Sustainability
We take sustainability seriously. This isn’t just a marketing gimmick for us; it’s a core principle that guides our operations.
We recognise that while we’ve made progress, we still have a long way to go, and we’re learning (with you) every step of the way.
Fair Trade Tourism Certified
We’re honoured to share that The Vineyard has once again been re-certified by Fair Trade Tourism (FTT).
There’s more to hospitality than just providing a great experience to our guests. We also want to make a meaningful impact on the people and environment around us.
- Fair wages and working conditions
- Fair purchasing and operations
- Equitable distribution of benefits
- Respect for human rights, culture and the environment
For us, responsible tourism isn’t a box to tick—it’s simply the way we do things.
Creating a sanctuary for our guests and leaving a legacy for generations to come
Over the years, we have embraced sustainability as a guiding principle, transforming our hotel into one of Cape Town’s most eco-conscious destinations.
Energy efficiency and renewable energy
Solar Energy
- 80 solar panels and 68 solar/thermal panels reduce reliance on conventional energy sources
Energy Efficiency
- LED lighting
- Timers and daylight timers for external lights
- Centrally controlled, energy-efficient air conditioners
Water management
Water Usage and Recycling
- Greywater is used to flush the majority of our hotel toilets
- Licensed and treated borehole water is used for irrigation, topping up of our pools, and our water features
- On-site water purification and bottling used for conferences
- Indigenous garden with drip irrigation system
- Improved water infrastructure supported by future development plans
Resource-conscious operations
Rooms
- In-room water-saving devices and energy-saving lighting
- Offer guest’s the option to change linen every three days rather than daily
- Efficient laundry machinery
Kitchen
- Transition from pre-prepared to scratch-made items
- Focus on local, seasonal ingredients within a predefined range from the hotel
- Support of local and artisanal suppliers
- Support free-range meat and eggs
- Commitment to sustainable and ethical procurement, especially in support of sustainable fishing practices
Reduced-impact construction
- Deluxe apartments awarded a 5-star Green Star rating
- Use of sustainable materials and insulation
- Energy-efficient lighting and greywater systems
- Logging of consumption patterns and trends to inform operational practices
Community engagement
Community Support
- Partnership with Ikamva Labantu for donating used slippers to the elderly
Environmental Stewardship
- Cleaning rubbish from the Liesbeek River and reporting spills for city intervention
- Maintenance of property verges to prevent rubbish from entering the river
Wildlife-friendly environment
- Mainly indigenous gardens
- Largely organic fertilisers
- Environmentally friendly pesticides
- On-site nursery and rooftop gardens
- Environment created for homing 11 mountain tortoises
Membership and recognition for responsible practices
- Fair Trade Tourism
- Skål Sustainable Tourism Awards
- Event Greening Forum
- Friends of the Liesbeek
