The rating received is valid for a period of three years in order to ensure the building is continually operated on stringent efficiency and sustainability targets.
"We're thrilled to award a 6 Star Green Star SA Existing Building Performance rating, to such a deserving development. An added achievement is being the very first hotel to achieve such a rating, making green building history in South Africa," Brian Wilkinson, CEO of the GBCSA, comments.
"The Existing Building Performance rating tool enables the effective measurement of a building's environmental performance in relation to its operation and management. It provides indicators to ensure that the building's environmental performance is efficiently maintained or improved upon over time and offers the hotel industry an effective way to benchmark their green credentials," Wilkinson says.
"We want many more hotel owners and operators to follow the example set by Hotel Verde. The hotel management have shown that green innovations and implementations are not only possible in the tourism industry but add an additional dimension to their service offering," he adds.
Hotel Verde was certified while the Existing Buildings Performance (EBP) tool was still in its pilot phase, launched in October 2013. Version 1 has now been launched and all further certification will occur under the criteria of this version (or subsequent versions).
The existing building rating tool enables the effective measurement of a building's environmental performance in relation to its operation and management. It provides indicators to ensure that the building's environmental performance is efficiently maintained or improved upon over time.
"This is a great achievement and another step in the right direction. I am proud of Team Verde, headed by general manager, Samantha Annandale, and André Harms with his team from Ecolution Consulting. Thanks to all, I think this really highlights the great sustainability work that is being implemented at the hotel by all involved," stated owner of Hotel Verde, Mario Delicio.
"What the six star green rating in essence means is that Hotel Verde has been recognised for world leadership in sustainable development; something we have been working very hard at over the past few years. And to prove to the tourism industry at large, that it can be done, sustainably and viably, without compromising the guest experience," Harms concluded.
