There are not too many businesses in our current time and space that can proudly say that they operate entirely on a reduce reuse recycle business model platform!
Hotel Verde located a stones throw away from the Cape Town International Airport has this model in place. It is a full functioning and operating 145 room full service hotel.
Hotel Verde, Cape Town Airport offers a 100% carbon-neutral stay, modern and stylish guestrooms, versatile conference and events facilities and a natural, green setting that includes a wetland trail walk back yard and an eco pool complete with frogs and lily pads!
The hotel’s Engineering room is state of the art and looks like something you’d expect to see on a luxury ship liner where it houses and measures the capacity of water and electric consumption and controls the flow of each element to and from its rightful source and use.
Everyday is Earth Day at this property. For two hours every day the common areas of the hotel are lit by using decorative solar jars that are spread around the lobby and hallways and provides light to these areas.
Solar panels along the perimeter of the building, 40,000 litres rain water system, wind turbines and glass enclosed sky lights also serve as energy saver enhancements.
The largest double sided interior living wall separates the Bar/Lounge area from the Lobby and creates an oasis of green and a conversation piece.
The German inspired engineering and design concept of this magnificent green hotel has been well planned, implemented and in good operation mode. This is the way of the future and more hotels should consider this footprint and do their just cause to contributing to a greener business platform!
By Deidre Heim, The Afro News Vancouver
