De Noordhoek Hotel is the first hotel in Cape Town to employ solar heating for its hot water needs. Low energy lighting, water saving showers, separation of waste for recycling and general design efficiency all contribute to our responsible tourism ethic. The hotel garden, with the exception of four lemon trees, is indigenous and water wise. Dining tables have been manufactured utilising recycled timber by a local entrepreneur, and personnel employed are all from households within a 10km radius of the hotel.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AND RESPONSIBLE TOURISM POLICY & GUIDELINES
 
GENERAL POLICY
-All employees and guests are to be educated and encouraged to exercise environmentally friendly practices throughout the operation and at home - education is to take place by means of displaying relevant informational literature and policy
-All staff employed are to be recruited from within a 10-15km radius of hotel
-Local suppliers are to be utilized in all aspects of operation, wherever possible
-Local tour and transport operators are to be used, wherever possible
-To support and encourage other green initiatives within our community
-To strive for maximum efficiency using minimum input
-To provide an authentic and sustainable tourism experience to all visitors by supporting local SMME's
-Offering an excellent value - for- money accommodation establishment in terms of our position within a micro-village, as well as our operational policies and practices
-Appointment of a 'green ambassador' to monitor and implement practices in the workplace
 
ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES CARRIED OUT IN OUR OVERALL OPERATION:
SOLAR WATER HEATING IN USE– ENTIRE PROPERTY AND OPERATION - FIRST IN THE WESTERN CAPE!
-Separate meter reading for back up electrical geyser system
-Land usage efficiency in that all available land is used - zero ground wastage
-CFL's are used throughout operation with the exception of 3 chandeliers and counter downlighters
-Safe disposal of used CFL's
-All waste is separated and collected by various local recycling operations
-Hotel utilizes the Bokashi Bin and kitchen food waste is given to worm farm within the Farm Village
-Centrally controlled lighting, heating and air-conditioning
-All staff live within 10 km radius of hotel
-Non synthetic fabrics are used for staff uniforms, which are made in South Africa.
 
CLEANING:
-Environmentally friendly and biodegradable cleaning products are used throughout property
-Microfibre cleaning cloths are used to reduce amount of cleaning product required
 
ADMIN:
-All external printing is done using recycled paper and lead free inks
-All internal printing and copying is done using recycled paper and double-sided printing
-Printer cartridges are collected for recycling/re-using by supplier
 
IN GUEST ROOMS/PUBLIC AREAS:
-Low flow showerheads
-Dual flush toilet systems
-Environmentally sensitive pest control programme in place - using pheromones as opposed to pesticides
-Linen and toweling changes managed as per guest request, or as needed
-Clutter in forms of brochures, tent cards etc in rooms is kept to an absolute minimum
-Guest amenities used are environmentally friendly with recyclable and biodegradable packaging – even our toilet paper is environmentally friendly!
-Guest amenities are refilled from bulk containers purchased.
-Firewood used is from suppliers assisting in deforestation of invasive alien species ie. Black wattle, eucalyptus and oak
-All art in rooms and public areas of hotel is supplied by local artists, depicting mostly local scenes and activities
-Furniture in restaurant made by local SMME using recycled Oregon pine
-Handmade sunbaked clay tiles in public areas
 
GARDENS:
-Indigenous and water wise garden
-No pesticides or chemical fertilizers used
 
FOOD AND DINING:
-Organic produce is bought locally where practical & possible
-Only free range eggs are used
-The participation in the production of an organic vegetable garden grown in Farm Village for Farm Village consumption
-Health conscious breakfast options available
-Organic local wines promoted, as well as wines that contribute a portion of their profits to conservation projects
-Switching off of any kitchen appliances when not in use
 
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT INITIATIVES:
GENERAL
-Highest percentage of wheelchair accessible hotel rooms (as per Grading Council standard in the country (19%)
-Contribution of funds to Philani Nutrition Centre in Khayelitsa, by means of purchasing Khayelitsha Cookies for in room beverage trays. Philani Nutrition Centre provides food and nutritional information to under- or malnourished children
-Contribution of funds to the Hotels Housing Trust by means of donations from our guests
-Support of two local animal welfare charities
-Support of local conservation body
-Support of the Leopard Trust Foundation by means of wine purchasing and 'Adopt A Spot' sponsoring
-Monthly donation of left over soaps to local communities
-Promotion of SMME's for a more authentic South African Tourism experience, as well as a better understanding of local cultures and environments in poorer communities ie. Home-based restaurants and township experiences, as well as trek fishing experiences
-Support of local community/public services by means of complimentary room nights being awarded to deserving public servants. Eg SAPS, Fire and Rescue, educational institutions etc
-Active promotion and co-operation with local tour guide promoting excursions requiring minimal fossil fuel burning vehicles, with itineraries utilizing rail and walking tours
-Active encouragement of activities which encourage respect for nature & a healthy outdoor lifestyle eg. Horse-riding, walks in Cape Point and Silvermine Nature Reserves, kayaking, walking with baboons, great white shark viewing with local & environmentally responsible operator
-Training provided by dedicated local service provider to all employees and local hotel school students, on an ongoing basis
-Working with destination marketing organizations to create and promote packages encouraging locals to travel within their own towns and provinces - current guest profile indicates a high percentage traveling from within a 30 km radius of hotel