Radisson introduces Africa’s first Verified Net Zero hotel in South Africa - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Radisson Hotel Group has introduced its first Verified Net Zero hotel in Africa, bringing its emissions reduction programme to a safari destination in South Africa's Limpopo province. Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit, located near Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon, has achieved the designation following changes to its energy supply, operational equipment, waste management, water treatment and procurement practices. The property is also described by the group as Africa's first hotel to receive this verification.

The 138-room hotel operates under Radisson's Verified Net Zero programme, which addresses direct emissions, purchased energy and emissions associated with the hotel's wider operations and supply chain. The approach prioritises reducing emissions through renewable electricity and electrification, while remaining emissions are addressed through carbon removal credits. Compliance with the programme's methodology is independently assessed by TÜV Rheinland.

The project demonstrates how an existing safari hotel can be adapted to meet more demanding environmental requirements without changing its core hospitality offering. Radisson Safari Hoedspruit continues to provide accommodation, restaurants, spa facilities and meeting spaces, including rooms and suites with private pools. Its location near major wildlife and natural attractions makes the property particularly relevant to the growing discussion about reducing the environmental impact of nature-based tourism.

Renewable electricity and electrified operations

The hotel's energy strategy combines on-site solar generation with renewable electricity purchased through guarantees of origin. From 2027, a solar wheeling agreement is also planned. Under this arrangement, electricity generated by an external solar supplier is fed into the national grid, with an equivalent contracted volume allocated to the hotel's consumption.

Electrification has been introduced across several operational areas. The kitchens make extensive use of electric equipment, while heat pumps provide hot water for guest rooms. Electric golf carts and three-wheel utility vehicles are used for transport and other daily activities within the property.

These measures are intended to virtually eliminate direct emissions and emissions associated with purchased energy, corresponding to Scopes 1 and 2 under the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

Tim Cordon, Radisson Hotel Group's Chief Operating Officer for the Middle East, Africa and South East Asia Pacific, said the project provides an example of how existing properties can participate in the transition towards lower-carbon hospitality.

“The hotel demonstrates how investment in renewable electricity, electrification and everyday operational changes can reduce environmental impact while maintaining a compelling guest experience.”

Water recycling and lower-waste operations

Water management is another important element of the hotel's environmental programme. According to Radisson, the property recycles 100% of its wastewater through an on-site treatment plant, integrating water recovery into regular operations.

Waste separation and partnerships with specialist recycling companies are intended to reduce the amount of material sent to landfill. Shodulla Recycling processes materials including plastic, glass and paper, while Egg Brothers handles food waste through composting and worm-farming activities.

The hotel has also introduced bulk bathroom amenities to reduce single-use packaging. Containers are returned to suppliers through a closed-loop recycling arrangement, while glass water bottles replace some disposable packaging. Additional amenities are provided on request to limit unnecessary consumption.

Guests can participate through towel reuse and flexible housekeeping arrangements. A planned STAY e-concierge application will bring hotel information and guest requests together digitally, reducing the need for printed materials in guest rooms.

Carbon-labelled menus and local sourcing

The environmental programme extends to the hotel's food and beverage operations. Working with food sustainability platform Klimato, Radisson Safari Hoedspruit is introducing menus that display information about the carbon footprint of individual dishes.

The data is intended to help guests make informed dining choices while allowing the culinary team to review ingredients, recipes and the emissions associated with different meals. Lower-carbon options are being prioritised on menus and buffets.

Supplier partnerships also contribute to the initiative. Through Zanetti Collection, used Hausbrandt coffee bags are transformed into reusable shopping bags by a local community sewing project. The arrangement combines material reuse with support for employment and social activities.

Other measures include compostable coffee capsules and Ronnefeldt tea products using recyclable packaging and compostable tea bags. Staff training, energy monitoring and preventive maintenance are intended to make resource efficiency part of daily hotel management.

Independent verification and expansion plans

Radisson's Verified Net Zero programme covers all three emissions categories defined by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. While renewable energy and electrification address Scopes 1 and 2, changes to food services, laundry, waste, amenities and purchasing are intended to reduce operational Scope 3 emissions.

Residual emissions that cannot yet be eliminated are addressed through carbon removal credits sourced via Greentrade from the South African GRASS project. The programme therefore combines operational emissions reductions with credits rather than relying exclusively on eliminating emissions at the property itself.

Independent verification by TÜV Rheinland assesses compliance with the Net Zero Methodology for Hotels.

Inge Huijbrechts, Chief Sustainability & Security Officer at Radisson Hotel Group, emphasised the importance of addressing emissions beyond energy consumption.

“Verified Net Zero requires us to look beyond a hotel’s energy supply and address the wider footprint of its operations.”

The Hoedspruit property extends a programme already operating in the United Kingdom and Nordic markets to its first African destination. Radisson Hotel Group aims to have 100 Verified Net Zero hotels worldwide by 2030.

For the hospitality industry, the project provides an example of how renewable energy, operational changes and independent verification can be combined at an existing property. Its implementation in a safari destination also places environmental performance within a tourism segment closely connected to the conservation of natural landscapes and wildlife.

Image Credit: © Radisson Hotel Group