Sustainable Development in Australia

Sustainability certifications in Australia

The following logos represent the sustainability certifications and labels achieved by Australia.

Sustainability projects in Australia

YHA Australia is committed to minimising the footprint of both the YHA organisation and individual travellers. YHA has several policies and procedures in place to deliver practical eco-initiatives throughout the network, as well as promotional materials to educate guests about protecting the environment on their travels. During 2010, YHA’s sustainability initiatives were reviewed and measures were taken to proactively improve energy efficiency. Organisational initiatives:

• YHA received Bronze recognition from the NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water’s (DECWW) “Sustainability Advantage” program. YHA was the first accommodation provider to receive this recognition.
• A Staff Sustainability Survey was launched to gauge staff opinions and knowledge of sustainability in YHA. There were 98 respondents, and the results featured in internal newsletters and on the Intranet.

Hostel Initiatives:

• Alice Springs YHA received a grant of $10,000 from Solar City to retro-fit passive cooling and energy saving measures.
• Brisbane City YHA received an AAA Tourism Eco-Friendly Star, awarded as recognition of a business that is responsible and committed to reducing its environmental impact.
• Byron Bay YHA installed an environmental-friendly gas-boosted solar hot water system with a result of 20% saving in carbon emissions.
• Pitwater YHA installed insulation to reduce reliance on air conditioning and heating.
• Sydney Harbour YHA received achievement awards in the Community Sustainability and Business Sustainability categories of the NSW Green Globes awards.
• Sydney Central YHA replaced condenser water motors on all air-conditioning units with more environmentally friendly models that reduce electricity and water needed to operate the system.

Reducing Carbon Emissions Between 2008 and 2010, YHA was able to successfully reduce carbon emissions at hostels operated by the organisation. YHA Ltd operated hostels, with average emissions dropping from 9.5 to 8.7 kilograms. The calculations follow the agreed carbon accounting standards and use government approved factors for carbon reporting. Further hostels are being measured in 2011.

Click here to explore sustainable development projects in other countries worldwide.

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For travel ideas and inspiration view HI hostels in Australia