Sun International is targeting energy savings of at least R30-million across its hotels and casinos through various interventions, from adopting energy efficient lighting to the insulation of geysers and pipes.

Energy savings as high as 61% of current energy costs have been identified at four of the leisure and gaming company’s premier properties – The Carousel Casino and Entertainment World, in North West; the Table Bay Hotel, in Cape Town; the Golden Valley Casino, in Worcester, in the Western Cape; and the Windmill Casino and Entertainment Centre just outside Bloemfontein.

The savings were highlighted in an energy efficiency audit funded by the National Business Initiative’s Private Sector Energy Efficiency (PSEE) programme.

“Boosting energy efficiency offers not just an opportunity for Sun International to lower its energy costs but is also a chance for the company to do its bit to alleviate the pressure on South Africa’s power grid,” says Sun International group GM of brand and communications Michael Farr.

The PSEE audit showed that the Carousel Casino and Entertainment World could cut energy costs by 61% and save more than R7.5-million, simply by adopting new energy conservation measures. In 2013, the resort’s electricity bill was R13.9-million.

The Table Bay Hotel could cut its R7-million a year energy bill by 19%, according to the audit. The hotel employs 490 staff and the average monthly energy consumption is 673 000 kWh at a cost of R522 000, depending on occupancy levels.

While casinos typically have higher electricity costs owing to the range of gaming equipment they use, Sun International is also focusing strongly on the energy use of its hotel facilities. Farr says staff will also be coached to conserve energy.

“Energy efficiency clearly has tangible benefits for us as a company and we are looking at ways to replicate these energy savings measures at all of our operations.

“A lot of it comes down to education of both staff and guests. Something as simple as encouraging guests to wash towels only when necessary can result in massive savings in the form of both water and electricity,” says Farr.