The process for Pinetrees Lodge to gain the certification under the rigorous Climate Active Carbon Neutral Standard required significant commitment and investment. This included $5 million dollars in renovations to help reduce their carbon footprint, through refurbishment of all guest rooms (following solar passive design principles), a 95% conversion to LED lights, installation of new wiring and switch boards, installation of new commercial refrigeration plant, installation of water saving taps and toilets, and installation of a state-of-the- art Fuji wastewater systems.
They also changed the restaurant and laundry operations to reduce water and power consumption, invested in new vehicles, reduced waste, installed worm farms and compost bins, and built a large organic market garden to limit food miles.
In total, they reduced power consumption by 30% and water consumption by 35%.
When the renovation program was finished, all sources of carbon emissions from the business were analysed – including electricity, freight, food and beverage, transport and more – and calculated at an annual total of 1073 tonnes. These emissions were then offset by a $19,000 investment in the Rimba Raya Biodiversity Project (a habitat protection project in Central Kalimantan with strong community-based initiatives) and the Protection of Tasmanian Native Forest Project (an initiative to expand a national conservation estate on private land).
Owner Luke Hanson said the carbon neutral certification is a big step for Pinetrees Lodge and Lord Howe Island.
“We wanted to demonstrate that small businesses like ours can lead on environmental and social issues, and still be profitable."
"In our view, it now makes perfect business sense to offer holidays at a carbon neutral hotel. Consumers have plenty of choice about where they travel and how they engage with their destination, and our carbon neutral certification will provide another reason for guests to feel good about their stay (and hopefully return).”
Pinetrees is also leading the pack in conservation with the restoration project of Sallywood Swamp Forests, a Critically Endangered Ecological Community in NSW. Over 95% of the original forest coverage was destroyed by grazing, and only a few patches remain. In 2018, Pinetrees Lodge partnered with the Lord Howe Island (LHI) Board to seek funding to restore a two-hectare patch of forest, and in 2019, received $100,000 from the NSW Government through the NSW Environmental Trust.
During 2020, Pinetrees and LHI Board staff planted around 3000 trees and palms, and in 2021, they’ll build their own nursery and plant another 3000 trees and palms to the north of the current project site. All going well, by 2030, Pinetrees and the LHI Board will have doubled the amount of Sallywood Swamp Forest on Lord Howe Island (and on the planet).
For further information greatwalksofaustralia.com.au
About Seven Peaks Walk
Seven Peaks Walk is a six day/six night adventure on stunning UNESCO World Heritage Listed Lord Howe Island (NSW). Covering 45km of mountain peaks, forests and white sand beaches, hikers on Seven Peaks Walk can also look forward to gourmet food and wine and unwinding in relaxed eco-luxury style at Pinetrees Lodge every night.About Climate Active
Climate Active is an ongoing partnership between the Australian Government and Australian businesses to drive voluntary climate action. The brand represents Australia’s collective effort to measure, reduce, and offset carbon emissions to lessen our negative impact on the environment.The Climate Active initiative and Climate Active Carbon Neutral Standard supports and guides businesses as they account for and reduce carbon emissions. The Climate Active stamp helps the community take action by making it easier to identify and choose brands that are making a real difference. It’s about making good decisions today, for a more sustainable tomorrow.
The Climate Active carbon neutral certification is one of the most rigorous in the world.
Great Walks Of Australia: Great Walks of Australia showcases the greatest, world-class multi-day, guided walks Australia has to offer, with coastal, inland and outback trails, exclusive accommodation, local food and wine, and expert guides. Since its inception in 2012, Great Walks of Australia has also championed Australia’s walking tourism industry in both domestic and international markets.
Members: Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort (NT), Scenic Rim Trail (QLD), Arkaba Walk (SA), Murray River Walk (SA), Freycinet Experience Walk (TAS), The Maria Island Walk (TAS), Cradle Mountain Huts Walks (TAS), Bay Of Fires Lodge Walk (TAS), Three Capes Lodge Walk (TAS), Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk (VIC), Seven Peaks Walk (Lord Howe Island/NSW), Cape To Cape Walk (Margaret River, WA).
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