An exciting partnership between the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa( WESSA) and 21 Nettleton has resulted in the private boutique hotel in Clifton, being awarded the prestigious Green Key award.
Green Key is a well-established global tourism industry eco label which recognises excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operations. Sustainability is a core focus of 21 Nettleton’s operations and the hotel was able to comply with the highest environmental management standards set by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).
Green Key national co-ordinator, Roxanne Dovey, said: “The property has set an excellent sustainability standard for boutique hotels in the country and we are very proud of the steps they have taken to meet this global standard.”
Dirk Jacobs, curator of 21 Nettleton said they had always been mindful about their impact on the environment.
“For years I have listened to the travel trade green-wash their environmental consciousness claims, it has become more of a trend than anything else. We wanted to have our establishment verified for its environmental efforts and we are hoping that Green Key will become the accepted standard in South Africa that it is in Europe,” he said.
“Due to South Africa being a long-haul destination for international travellers, it should start with us taking the extra effort to help offset the carbon footprint left behind by our guests.”
Green Key implements new ways of looking at the operations of tourism establishments and promotes the development of sustainable and responsible tourism through strict and progressive criteria.
It is currently implemented in 66 countries, with 3 100 certified establishments. Wessa is the national operator for this prestigious international eco-label in South Africa.