1 October 2008
New York-based business ethics and social responsibility think tank, the Ethisphere Institute, has voted Cape Town as one of the 10 cities in the world that are most likely to become a global sustainability centre by 2020.
Other top cities in the world were Toronto, Hyderabad, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, New York, London, Frankfurt, Curitiba and Melbourne.
“In a world of increasing population pressures and depleting natural resources some cities, such as Cape Town, are proactively adjusting their practices today as well as implementing sustainable long-term practices,” said Ethisphere Institute executive director Alex Brigham.
Among the environmental and sustainability practices considered was health and recreation; education; arts and culture; economic and business environment; regulatory framework; law enforcement and transparency; media and speech; transportation and housing and innovation and investment.
“Cape Town is enjoying economic growth that will likely to continue through 2020 and beyond,” the Ethisphere Institute report said.
Eco-friendly destination
South African Tourism CEO Moeketsi Mosola congratulated the city on its addition to the list, highlighting that tourists were becoming more and more aware of sustainability and green tourist practices.
“Sustainability is the way of the future, and Cape Town is proudly leading that way,” he said in Cape Town this week. “It is also, without doubt, one of the world’s most beautiful cities.”
Cape Town was acknowledged for its sustainable development programme, introduced in 2004, to help deal with growing energy needs of the city. The programme aims to have 10% of homes using solar power and 10% of the city’s energy consumption coming from renewable sources by 2020.
“This entrenches Cape Town’s credentials as a beautiful, eco-friendly destination committed to solid planning and construction principles in both its lifestyle and business sectors,” Mosola said.
This award is added to Cape Town’s already impressive list of accolades including it being named Africa’s Best City (US Travel and Leisure Best in the World Awards, July); Favourite Foreign City (UK Telegraph); Best Travel Destination in Africa and Middle East (US Travel & Leisure magazine, 2004 through 2007); and one of the World’s five Bluest Sky Destinations (expedia.co.uk).
Source: BuaNews
