The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa claims to be the first hotel in Cape Town to install energy-saving LED lighting technology on a large scale.
The conversion of all lighting in public areas to LED has been completed, with the long-term vision of converting all lighting in the hotel. Electricity savings of up to 70% will eventually be realised, says Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa GM Horst Frehse.
By reducing our demand for electricity with 7W LED bulbs we will also save considerably on our resources, as demand for cooling and air-conditioning is reduced because LED lighting does not generate heat,” says Frehse.
“The long-term benefits to the hotel and the environment are huge, as LED lights last up to five years without requiring replacement.”
Installed by Bia Lighting, the LED lights replace the hotel’s old 50W halogen daylight bulbs, which will be destroyed in an environmentally responsible manner at a licensed disposal centre.
Bia Lighting MD Colin Wilkinson noted that there was a roaring trade in some African countries for used fluorescent bulbs. “Destroying these products protects people from suffering any of the harmful effects of mercury.”
Frehse says: “This project is in line with our sustainability policy, where we are committed to efficiently managing and measuring our energy needs. The Red Carnation Hotel Collection worldwide has a policy of reduce, reuse and recycle, and we use products, suppliers and materials which support and encourage sustainable practices.”
Staff at all Red Carnation Hotel Collection properties – including The Oyster Box and Bushmans Kloof Wilderness and Wellness Retreat in South Africa – are encouraged to turn off lights, air-conditioning and computers when they are not in use, and to use stairs instead of lifts where possible.
The Red Carnation Hotel Collection’s Green Standards provide guidelines to staff and remind them to think RCH: Recycle products, Conserve resources, Help the environment,” says Red Carnation Hotel Collection founder Bea Tollman.
We believe passionately in reducing our carbon footprint as far as possible, and encouraging our staff members to be more environmentally aware is an important part of achieving this goal.”
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