Case Studies

There are countless great examples of businesses who are adapting to climate change to achieving sustainability through simple and low-cost initiatives. This list will continue to grow and we would love to hear about your great examples: Back to Top

Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat, Malanda, Queensland

View in PDF

Since 1994 when Jon and Peta Nott purchased the site of what is now Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat, they have been working hard to convert the once degraded dairy farm into a rainforest paradise. The couple wanted to put into practice their strong environmental values and they have been more then successful in this pursuit. Over 15 years they have developed Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat into a successful ecotourism accommodation provider. They have planted over 20,000 rainforest trees which sequester over 400 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere. They actively engage their guests in their passion through education and carbon offsetting.

“The whole concept from the beginning was to put back the natural environment in this special part of Australia.” Peta Nott, Owner/Manager/Host

Back to Top

Bells By The Beach, Ocean Grove, Victoria

View in PDF

This case study is an example of a small accommodation operation that has incorporated sustainable design elements and has adopted an array of environmentally friendly practices. Guests at Bells By The Beach Holiday House respond positively to the operation’s environmental initiatives and are happy to actively participate in achieving the businesses environmental goals. Finding new ways to improve upon what they are already doing is an important long term objective for Bells By The Beach.

The owners were conscious of the need to incorporate sustainability and climate change in the building of the business, which was up and running mid-2006. The motivation to consider sustainability included saving the environment as well as saving money.

Back to Top

Bimbi Park Camping Under Koalas, Cape Otway, Victoria

View in PDF

Bimbi Park is located near Cape Otway in an area of magnificent forests, spectacular coastline, beaches and secluded bays. It is sheltered amongst tall manna gums far away from the wearing noise of towns and traffic. The Park has several forms of accommodation ranging from non-powered and powered camping sites to en-suited cabins.

As a result of implementing a comprehensive environmental sustainability approach, the business has been able to significantly reduce its impact on the environment with massive returns both economically and to their children’s future! Since 2005, occupancy at the Park has tripled, however consumption of electricity has only gone up by only 20% (at most) and water usage has dropped by 70% per person.

“Do it with passion and because you want to do it, not because you have to do it! Do it if your children and children’s children.” Frank Fotinas, Owner of Bimbi Park

Back to Top

Bothfeet, Great Ocean Walk, Victoria

Bothfeet offer a variety of Advanced Eco-certified walking tours throughout Victoria, including along the Great Ocean Road. Since its origins in 2004, owners Dana and Gavin Ronan have operated their business with an emphasis on sustainable practices and promoting conservation and respect for the environment in which they operate. From day one, Dana and Gavin knew they wanted to achieve advanced eco-certification under the Ecotourism Australia certification program. They undertook an environmental audit as a preliminary step and have been awarded advanced eco-certification.

“Taking small steps are important. Investing in sustainability may not necessarily generate bookings immediately, but will pay off in the long run, both for business and the environment” Dana Ronan, Bothfeet

Back to Top

Countrywide Cottages, Bambra, Victoria

Countrywide Cottages is a great example of a small accommodation operator who has reduced operating costs, maintained environmental quality and improved customer satisfaction by taking a few simple and cost effective steps to reduce its environmental impacts.

The decision to implement environmental measures was made in May 2005 upon purchase of the property by the current business owner. The motivation to take steps towards environmental sustainability was based on personal beliefs as well as the logic of environmental conservation being good for the bottom line. Another major motivation was the increasing recognition of the need to respond to climate change, and as a result consumers are also pleased with the efforts being made by the business.

“I would strongly encourage other operators to commence along this path – it is not only good for the environment but also can make significant savings to the operating costs of the business.” Di Schulz, Country Wide Cottages

Back to Top

Capricorn Caves, Rockhampton, Queensland

Capricorn Caves are a unique system of above-ground caves in a limestone ridge. The caves are situated 23km north of Rockhampton and the site is a significant natural attraction with remnant vegetation and endangered fauna. Since purchasing the property in 1988, sustainable management practices have been non negotiable. The priority at the site is the preservation of the natural resource itself through conservation and revegetation. Capricorn Caves won The Steve Irwin Eco-tourism Award at the 2008 Queensland Tourism Awards. Capricorn Caves also have Advanced Ecotourism Certification under Ecotourism Australia’s Certification program.

