In line with the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group's newly launched Think Planet campaign - the international hotel group's energy-saving programme, which aims to reduce energy consumption by 25 percent over the next five years - the Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton has dedicated itself to making a difference by changing all light bulbs within the hotel as well as actively participating in Earth Hour initiatives.
This simple strategy has already resulted in a five percent energy consumption cut back in 2012 alone.
"The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group's Think Planet campaign represents more than just an energy cost-cutting exercise. It is about contributing to a sustainable society. We have created programmes, policies and partnerships in line with the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group's philosophy, which will result in a measurable and positive impact on society and we are already seeing very promising results," said Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton's GM, Erik Bergvoll.
In addition, the Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton has initiated several socially responsible projects to aid local communities, one of these being Hotel Hope, an orphanage situated in Melville, Johannesburg, for which the hotel has supplied baby goods and donated clothing and assisted with the house maintenance, as well as allowing the orphanage use of the Radisson as a venue for its annual meetings.
The Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton also facilitated work experience and training to teenage mothers in crises and since the commencement of the project, the hotel has in fact offered employment to over 10 mothers.
Continuing with the aim of job creation and local development, the Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton has also partnered the City of Johannesburg Tourism to offer unemployed youths "on the job" training, as well as presenting on-site skills development programmes to previously disadvantaged communities.
"Social development and community outreach projects are a very important part of our ethos and every staff member takes these initiatives very seriously. Last year, the Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton team assisted the local community in cleaning up Tembisa Park in the East Rand and gave their hand in planting trees at Mushroom Park in Sandown. This year, we aim to assist students with disabilities by offering internships and training at the hotel," added Bergvoll.
