Sustainability
Leading the way in event sustainability in Africa… and the world
This is why our buildings and various operational processes are designed according to strict Green Building and eco-friendly principles and guidelines, and why we strive to deliver the highest standards of sustainable event planning and management services.
Further, our home city, Cape Town, remains one of the top eco-friendly destinations for business and recreational tourism in Africa, and the world. Sustainably based tourism has an ongoing positive economic impact on the hospitality industry in the Western Cape, and we are proud to be part of an industry that contributes to upholding Cape Town’s reputation as a global leader in responsible tourism.
Sustainability is part of Century City Conference Centre’s DNA
And how do event planners ensure sustainability? As an event planner you need to consider your event’s impacts on the environment and on various affected stakeholders, and take measures to minimise any potential harmful outcomes. It also means that where possible, you look for ways to improve benefits for affected communities through volunteer projects and philanthropic work.
By choosing Century City Conference Centre as the venue to host your conference or function, you will automatically benefit from our inherently sustainable offerings and approach to business.
Please view our Sustainability Document here
The greater Century City precinct
‘Future-proofing’ of each of these structures is ensured through efficient building systems that actively respond to the climate, envelope and occupancy that vary daily and seasonally.
Air quality and indoor pollutants, thermal comfort, adequate lighting and glare control, access to daylight and views, and the sound levels have been analysed. While it is energy-efficient, the design manages to prioritise the comfort, productivity and wellbeing of occupants and guests.
Car emissions are one of the biggest contributors to global warming. Close proximity to the My CiTi rapid transit bus service, and contracted taxi and bus services all assist in reducing car travel. Designated fuel-efficient bays are also provided in selected locations.
The supply of treated effluent from the Potsdam Wastewater Treatment Works is available to the project, and assists in reducing the consumption of potable water by the buildings’ occupants. Water metering is included in the energy monitoring system.
The site was previously built on and within the urban edge, and therefore assists in reducing urban sprawl.
The environmental impact of the construction materials has been carefully considered, and adequate space for on-site recycling of office by-products has been allowed for. Contractors have been encouraged to make use of locally-sourced materials to ensure maximum local economic benefit, as well as reducing environmental impact.
Greenhouse gas emissions are a consideration in the design of the entire project. Watercourse pollution recognises the quality and quantity of the stormwater run-off into the greater canal system at Century City. This helps replenish the local water table, and because additional bio-filters have been added to the canal to maintain water quality, it also improves biodiversity.
A full spectrum of eco-friendly solutions
The eco-friendly honours that we have been awarded are testimony to our commitment to conducting business in a way that protects the environment and people.
Our sustainable practices include water management, recycling and waste management, and various energy saving initiatives. Examples include the use of non-potable water in all our ablution facilities, and the fact that our still and sparkling water is filtered, carbonated and bottled on site, to minimise packaging and wastage.
We have installed a solar energy system on the centre’s rooftop. The complete solar PV system at Century City Conference Centre consists of over 800 photovoltaic modules split over two roofs, totalling 260 kWp in size. The system is expected to generate enough clean electricity annually to reduce carbon emissions of the centre by 17 %. Since it’s commissioning in July 2017, the solar PV system has produced over 800 000 kWh of clean electricity, saving over 700 tons of Carbon Emissions. This system further exemplifies our commitment to providing a sustainable conference venue.
We have made a conscious decision to systematically incorporate, where possible, the 17 SDGs (sustainable development goals) set by the UN. This approach incorporates aspects that include procuring sustainably sourced food, serving vegan and vegetarian food options daily, and adopting a responsible waste management process.
A comprehensive range of environmentally-friendly options.
All of our properties have dual plumbing systems, which means that we are able to use treated effluent water to flush our toilets – reducing our use of potable water and recycling the water we do use, saving up to 50% per flush. These measures have helped us to save over 2 million litres of fresh water since we have opened our doors.
Our roof is lined with a solar energy system – this allows us to use the hot African sun to power our events and in turn saves up to 30% of the total energy consumption of a large event.
Food procurement and menu preparation are done in a responsible manner, adhering to sustainable practices and initiatives.
We sort our waste onsite, after which it gets sent off to be reused or recycled. All of our compostable waste, leftover food and waste from our kitchen gets vermicomposted by Pandae Green Solutions and turned into nutrient-rich compost – reducing waste to landfills by up to 40%.
Our Air Conditioning system in the halls and public areas can be controlled from the cell phones of the managers on the floor. The units are smart units and thus will maintain temperatures whether the room is fully occupied or empty. With this the aircons register the CO2 levels in the venue and regulates the fresh air intake to maintain optimum CO2 levels.
Not only is our stationery made from recycled and compostable materials, but so is all of our takeaway packaging and coffee cups – contributing to our zero waste initiative.
Fuel efficient transport (e.g. MyCiti Bus service) is available in close proximity to the centre.
Find out how we are going beyond.
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