How DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town got its 5-star green rating

Image Source: DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town - Upper Eastside

Tell us how you achieved the 5-star green rating.

Caroline Coates: The Upper Eastside Hotel achieved a 5-Star Green Star rating under the Green Star SA V1 Existing Building Performance (EBP) rating tool which equates to South African excellence.

At the beginning of 2015, Doubletree by Hilton appointed Sally Misplon of Misplon Green Building Consulting to develop a green strategy and manage the Hotel’s EBP Green Star submission. Throughout the project, Misplon collaborated closely with the management team to effectively integrate Green Star sustainable strategies into both the operations and maintenance of the hotel. It was fundamental for each member of the hotel management team to understand and agree to the procedure and targets that were set.

When the building first embarked on this project, our strategy was to only to target a 4-star green rating, but when we started auditing the hotel and understanding their current practices, we knew we could aim for a higher rating. The hotel had already been practicing according to best practice and with only a few small changes and initiatives, we were able to get the hotel to South African excellence.

DoubleTree 5-Star Award

Do you plan to continuously build on this, become even greener, and if so how will you achieve this through your building management and projects?

Coates: The EBP Rating requires the building to be recertified every three years which, therefore, encourages the building and operations team to continue and build on becoming greener and strive for a higher rating (6-Star – World Leadership) during the next assessment.

What requirements did you have to meet to achieve the green rating?

Coates: For the purposes of the Green Star SA EBP certification, the hotel targeted and implemented the following green initiatives:

1. Building Operations Manual, Building Users’ Guide and Preventative Maintenance Management Plan, Landscaping Management Plan, Hardscape Management Plan and Pest Management Plan (all according to Green Star standard and best practice).

2. Implemented a Green Cleaning Policy and conducted cleaning audits in line with the Green Star SA requirements

3. Sourced and approved the installation of learning resources in and around the hotel in the form of television screens. These screens will be used to educate staff and visitors about the importance of ‘going green’ and also share live information of energy, water, and waste usage.

4. Indoor air quality (IAQ) testing conducted by a qualified professional (Misplon Green Building Consulting) in all regularly occupied spaces and reports compiled together with corrective action plans focussing on any problem areas identified. These tests include carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide testing, lux levels, acoustics and thermal comfort.

5. A survey platform was set up for visitors and staff members whereby occupancy comfort and transport and travel patterns are being assessed.

6. Waste and recycling were monitored closely and an improved and integrated waste management plan was implemented. A detailed waste stream audit was also conducted during the performance period.

7. A legionella risk assessment was conducted and a risk management plan developed. Any high-risk areas were tested and treated and if any problems are identified.

8. A green procurement plan was compiled and implemented which encourage and guide management staff to select the most sustainable product available on the market

9. Energy efficient lighting has been installed throughout the hotel.

10. Rooftop organic herb and vegetable garden which is used daily in the hotel’s restaurant.

11. The building is operating 63% more efficiently than the industry in terms of energy consumption.

12. The building is operating 42% more efficiently than the industry in terms of water usage.

Image Source: DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town - Upper Eastside

What are DoubleTree’s stance on green and sustainable living and how do you apply this to your day to day operations?

Coates: DoubleTree works with some of the most respected and independent environmental certification groups globally to give our guests the confidence that we truly are as green as we say. We are experts in the hospitality industry and leave the ‘greening’ of our hotels to the experts in the field of environmental sustainability. Being green is of the utmost importance to us, which is why we invest in our hotels being as eco-conscious as they possibly can be.

What are the benefits of being a green building?

Coates: Green building incorporates design, construction and operational practices that significantly reduce or eliminate the negative impact of development on the environment and people. Green buildings are energy efficient, resource efficient and environmentally responsible. Green buildings have lower operating costs, are more efficient, future-proof, provide a higher rate of return and have been shown to promote wellness, healing, and productivity.

How does this reflect on your guests’ sentiments and attitude? Do you find that your guests have the same green values or that the green star rating impacts on who your guests are?

Coates: Of course, not every single guest will necessarily be an ‘eco-conscious’ one, but many more travellers are acknowledging the importance of environmental conservation and the role that travel plays in this. People are increasingly searching for hotels that implement eco-conscious practices and the green star rating will help them to better identify DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town Upper Eastside as an environmentally friendly establishment.