City Lodge Hotel Group once again came out in support of this global movement and hoteliers across the group found innovative ways to deliver hospitality by candlelight during this hour. From traditional candles and tea lights to lanterns and fairy lights, all off-grid illuminations helped create a festive atmosphere as staff invited guests for snacks and conversation in the hotels’ restaurant. Some examples:
This year’s Earth Hour theme was 'Shape our Future', which dovetails with CLHG’s ongoing journey to greater sustainability integrated into its operations, across various environmentally-friendly fronts.
CLHG installed the first 4,250 solar panels at 25 of its hotels at a cost of R20m when it launched its solar programme in 2019. Lockdowns associated with the pandemic has put expansion on hold for the last two years. These solar plants generate in excess of 2 million kWh (kilowatt hours) per year, nearly 10% of the group’s total energy usage. The group is in the process of planning the next stage of its solar panel journey, which will include a further 10 to 15 hotels and will add another one million kWh/year to its generation capacity.
Another exciting project the group is looking into is to increase its utilisation of borehole water. This involves the installation of filtration plants to ensure the water is fit for human consumption. The first plant is being trialled in Port Elizabeth, and thereafter focus will shift to Gauteng. This adds to CLHG’s environmental sustainability, provides an alternative to traditional infrastructure and enhances business continuity.
Other initiatives in the group’s “sustainabili-tree” of ongoing conservation strategy include:
Andrew Widegger, chief executive officer, says, “Earth Hour is a wonderful way to remind our guests and staff of the many things we can do – big and small – that make a difference to the environment. Our guests love being a part of our sustainability journey and participate enthusiastically. Our bathroom amenities free from single-use plastics and Hydration Stations offering complimentary magnesium-enriched filtered water are two of our more customer-facing initiatives, but we have much more going on behind the scenes.”