Climate Change Data

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Reduction of consumption
• Preservation of the environment
• Responsible management of the supply chain and waste

Environmental Achievements

• Total emissions were flat on the prior year with water consumption only increasing by 2% on the previous year. 998 tons of wet waste/food waste diverted away from landfill (67% of total food waste).

Social Achievements

• Supported 270 non-profit organisations with R10 million in social investment. Employee resignations reduced to 7.7% (2023: 8.9%). Skills development spend of R95.4 million (7.8% of leviable amount). Level 1 B-BBEE contributor.

Governance Achievements

• No significant breaches of any legislation and no significant fines imposed during the year.

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Rising utility costs and uncertainty surrounding security of energy and water supply.
• High global food and fuel pricing affecting operating expenses and guest affordability.
• Impact of load shedding on consumer and corporate sentiment.
• South Africa's depressed macroeconomic situation and constrained growth exacerbated by uncertainty regarding electricity supply.
• Slowdown in GDP growth, high unemployment, and lack of policy certainty.
• Disruptions to corporate transit travel and the possibility of government austerity.
• Degradation of municipal infrastructure.
• Crime, security, and safety concerns due to political instability in South Africa.
• Increased risk of financial fraud.
• Cybersecurity threats.
• Changes in labour legislation.
• Scarcity of skills.
• Poor municipal infrastructure leading to water and electricity supply disruptions.
• Increased rates, property taxes, water, and electricity costs from municipalities.

Mitigation Strategies

• Energy-efficient operating methodologies.
• Investment in facilities and maintenance capex.
• Market research to identify trends.
• Expense management and employee furlough.
• Investment outside of South Africa.
• Marketing to access untapped markets.
• Leveraging the frequentGuest rewards programme.
• Physical security and surveillance procedures.
• Internal control frameworks and internal audit procedures.
• Coordination with the South African Police Service.
• Continuous maturity of and improvements made to the IT security ecosystem.
• Training of employees to identify potentially dangerous links.
• POPIA and GDPR compliance.
• Backup IT systems.
• Retention of employees through appropriate remuneration structures and employee benefits.
• Employee training and development.
• Focused employment equity strategy.
• Electricity-efficient demand-side management programme.
• Boreholes, desalination plants, and solar capacity.
• Self-reliance on generators for emergency electrical supply.
• Efficient cost reduction in response to revenue contraction.
• Robust compliance procedures.
• Comprehensive B-BBEE programme.
• Lodgement of appeals on assessments and property valuations.

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement

• Focus on procurement from black women-owned businesses; supplier sustainability requirements incorporated into procurement criteria; intentionally procure from black-empowered and local businesses.

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks

• Increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events.
• Environmental catastrophes (earthquake, tsunami, fire).

Transition Risks

• Regulatory changes
• Market shifts

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol’s Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2006 Guidelines, South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (“DFFE”) conversion factors

Certifications: ISO 14000 (Environment), OHSAS 18000 (Health and Safety), ISO 22000 (Food Safety and Hygiene), ISO 50000 (Energy Management), ISO 28000 (Security), BS 25999 (Business Continuity), SANS1162 Standard on Responsible Tourism

Third-party Assurance: DQS-UL group

Sustainable Products & Innovation

• Topia Water sustainable hydration systems