A number of Cape Town hotels are doing their part for the planet by harnessing solar power, reducing single-use plastics, or sourcing locally and sustainably.
Green hotels are properties dedicated to sustainability and actively reducing their environmental impact through eco-friendly and green practices. Let’s take a closer look at some of Cape Town’s hotels that are leading the charge in sustainable tourism.
Hotel Verde
Hotel Verde, located just 400 meters from Cape Town International Airport, has earned its title as Africa’s Greenest Hotel. With a commitment to sustainability at its core, this green hotel combines 4-star comfort with amenities like a spa, outdoor gym, and restaurant. Adding to its accolades, it became the first hotel in Africa to receive a Net Zero Waste certification from the Green Building Council of South Africa last year. This certification recognises buildings or organisations that actively minimise waste sent to landfills, aiming for 90% or more waste diversion over a 12-month period.
The hotel achieved a whopping 93% waste diversion rate. Green initiatives include a natural eco pool filled with mountain spring water, grey water recycling systems, solar power, regenerative elevators, and interiors decked out with responsibly sourced, recycled materials.
Location: 15 Michigan St, Airport Industria, Cape Town.
Website: hotelverde.com/
The President Hotel
The President Hotel has earned the prestigious Green Key certification by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), one of the world’s largest Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) organisations. The Green Key certification is the leading standard for excellence in environmental responsibility and sustainable operation in the tourism industry.
The hotel has spearheaded sustainable hospitality through initiatives like eliminating single-use plastics and implementing comprehensive recycling programmes. At this luxurious accommodation in Bantry Bay, guests can enjoy eco-friendly amenities, such as plant-based water bottles and energy-efficient lighting. Guest rooms feature energy-saving switches, and both guests and staff are encouraged to turn off lights and air conditioning when not in use. Water conservation is supported through water-saving tips, reduced laundry services, and waterless hand sanitisation. To minimise food waste, the hotel uses real-time occupancy forecasts and transforms leftovers into organic fertiliser.
Location: 4 Alexander Rd, Bantry Bay.
Website: www.presidenthotel.co.za/
Living Journey Collections
This collection of hotels in the Western Cape is accredited as leaders in sustainable tourism and works closely with the Green Tourism Active, a non-profit organisation offering global sustainability assessments and certifications. The group includes Tree House Boutique Hotel in Sea Point, Zest Boutique Hotel in Green Point, River Manor Boutique Hotel in Stellenbosch, and both Plumwood Boutique Hotel and Chapter House Boutique Hotel in Franschhoek.
Beyond the luxurious amenities and postcard-perfect views, these hotels are serious about sustainability. Their focus is to reuse, recycle, and reduce waste. They use locally sourced, biodegradable products stored in recyclable bottles and operate a water harvesting plant that collects, filters and purifies water for reuse. Energy-efficient LED light bulbs are also fitted throughout the properties.
Website: thelivingjourneycollection.co.za/
The Pullman Cape Town
With a Green Key certification under its belt, The Pullman Cape Town has taken things up a notch by forming a dedicated Sustainability Committee to lead on eco-friendly efforts throughout the property. To reduce water and energy use, the hotel has installed low-flow shower heads, dual-flush toilets, and runs daily leak checks. The introduction of a Guest Room Management system has significantly reduced energy consumption, automatically switching off electricity in rooms that have been vacant for over 10 minutes. The 5-star property has actively cut down on single-use plastics. Waste is carefully sorted for maximum recycling, and thanks to their efforts, the hotel even earns rebates from WastePlan, one of their waste management partners.
Location: 22 Riebeek St, Cape Town City Centre.
Website: shorturl.at/Lum24
The Cape Grace
Cape Grace is among a select few in Cape Town to earn the prestigious Green Key certification. In the rooms, the property has taken bold steps to eliminate single-use plastics, replacing plastic bottles with reusable ones and swapping mini bathroom amenities for full-size Le Labo refillables. The plastic key cards are now custom bamboo creations. The hotel uses cutting-edge technology, like the Winnow Standard AI system, to reduce food waste, while its energy-efficient lighting, linen reuse programme, and regular monitoring of water and energy consumption help conserve resources. Adventurous guests can hire the Vélosophy RE:CYCLE bicycles, made from 95% recycled aluminum, including Nespresso coffee capsules. The design was inspired by the Nespresso pods.
Location: V&A Waterfront, W Quay Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
Website: www.fairmont.com/cape-grace/
