responsibility and sustainable operations. These standards align with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, covering areas such as energy efficiency, water management, waste reduction, and sustainability education. Green Key, in its Final Summary and Decision, stated: “The hotel has done exceptionally well with demonstrating compliance with Green Key Year 1 Imperative Criteria.” The summary highlighted 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.”

Key Sustainability Initiatives at Pullman Cape Town

Water and Energy Reduction: The hotel has installed low-flow showerheads and dual-flush toilets, alongside a daily leak-checking protocol. Rooms are equipped with a Guest Room Management System that automatically turns off electricity after 10 minutes of vacancy. These measures have significantly reduced water and energy consumption, showcasing Pullman Cape Town’s proactive conservation efforts.

Sustainable Education, Training, and Practices: Promoting sustainability is a cornerstone of hotel operations. Guests are encouraged to reduce laundry loads to conserve water and energy. Comprehensive sustainability training ensures staff are well-versed in eco-friendly practices, including conservation techniques, waste reduction, and local sourcing. Employees also educate and encourage guests to adopt these practices during their stay, fostering a collaborative sustainability culture.

Plastic Reduction and Waste Management: Pullman Cape Town is committed to reducing single-use plastics throughout the property. A full-time worker from the hotel’s recycling partner, WastePlan, meticulously separates all waste to maximise reuse. The hotel regularly receives rebates from WastePlan, highlighting the measurable impact of its waste management programme.

About Green Key

The Green Key certification is a globally recognised symbol of excellence in environmental responsibility and sustainable operations within the tourism industry. Its high standards are maintained through rigorous documentation and frequent audits, ensuring certified establishments continuously improve their environmental performance.

In South Africa, Green Key operates under the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).

About Pullman Hotels & Resorts

Pullman Hotels & Resorts sets a new tempo in global travel and living, delivering inspiring, energising, and enriching experiences for modern travellers. Pullman welcomes guests with the space they need to focus, work, and play. With a passion for art, fitness, and connection, Pullman’s forward-thinking approach has defined its pioneering spirit for over 150 years.

Today, Pullman features more than 150 properties in dynamic destinations worldwide, including Pullman Paris Montparnasse, Pullman Singapore Orchard, Pullman Suzhou Zhonghui, and Pullman Maldives Maamutaa. Pullman is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group operating more than 5,600 properties in over 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL Accor, a lifestyle loyalty program offering access to exclusive rewards and experiences.

About Accor

Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering experiences across 110+ countries through over 5,400 properties, 10,000 F&B venues, wellness facilities, and flexible workspaces. The Group’s diverse portfolio spans more than 40 brands, from luxury to economy, including a Lifestyle division with Ennismore.

Accor is committed to responsible tourism, sustainable development, and diversity and inclusion. Founded in 1967 and headquartered in France, Accor SA is publicly listed on Euronext Paris (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States.

For more information, visit group.accor.com or follow Accor on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.

About Kasada

Kasada is the leading independent real estate private equity platform dedicated to the hospitality sector in Africa. The company is committed to generating a sustainable, positive impact across African economies and communities while delivering attractive, risk-adjusted returns for investors.

Founded in 2018 with the support of the Qatar Investment Authority and Accor, Kasada closed its first fund—Kasada Hospitality Fund L.P.—with equity commitments exceeding USD 500 million. Today, Kasada’s portfolio spans 20 hotels across seven African markets, all operated by Accor under globally recognised brands. Through strategic investment and operational excellence, Kasada is transforming Africa’s hospitality landscape.

Learn more at www.kasada.com.

Issued by: Big Ambitions Marketing
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