The Westin Cape Town Achieves Green Key Certification

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, says the hotel.

"This milestone is a powerful validation of our sustainability journey," says 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."

To achieve Green Key status, The Westin Cape Town says it underwent an independent audit and assessment across key environmental performance areas. 

“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, says, "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."

The Westin Cape Town concludes that 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). 

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*Image courtesy of contributor