Through the LightStay, DoubleTree by Hilton's sustainability measurement system, the Upper Eastside Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa now has the tools to track and help reduce their own carbon footprint. Environmentally aware guests can stay guilt-free, knowing the DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town, Upper Eastside is at the forefront of long-lasting viable alternatives in hospitality.
With this program, Hilton Worldwide is able to calculate and analyze the company's aggregate sustainability performance across more than 200 indicators. Measuring multiple utility and operational metrics like energy consumption, water usage, paper product usage and general transportation, allows management to compare their own properties to other worldwide hotels, keeping them aligned with global green standards.
The Rooftop Garden at DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town, Upper Eastside is just one tangible example of going green. With over 40 crates growing right above Liberty's Restaurant, chef Simon Kemp is able to select greens, vegetables and fresh local produce to create daily cuisine. Another example of this project is the multiple classes offered through Hilton Worldwide University that focus on how to improve sustainability performance. Since the launch of LightStay, over 8,000 Team Members have participated in training.
Joined with 22 other hotel companies, along with the International Tourism Partnership (ITP) and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) the DoubleTree by Hilton forms the Carbon Measurement Working Group, set to standardize and evaluate the environmental impact of hotels.
Hilton Worldwide is recognized for its leadership in sustainability by various organizations such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Business Civic Leadership Center and more, as a result of its achievements including:
· Partnering with Global Soap Project to recycle more than 17,000 pounds of soap that have been reprocessed into over 68,000 bars to help prevent diarrheal disease and pneumonia among vulnerable populations in developing countries;
· Implementing Good 360 to allow the company's 3,900 hotels to donate goods to more than 2,000 organizations in need globally - resulting in an estimated value of over $5.5 million for community partners;
· Launching the Center for Sustainable Procurement to help global business procurement managers integrate sustainability into their purchasing decisions-providing a unique set of research and information that will help make sense of the increasingly available product sustainability data;
· Creating the Hilton LightStay Sustainability Award in partnership with the Sundance Institute to provide a platform for filmmakers to tell stories to catalyze change and elevate dialogue around critical global issues; and
· Purchasing over 450 million kwh of green power over the last few years, and in 2012 this was enough to meet 94 percent of the company's annual electricity use in the U.S and rank as a top ten purchaser of renewable energy.
About DoubleTree by Hilton
With a fast-growing, global collection of more than 330 upscale hotels in gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations across five continents, every little thing we do at DoubleTree by Hilton inspires us to create a rewarding experience for our hotel guests, our team members and the communities we proudly serve. Our hospitality begins with a warm chocolate chip cookie welcome upon arrival and continues with the award-winning Hilton HHonors® guest loyalty program, an array of fine services and amenities and our longstanding CARE Culture tradition that empowers more than 65,000 team members to provide the special comforts and acts of kindness that make the traveler feel human again.
To make reservations at any DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, travelers may visit our brand website at www.doubletree.com. Social media users may connect with us at www.facebook.com/doubletree, www.twitter.com/doubletree and www.youtube.com/doubletreehotels. For the latest news, story starters and fact sheets about our brand, reporters and bloggers may visit our DoubleTree by Hilton Global Media Center at www.doubletreebyhiltonglobalmediacenter.com.
About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 93 years, Hilton Worldwide has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,900 hotels and timeshare properties, with 650,000 rooms in 90 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. Visit www.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.facebook.com/hiltonworldwide, www.twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, www.youtube.com/hiltonworldwide, www.flickr.com/hiltonworldwide and www.linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.
For all reservations enquiries please contact DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town, Upper Eastside by telephone on +27 (0)21 404 0570 or visit the website on www.capetownuppereastside@doubletree.com
