Liz Sayigh and Phil Rendel

This accommodation provider has taken action to address one or more issues (whether environmental, social or cultural) which will contribute positively to the long term viability of the destination and hence their site displays a Caring for the destination rating.

Main area of focus in Caring for the Destination:  

Parker Cottage Guesthouse is striving to combine luxurious hospitality with an active project around sustainability and the environment. Parker cottage would like to show that it is possible to respect the earth while running a bed and breakfast and by 2015, Parker aims to be ‘off-grid’ for water heating, electricity, water and sewage and recycling 90% of their waste.

Detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative: 

Phase 1

Completed July 2010. 

•  Installed loft insulation to lessen heat absorption in summer and retain heat in winter. 
• Replaced first electric hot water cylinder with a solar geyser. Installed ceiling paddle fans instead of air conditioning. 
• Planted only indigenous or water light plants in the garden of No. 1 Carstens. 
• Remove all alien vegetation (yuka trees etc.) from garden.
•  Recycle more than 80% of household solid waste at local recycling site.

 Phase 2

Completion July 2011

•  Install roof shade / terrace on flat roof sections to minimize the heat absorbed.
• Cost the installation of a biodigester and French drain and connecting all sewage to it.
• Cost the installation of an on site water treatment plant 
• Cost a centralized heat exchange system to add additional cooling and heating capacity 
• Install 5000 litre capacity water butts to catch rain from the roof.
• Install first photovoltaic panel and deep cycle batteries. 
• Run at least one fridge off PV panel energy 
• Install first solar water heating panel.
• Replace all light bulbs with warm white energy efficient bulbs.
• Replace lower level steel roofs with heat and glare resistant material.

 Phase 3

Completion July 2012

•  Install biodigester for sewage and biodegradable waste. 
• Install further 5000 – 10 000 litre capacity water tank below veranda 
• Install second and third solar water heating panel 
• Install further photovoltaic panels and deep cycle batteries in roof. 
• Run all computers, fridges and lights for at least one house off PV panels
• Connect hot water cylinder to urn in kitchen for ready boiled water.

 Phase 4

•  All hot water cylinders solar heated 
• 80 – 100 % of all water treated on site 
• 80 -100 % of solid waste, organic and inorganic, recycled 
• 80 – 100 % of all electricity solar generated 
• House heated and cooled by heat exchangers