Sustainability Policy

Emporium Hotel recognises that our activities have an effect on the environment at local and global levels. In support of this, we have made it a top priority to not only run the finest 5-star hotel in Brisbane, but additionally run a world-class state of the art sustainable development that reduces the impact we have on the environment to the greatest degree within our abilities. The Emporium Hotel South Bank is the first hotel in Australia to be EarthCheck Design Certified, ensuring the economically, socially and environmentally sustainable design and performance of the hotel is managed in respect to key standard criteria. Further sustainable strategies and policies aimed at improving the hotels environmental performance, through reducing the use of Energy, Water and Waste are continuously being implemented.

This involves training and promoting awareness within the Emporium Hotel team, and suppliers. In conjunction with striving to be the first choice provider of hotel accommodation and conference and events facilities within Brisbane, Emporium Hotel is continually striving to improve in sustainable initiatives.

These continuing and added initiatives include:

• Improving air quality by being a 100% Non-smoking hotel
• Commitment to fair trade principles
• Creating awareness and providing training for staff to adopt sustainability practices and to incorporate them into the curriculum
• Supporting our local community through sponsorship and volunteering programs
• Employing locally for persons living in nearby communities (where possible)
• Increase the amount of local and organic purchasing
• Growing a large proportion of our own herbs
• The Hotel hydraulics systems includes a range of water saving equipment (WELS rated tap ware and showerheads, dual flush WC pans, the use of air-based heat rejection in lieu of cooling towers and the like)
• An efficient and low CO2 emission gas powered central plant provides domestic hot water
• Potable water consumption reduction is achieved through incorporating:
• Rainwater reuse for irrigation and toilet flushing
• Fire test water recycling
• Environmentally friendly Building Management System using a chilled water-based air conditioning system, (as opposed to gas) leaving a zero carbon footprint
• Green rated and/ or eco labelled materials are used in three material categories: paints, reenforcing steel and carpets through which valid testing and accreditation has been undertaken
• All lighting within the hotel is LED lighting only
• The hotel has 3 beehives on the roof of the hotel producing honey and managed by Bee One Third
• Sustainable bed linen and towel initiative where guests can opt out of having linen and towels refreshed in their suites
• Paperless check in and check out
• Digital concierge service
• Participation in the Moreton Bay Shellfish Reef Restoration program by OzFish
• A tree is planted for every event attendee in partnership with Reforest, helping to restore the critically endangered Cooroy Mountain Wildlife Corridor in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

Emporium Hotel will implement the environmental action plan in accordance with the requirements of the EarthCheck Company Standard.

Emporium Hotel will comply with all relevant legislation and regulations. We strive to achieve international best practices in accommodation sustainability.
 
Julie Manega, General Manager