Green Tourism Incentive Programme – South Africa

The GTIP provides grant funding of up to R1 million to qualifying small and micro tourism enterprises for the installation of solutions to reduce their energy and water consumption and costs.

The GTIP is an initiative of the Department of Tourism and is managed by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) on behalf of the Department.

Focus is on sustainable energy and water efficiency solutions, including:

• Renewable energy generating systems (solar and wind where appropriate);
• Energy and water efficient equipment (including solar-based water heaters, heat pumps and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems;
• Lighting (solar & LED);
• Online metering, sub-metering devices and the related subscription fees;
• Energy and water efficient appliances (washing machines and dishwashers, where warranted);
• Water efficiency systems (dual flush toilets systems; urinals; shower heads; aerated taps);
• Water sourcing systems (rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling);
• Development and implementation of resource management policies (including linen and towel reuse, and guest and staff awareness programmes); and
• Other efficient solutions (gas stoves, solar cookers, pool pumps, efficiency devices, etc.)

Eligibility Criteria

• Phase 1: Application for Energy and Water Efficiency Audit
  • Be an existing or a new privately-owned tourism-specific establishment (accommodation, facilities and attractions) that provide services to tourists as its direct clients. Suppliers and intermediaries are not eligible;
  • New establishments to be at least at advanced stages of development where delay and completion risk is minimal (minimum requirements include a detailed business plan that is fully funded, an implementation plan – completion date of the projects should not be longer than 9 months from the date of applying for funding, approved building plans and relevant clearance certificates may be required, where applicable);
  • Must commit to a resource efficiency audit or review of an existing audit by an assessor appointed by the GTIP;
  • Must provide 12 months historic energy and/or water consumption data (in the form of utility bills) and occupancy records for the purposes of conducting the resource efficiency audit;
  • Must commit to obtaining quotations from at least three potential service providers/installers that meet the requirements of the GTIP for the identified energy and water efficiency solutions identified during the audit process;

Criteria

Confirmation in writing will be provided by the IDC after a verification process, before the service provider/installer can be appointed:

• Be a registered entity
• Be tax compliant
• Have a minimum of Level 4 BBBEE compliance
• Be suitably qualified to perform the work required, with a minimum of 2 years’ experience and at least 3 written satisfactory references
• Utilise SABS certified products/equipment/ components
• Offer adequate insurance and guarantees/warranties/certification for work performed
• Be accredited by a relevant statutory body to perform the work required
• Conduct work in accordance with the resource efficiency recommendations by the assessor.

For more information, visit Department of Tourism.