KONE's Sustainable Elevators Propel Africa's Greenest Hotel in Energy Efficiency
KONE's Sustainable Solutions Power Africa's Greenest Hotel
KONE, a global frontrunner in the elevator and escalator sector, has made a significant contribution to environmental sustainability at Hotel Verde in Cape Town. Recognized as Africa’s greenest hotel, Hotel Verde is pioneering energy-efficient practices, with KONE's advanced elevator technology playing a crucial role in this mission.
Innovative Solutions for Energy Efficiency
Installed during the hotel’s initial development, KONE provides Hotel Verde with three MonoSpace® elevators that utilize the KONE regenerative drive system. This innovative technology harnesses energy produced during elevator operation and channels it back into the building's grid, leading to impressive energy savings. The system has demonstrated up to a 70% reduction in energy consumption compared to conventional elevators, making a substantial impact on the hotel's overall carbon footprint.
In addition to significant energy savings, KONE’s elevators boast a silent, gearless operation that enhances passenger comfort. The machine room-less design optimizes space utilization, allowing for a more efficient layout while saving materials. Such features are integral to the hotel's commitment to maintaining its eco-friendly standards.
As Caron van Rooyen, General Manager of Hotel Verde, points out, "KONE's solutions were a natural fit for our vision of sustainability. Their energy-efficient elevators have aided us in reducing consumption while maintaining our green building standards, delivering a smooth, modern experience for our guests."
Achieving Key Certifications
Thanks to KONE’s cutting-edge solutions, Hotel Verde has achieved LEED Platinum certification for both its design and operational standards, placing it among a select group of hotels worldwide to reach this level of recognition. Moreover, the hotel has earned a prestigious 6-star rating from the Green Building Council of South Africa, signifying exceptional performance in sustainability.
The Broader Vision of Sustainability
This partnership aligns with KONE's overarching commitment to sustainable urban development, captured in its KONE Rise Strategy. This strategy aims to reduce carbon emissions, promote circularity, and deliver innovative technologies essential for the cities of tomorrow. With the backdrop of South Africa's National Development Plan 2030 focused on transitioning to a green economy, KONE is positioned to support ongoing sustainable growth in the region.
Rony Abou Diwan, Managing Director of KONE Africa, emphasizes the importance of such partnerships: "Our goal is to help shape cities that are smarter, more livable, and more sustainable. Collaborating with forward-thinking developers like Hotel Verde is how we can make a real-world impact."
KONE's Legacy
At the core of KONE’s mission is the drive to shape the future of urban living. Each day, the company moves approximately two billion people, ensuring their journeys are not only safe and reliable but also sustainable. With a global workforce of over 60,000 experts across more than 60 countries, KONE stands as a trusted partner throughout the entire lifecycle of buildings and equipment. This includes everything from design and manufacturing to installation and ongoing maintenance.
Innovations like KONE 24/7 Connected Services and KONE UltraRope® underline the company’s role as a pioneering leader in technology. By fostering long-lasting partnerships and leveraging advanced solutions, KONE is committed to building a more efficient and green future in urban environments across the globe.