Pictured above: (left to right) Corne de Jongh, Chriszelda Paulse, Robyn Hendrickse, Florencia Louw, Kelly Alcock, WESSA, Head of Education & Sustainability, Conrad Jonck, Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers, General Manager, Tshidi Notisi, Tansneem Jacobs, Kashief Williams
The Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers has earned its first Green Key certification, officially joining an international network of more than 8 000 hotels across 90+ countries recognised for environmental responsibility, community upliftment, and sustainable tourism.
“Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers has demonstrated that sustainability and service excellence can go hand in hand,” says Cindy-Lee Cloete, CEO of WESSA. “Their certification reflects an integrated approach, one that connects operational efficiency with social upliftment and environmental care.”
Led by General Manager Conrad Jonck and Environmental Manager Retshidisitswe Notisi, the certification recognises the hotel’s continuous investment in sustainable operations, from water and energy management to staff engagement and impactful community partnerships.
“This certification reflects our team’s deep commitment to creating a more sustainable future for people and the planet,” says Conrad Jonck. “From innovative waste management and water monitoring systems to partnerships that uplift local communities, sustainability has become part of our hotel’s DNA.”
A holistic approach to sustainability
Located in a water-sensitive region, Crystal Towers continues to build on key lessons from Cape Town’s “Day Zero” drought. Its ongoing water-saving interventions and real-time monitoring through the MESH platform allow the team to track consumption, identify anomalies, and manage usage responsibly without compromising guest comfort.
Energy efficiency remains a strategic focus area. By integrating MESH with the hotel’s Building Management System (BMS), the engineering team can analyse energy trends, address irregularities quickly, and drive long-term reductions. Preventative maintenance, including weekly grease filter cleaning and bi-monthly ventilation servicing, supports operational efficiency and improves air quality.
Waste reduction and eco-innovation
The hotel has achieved an impressive 80% reduction in waste to landfill, supported by a strong recycling system and a circular approach that transforms 95% of kitchen food waste into animal feed. Innovations like turning potato peels into snacks for guests show how sustainability can spark creativity in hospitality.
A notable initiative is the adoption of Superthene, a recyclable and photodegradable alternative to cling wrap. This shift significantly reduces single-use plastics, reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to environmentally conscious operations.
Enabling people and communities
For Crystal Towers, sustainability extends well beyond environmental practices. Partnerships with organisations such as Khayelitsha Cookies and The Amy Foundation fuel local employment, education, and empowerment.
The hotel has also embedded sustainability into its organisational culture. Regular townhalls and the DLZ learning platform enable staff to co-create solutions, deepening ownership and accountability across all teams.
“Through continuous training, community partnerships, and innovation, the team at Crystal Towers shows that every choice in hospitality can make a difference,” says Kelly Alcock, WESSA Head of Education and Sustainability. “Their leadership inspires others across the sector to follow suit.”
- Read more about Green Key here https://www.wessa.org.za/green-key/.
- Contact Tevya Visser, Senior Sustainable Programme Manager on greenkey@wessa.co.za to get your establishment certified.