Platinum Classification awarded to DaVinci Hotel and Suites

The DaVinci Hotel and Suites is located in the heart of Sandton and forms part of the larger Nelson Mandela Square development. The hotel was built to be as resource-efficient as possible by incorporating some of the latest technology into its design. Heritage's decision to award it Platinum Classification was as much based on the design and technological advances made, as its comprehensive management systems and operational controls.

Sustainable efforts

"Heritage has awarded the hotel its Platinum Classification following its recent audit and we believe that the implementation of the Heritage programme across its operations has complemented the design elements of the property, and has contributed to a more managed and systematic approach to sustainable operations," says Neal Dickinson, director of operations at Heritage.

"The Heritage classification is important to the hotel, since it gives us independent recognition of our sustainability efforts and the hard work and dedication of our staff in limiting our environmental footprint. In addition, a hotel's "green credentials" is becoming increasingly important to inbound tour operators and travellers," says Robert Hodson, general manager, DaVinci Hotel and Suites.

The hotel design addressed energy management from inception and the DaVinci has one of the most efficient solar water heating systems available to heat over 30,000 litres of water a day, eliminating its need for electricity to produce hot water for guests and services and reducing annual energy consumption by 60%. This is further enhanced by the use of energy-efficient and LED lighting throughout the property; in-room 'energy pods' for efficient use of energy and smart lighting systems in the car park areas.

Water-saving technologies have been incorporated and include shower-heads and taps, toilet-flush systems and sensor-operated public toilet facilities. Waste generated by the hotel is handled by a licensed contractor and includes a full recycling and recovery system to reduce its landfill impacts.

Environmentally and socially conscious initiatives

Procurement systems have been established to ensure the highest possible level of sustainability and the hotel works closely with all of its suppliers to ensure the most efficient and environmentally friendly supply chain. Another initiative is the use of recycled paper for all printed products by the business. This includes the use of the Cyclus environmentally friendly, FSC-approved recycled paper range.

The hotel is also actively involved with the Tshedimoso home-based care projects in Braam Fischer where facilities include a mobile learning centre and vegetable gardens. The project cares for the needs of the area by empowering the youth to address poverty, youth care and child justice initiatives. In addition to this, the hotel has an active greening project that includes the planting of indigenous trees in conjunction with Food and Trees for Africa and a number of smaller initiatives aimed at their local community.

"The DaVinci's commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible tourism clearly makes this a worthy recipient of our highest recognition and we are confident that the effort that has already been made will be sustainable," says Dickinson.

"Being able to prove that your tourism or leisure product has been independently audited and is not just a marketing ploy or greenwashing is becoming increasingly important to the environmentally-conscious travel sector. This niche market is expected to become one of the country's leading tourism income generators within the next decade," he adds.

For more information, go to www.heritagesa.co.za or www.thedavinci.co.za.