Being awarded Platinum status by the Heritage Environmental Management Company in recognition of a committed green policy was a landmark achievement for the Two Oceans Aquarium. Platinum status is an incredible honour, an acknowledgment of the Aquarium’s strong green ethos, carried through into various areas of its growth and operation. It is also an inspiration to other South African companies and businesses looking to follow suit.
The Aquarium has long been committed to protecting and bettering the environment. From its countless conservation efforts, to its comprehensive sustainable management policy, the Aquarium is constantly looking to strengthen its green core and develop new ways of minimising its impact on the environment.
The journey towards Platinum status has involved a number of carefully organised green initiatives, as well as dedicated individuals driven to implement them.
Here is a quick rundown of some of the Aquarium’s green initiatives…
Renewable and sustainable energy
The Aquarium recently installed a renewable energy system, in partnership with Project 90 by 2030, in order to minimise its energy consumption and subsequent impact on the environment.
The Aquarium has also installed solar panels, as well as its first wind turbine, to offset power consumption.
These and other energy saving initiatives have enabled the Aquarium to save more than R200,000 in electricity costs.
Eco-friendly dining
The Aquarium’s Shoreline Café is also committed to protecting the environment. In July it became the first restaurant in Africa to be awarded Chain-of-Custody certification from the Marine Stewardship Council. This means that all seafood served at the Café is traceable to the sustainable fishery that caught it.
The Café also boasts two worm farms, ensuring all compostable waste is put to good use. It also chooses its supplies very carefully, having replaced all condiment sachets with glass receptacles, stocked up with pure sunflower instead of palm oil, and banned all plastic bags.
Smart resources
The Aquarium makes use of SAPPI’s Triple Green toilet paper, and donates all empty toners and printer cartridges to Project Plus, which in turn donates the cash value of these to the Endangered Wildlife Trust.
Education
The Aquarium is constantly looking to keep its staff and visitors informed and updated when it comes to green initiatives and making a difference. Its Environmental Education Centre offers educational programmes to school groups, and also runs an outreach initiative, Oceans in Motion, aimed at reaching under-resourced schools in Cape Town.
Read more about ways in which you can help make a difference and go green!
Read more about the Aquarium’s new Platinum status.
Other resources
Two Oceans Aquarium Platinum Membership Certificate
Letter from the Heritage Environmental Management Company