“Sharing our experiences in sustainable management practices with the visiting public through guided cave tours and displays in the Visitor Centre has been rewarding. The initiatives have provided a basis for an environmental program for schools and tertiary education which has led to increase in school camp bookings and day visits.” Ann Augusteyn, Owner

Back to Top

Binna Burra Mountain Lodge, Lamington National Park, Queensland

Binna Burra Mountain Lodge is located inland from the Gold Coast, in Lamington National Park. Established in 1933, it was one of the first nature- based resorts in Australia. The lodge has always been trying to work environmentally sustainable but discovered more things to do through requirements of the Green Globe certification.

As a start Binna Burra has its own environmental management plan which is included in the daily routine. This plan covers the issues of sustainable visitor numbers, waste policies, pollution and energy as well as guest and staff education.

Binna Burra introduced energy efficient lightning resulting in a reduction of 20% in electricity usage. Further weather proofing of building is also reducing the energy consumption reducing heating and cooling costs by 6 – 10%. Diesel water heaters have been substituted by gas powered one therewith saving AUD$ 6,000 on energy bill a year.

The water supply is entirely energy- free as gravity is used to deliver water to the buildings. Also spring- loaded taps and tap restrictors are used to reduce water consumption. For flushing recycled water instead of drinking water is used. Recycling water is also used for watering lawns and gardens.

In terms of waste management the Lodge recycles wherever possible and uses a worm farm. Furthermore glass and metal are collected to be used by a local school. Also bulk purchase has been introduced for kitchen procurements.

Back to Top

Soneva Fushi by Six Senses, Maldives

Soneva Fushi by Six Senses in the Maldives is one of a growing number of destinations which are already reaping the benefits of incorporating carbon management into their business. Since starting to manage its energy use in 2004 it has halved its carbon footprint. It plans to go carbon positive by 2010 by installing a solar power plant and offsetting emissions from guest flights, resort travel and operations by building wind turbines in India.

“The core purpose of Six Senses is to create innovative and enriching experiences in a sustainable environment. That’s why we have invested heavily in a range of different renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures to reduce the carbon footprint of our resorts,” said Juergen Seidel, Six Sense’s Group Director of Property Maintenance, Engineering & Innovation.

“We live in an increasingly unpredictable world with massive fluctuations in the price of oil and other commodities. The measures we are currently adopting will help us weather these storms and reduce our costs by hundreds of thousands of dollars. These green characteristics also help to differentiate our group from competitors and provide our guests with truly enriching experiences.”

Back to Top

Hidden Valley Cabins, Hidden Valley, Queensland

Hidden Valley Cabins is one and a half hours Northwest of Townsville, Queensland is located in a remote area and never had grid power. Being aware of climate change impacts and always appreciating the environment the owners changed to solar power as it was time to get rid of the old generator. Now a stand-alone solar system runs the resort 24 hours per day. It has been funded through the Renewable Remote Power Generation Programme. The solar system is included in an interpretive centre for Hidden Valley Cabins customers. They learn about the operational aspect of the renewable energy system and suggestions are given to them about how they can help to fight against climate change. Visitors are amazed by the solar system and the McLennan’s are receiving positive feedback for the interpretive centre too.

Hidden Valley Cabins and Tours have also make the effort to become a carbon neutral business by pursuing measures to reduce all other carbon emissions and buying offsets to neutralize the residual emissions. Light bulbs have been changed to fluorescent ones and major electrical appliances are turned off over night. They also implemented an effective waste management system by minimizing all packaging and introducing recycling and composting.

Visitors are informed upon check in about renewable energy system and their power conservation efforts.