As a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, which drives the adoption of global sustainable tourism efforts, Heritage benchmarks itself against internationally recognised programmes and reviews its standards on an annual basis in conjunction with an independent advisory consisting of invited member properties. In adherence to these global standards, the awarding of Gold Certification to Sandton Convention Centre was contingent on the formalised implementation of international standards and operational procedures. Following the awarding of Gold Certification, Sandton Convention Centre will continue to be monitored and advised by Heritage, reflecting best practices appropriate to the nature and style of Sandton Convention Centre's business.
The formalisation process has given the Sandton Convention Centre the ability to record the building's carbon footprint and further implement energy saving initiatives that would ultimately align with the long-term environmental management goals of the convention centre and its clients. Whether a client's event is geared towards environmental management and sustainability or the organiser is environmentally conscientious, one has the peace of mind that the venue is actively working towards a sustainable future.
On the need for environmental management, Mati Nyazema, executive director of the Sandton Convention Centre, comments, "It is every organisation's responsibility to understand the circumstances that allow it to exist. Looking at the environmental circumstances that currently impact on business in South Africa, with the energy crisis and the depletion of natural resources, it is imperative that corporate South Africa initiates and perpetuates the environmental change required to create a sustainable future."
For further information on the Sandton Convention Centre, go to www.saconvention.co.za.
