The Westin Cape Town has officially received the prestigious Green Key certification, becoming the first hotel in Marriott International’s South African portfolio to achieve this internationally recognised eco-label for environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism and hospitality industry.
The Green Key programme sets rigorous standards for sustainability and is managed nationally by WESSA (the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) and coordinated internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The Certification is awarded to establishments that meet stringent environmental and sustainability criteria including environmental management, energy and water conservation, waste management, and guest awareness.
“This milestone is a powerful validation of our sustainability journey,” said Johann Nortje, General Manager of The Westin Cape Town. “We’ve worked to integrate eco-conscious practices into every aspect of our operations—from energy and water conservation to ethical sourcing and community upliftment. Our Green Key certification not only supports Marriott International’s global sustainability goals but also meets our guests’ growing expectations for responsible travel.”
Setting the Standard in Sustainable Hospitality
To achieve Green Key status, The Westin Cape Town underwent an independent audit and assessment across key environmental performance areas. The hotel demonstrated excellence in:
- Energy and water efficiency: The Westin Cape Town has introduced LED lighting to reduce energy use, along with low-flow Heavenly® showers, and dual-flush toilets to minimise water consumption. In recognition of its water-saving and conservation efforts, the hotel recently received a two-star rating from the City of Cape Town’s Water Star-Rating programme.
- Waste management and recycling: Robust waste separation processes, implemented in collaboration with like-minded suppliers, ensure responsible disposal and recycling—minimising landfill contribution and promoting a circular economy. In collaboration with industry experts, the hotel has conserved 1,418,644 litres of water, reduced carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by 170,037 kilograms, saved 431,979 kWh of energy, and preserved 910 trees over the past year.
- Sustainable sourcing: The hotel actively supports local suppliers and prioritises seasonal, sustainably sourced ingredients across its culinary operations.
Community and biodiversity engagement: The Westin Cape Town supports community outreach initiatives and biodiversity programmes aimed at preserving local ecosystems and inspiring environmental stewardship.
“The Green Key certification represents more than an eco-label; it’s a promise to reduce environmental impact while delivering meaningful guest experiences. The Westin Cape Town has shown true leadership in embedding sustainability across its operations, and we’re excited to welcome them to our growing network of certified establishments in South Africa,” says Tevya Visser, Green Key Programme Manager at WESSA.
A Benchmark for Eco-Conscious Travel
Cindy-Lee Cloete, CEO of WESSA, commented, “At WESSA, we believe that every sustainable action counts and when hotels like The Westin Cape Town achieve Green Key certification, they create meaningful opportunities for guests and citizens to contribute to positive environmental outcomes. By foregrounding sustainability and responsible tourism, certified establishments not only reduce their own impact but also inspire others to do the same. It’s a powerful ripple effect, and as WESSA we are proud to manage this milestone, work with credible consultants in the auditing process, and support a growing movement towards more conscious travel in South Africa.”
Recognised and supported by leading global institutions including the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), this Green Key certification signals measurable action towards sustainability. It reinforces guest confidence in responsible travel, promotes awareness, lowers environmental impact, and advances a more conscious tourism industry while directly supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
